EDITOR'S NOTE: I took my shots at Ambassador Gusi for what I still see as emotionally charged, over the top remarks about Pinoy Idol Manny Pacquiao being a no show for the Gusi Peace Prize ceremonies. So, in the interests of being firm but fair, I am running this response from Mikko Gusi, the Ambassador's son, in toto.--MICHAEL MARLEY)
In Response to Ambassador Barry S. Gusi’s speech about forfeiting the Gusi Peace Prize to Manny Pacquiao last November 25, 2009, in Meralco Theater, during the Gusi Peace Prize Annual Ceremonies.
1. The Camp of Manny Pacquiao, including Pacquiao himself (in an actual encounter with Amb. Gusi in Penalosa Gym Mandaluyong) promised, several times that Mr. Pacquiao will be attending the ceremonies. Communication to Pacquiao’s camp was by all means well followed up.
1.a “I am truly humbled by this incredible honor and I would like to thank the Gusi family and the foundation,” said Pacquiao. There have been press releases on the internet from 411mania.net, www.saddoboxing.com, pacman.craveonline.com, boxinginsider.com and other websites quoting Pacquiao’s affirmation in accepting the award.
1.b Aside from the Awards Night itself, Wednesday evening, There was a Monday Malacanan Luncheon and Presscon Dinner, and a Tuesday Peninsula Welcome Dinner. He didn’t show up despite his camp faxed a list of guests to attend the welcome dinner in Peninsula and despite the well followed up communication with Pacquiao’s camp for the main awards night.
1.c Pacquiao’s Adviser, Michael Koncz volunteered to accept the award in behalf of Pacquiao. According to the bylaws of Gusi Peace Prize, Physical Presence is a MUST. The Award shall be forfeited if the laureate fails to attend the ceremony. No one is exempt from this rule.
2. To answer the speculations that Ambassador Gusi was making a strong statement against Pacquiao in an attempt to elevate the status of Gusi Peace Prize Foundation.
2.a Ambassador Gusi has his own identity. He is a former Honorary Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. He is a world traveler. He has been chaiman of the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation for the past 2 decades, long before Pacquiao ever entered the picture. Even at a very young age, He belonged to a family of influence already, his father being a WWII Guerilla and a city mayor, and his mother being a Sotejo (one of the Filipino families in affluence).
2.b It wasn’t an attempt to to elevate the status of the foundation. The roster of awardees in various fields for the past years have clearly been great achievers of the world. The foundation itself is prestigious even considering Pacquiao being taken out of the roster. The Gusi friends and supporters adhere and follow the genuine cause led by Amb. Gusi.
2.c Audiences in the Meralco theater weren’t there to mainly see Pacquiao. The Filipino Audiences present were there to witness and support especially the three Philippine laureates: Lea Salonga, Amb. Preciosa Soliven and Fr. Joe Faller, as well as the 15 foreign laureates. About a third of the audience were foreigners.
3. To answer the manner by which his statement was unprofessional and unethical
3.a Ambassador Gusi may have overreacted to Pacquiao’s absence. He was hurt, upset and saddened by Pacquiao’s not showing up. He admits that only a few people know about the hard work that the Gusi Family exerts for the foundation. He is not revoking his statement. Being a sincere person, he was courageous to show his humanity. Those who know him understand completely.
3.b Ambassador Gusi admits he got mad. The present foreign laureates from other countries took time from their busy schedules to be present in the awards night. Respect begets respect.
Direct Quote (Amb. Gusi’s statements may have been mistaken for another meaning, especially among those who haven’t met him yet, except in his youtube video speech)
* “We have to boycott” Amb. Gusi reffered that Pacquiao boycotted the event, and was not engaging the crowd to boycott Pacquiao.
* “No award for the rest of his life” Pacquiao is forfeited of the Gusi Peace Prize permanently (according to foundation bylaws)
The Gusi Peace Prize Foundation’s Identity apart from Manny Pacquiao
The Gusi Peace Prize represents one of the highest honors for distinguished individuals from the four corners of the globe. In recognizing the most brilliant examples of those working toward the attainment of peace and respect for human life and dignity, the Gusi Peace Prize brings out the best of human achievements, ideals and values.
It is a charitable foundation who's main objective is to give proper recognition through the conferment of awards of excellence and distinction to individuals or groups worldwide who have distinguished themselves as brilliant exemplars of society or who contributed toward the attainment of peace and respect for human life and dignity.
2009 Gusi Peace Prize include:
Bob Filner (USA)
Madam Timi Bakatselos (GREECE)
Her Royal Hhighness Princess Fuziah Raja Uda (MALAYSIA)
Dr. Alice Chui (HONG KONG)
Professor Emil-Silvio Ciobata (ROMANIA)
Hon. Massimo Romagnoli (ITALY)
Charalambos Lambrou (CYPRUS)
Dr. Ho Son Fat (MACAU)
Manny Pacquiao (PHILIPPINES) - revoked
Natividad Mercedes Meza (PARAGUAY)
Alexey Steele (RUSSIA)
Dr. Liu Chi Chun (TAIWAN)
Ambassador Preciosa S. Soliven (PHILIPPINES)
Silvia Scherer (SWITZERLAND)
Dr. Rudiger Losch (GERMANY)
The Most Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Faller (PHILIPPINES)
Ali Nasuh Mahruki (TURKEY)
Madam Surapee Rojanavongse (THAILAND)
Lea Salonga (PHILIPPINES)
Christine M. Warnke, Ph.D. (USA)
Written with Love,
Mikko Gusi, Amb. Gusi’s son.
I hope you can help, seeing beyond the video since you never knew my father personally. As his son, and as yours, please delete your article.
My email and facebook is mikkogusi@yahoo.com
Source: examiner.com
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