How Nike Immortalized Manny Pacquiao's Crest

Last year, Nike's endorsement for Manny Pacquiao added more glamor to the Filipino boxing icon's already superstar status. Manny Pacquiao is the only Filipino athlete to be signed up by Nike and have his logo, crest, and exclusive gear designed by the Nike US Head Office. The Crest was designed by Mike Friolo at the Nike Asia-Pacific headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

The crest is a part of a knight's coat of arms. Like a knight in a battle, Manny Pacquiao fights to live his sports dream. He is, therefore, worthy of this heraldic display. Inspired by Manny's life and country, the Crest represents the courage and strength of not just Manny Pacquiao but also the entire race.

Gloved Left Fist

Six Fists held "Up In Arms" represent the massive numbers of Filipinos who follow and support Manny. The left fist in a boxing glove in the middle stands for Manny's South Paw strength, and his signature powerful left hook.

Heritage

The Crest bears local Philippine symbols like banana leaves, tattoo-style waves and flames, and the Sampaguita (Arabian Jasmine), the national flower of the Philippines. The Sampaguita is a symbol of purity, humility and strength.

Philippine Eagle

The country's National Bird, the monkey-eating eagle, symbolizes courage. The eagle is a giant forest raptor endemic to the Philippines, and is one of the largest and most powerful predatory birds in the world.

Sun and Stars

The Crest carries details of the Philippine flag. The sunrays allude to the 8-rayed sun found on the flag and the country's National Coat of Arms. The 3 five-pointed stars represent the Philippines' island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The third and biggest star stands for Mindanao, the island where Manny was born.

The text and images above were taken from the Nike Philippines site for details on what the Crest means. For me and if I could sum it all up in a sentence, The Crest is a timeless inspiration that symbolizes everything that Manny Pacquiao is; a Filipino.