Words and photos by Dionesio C. Grava
Of Manny Pacquiao critics there are few. From some of them we hear that the Pambansang Kamao, judging from the many and sundry ways he is getting into, may be milking whatever bit of popularity and goodwill he has perhaps in preparation for the inevitable retirement days. The body can only take so much pummeling over the years and besides age can’t be deprived of its due. The question is not if but when.
So what would it be for Pacman when the fighting days are over and profitable endorsements ebb? The talk is that he is eyeing next the governorship of his province and ultimately the presidency. However, gauging from his performance — or lack of — as a legislator, it may be said that government service is not among his shining moments. Maybe he can find his niche in the ministry or philanthropic pursuits to satisfy the often expressed desire to serve. But then he would be hard pressed to come up with the funds to sustain his penchant for the good life and the many tag- along (alalays).
He has been into entertainment but somehow the singing voice is somewhat rough hewn and his attempt at dancing, as displayed during last Sunday’s Manny Many Prizes at Gibson Amphitheater, showed that he just doesn’t have it. We have a term for it: TH or Trying Hard.
For sure the shrieks were there and the crowd was clearly enthusiastic to meet their hometown hero as well as the desires of partaking in the advertised many-monies courtesy of generous sponsors. But truthfully, is this the way we want to venerate a global sports treasure?
About the game show, clearly the Pacman is not endowed with the deftness and the gift of gab in this domain of the Willie Revillames or the German Morenos or the Tito-Vic-and-Joeys, etc.. The seemingly identical accolades from co-workers in his presence, during the day prior to the press conference was shamelessly self-serving. The ongoing GMA campaign to brand him as the national ninong (godfather) particularly stank. Anyway, the following were excerpts from some of the questions and answers during that presscon:
Q: If you have to choose between boxing and religion what would it be?
A: Boxing. Makatulong sa tao.
A similar question was asked later eliciting from Pacquiao the following, well-applauded answer: Boxing is my passion; to serve the people my dream.
Q: How can Manny Many Prizes help people in America?
A: Hindi lahat successful dito sa Amerika. Ang show maraming matulungan.
Q: What would you be after retiring from boxing?
A: Focus on my family and my job especially in Congress.
Similar question asked later got the following answer: Right now focus as Congressman; don’t know what future holds.
Q: Any words of inspiration for those down and out?
A: Magsikap lang palagi. (Always strive to succeed) All things are possible with God.
My first concern now is to glorify the name of God.
Q: What’s your position in the Spratlys issue?
A: Kahit maliit ang ating bansa, ipaglaban ang ating karapatan. (Even if our country is
small, we should defend what is rightfully ours.)
Pacquiao also verbalized his position as a congressman: Para sa akin kung ang hindi matuwid i-depensa, hindi na lang ako papasok sa pulitika. (For me, if one has to defend what is not right, I would rather not enter politics.)
The “Kapuso Goes Universal : Manny Many Prizes” last September 16 at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City was a celebration of the 7th year anniversary of GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of GMA Network.
The $80 ticket entitled one a whole-day pass to the famous Universal Studios entertainment resort. The press conference for that event originally scheduled on September 14 at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre, Los Angeles, was moved to the following day because of the inability of Pacquiao to arrive on the original date.
Posted by PWD
on October 19, 2012. Filed under Celebrity World,ENTERTAINMENT.
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