Ladies and gentlemen, presenting Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao of Sarangani!
That was how Pacman, the Pambansang Kamao no less, was introduced in Las Vegas last May 2 during his title bout with Ricky Hatton whom he knocked out not once, not twice, but thrice in the first two rounds, making him the greatest boxer of (perhaps) all time after also scoring wins in several other divisions.
And that’s how Pacman prefers to be identified now that he is determined to venture into another ring — the political ring. In 2007, he ran for Congressman in his native Gen San
and lost to Darlene Custodio, Ang Dating Kampeon. In 2010, Pacman is deadset on running again for the same position, this time in Sarangani, never mind if well-meaning fans and admirers are advising him against it because they’d rather see him where he should be — in boxing, whether in action or, eventually, as trainer of would-be champs — and not somewhere else.
Pacman has been hinting that after one more fight, he will hang his gloves. “He should enjoy his millions,” according to unsolicited advice from well-meaning fans and admirers,
“and stay away from the dirty world of politics.”
Last Thursday, Funfare sat down with Pacman for a “body talk” during a victory party hosted by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson at his home in Corinthian Gardens, Quezon
City. Throughout the brief interview, Pacman kept rubbing his eyes. He was sleepy and couldn’t hide it. As the party progressed, Pacman was soon in his element especially when
he was asked to sing. Winner!
The next night, he was in GenSan enjoying the 60th birthday bash of his mom, Aling Dionisia, together with more than 400 invited guests.
What’s your regular workout?
“I don’t do boxing; I play basketball.”
Of course, iba ang workout mo when you are preparing for a fight.
“Iba. Ibang-iba. I jog in the morning as warm-up.”
Nagbo-ballroom-dancing ka ba like Aling Dionisia?
“No, I don’t.”
There are offers (daw) for Aling Dionisia to do a TV show or a movie. Will you let her?
“Kung saan siya masaya, doon ako.”
She will soon shoot (daw) a TV commercial for a laundry soap. Okay lang ba sa’yo?
“Okay lang.”
What’s your diet before a fight?
“Filipino food. Dapat hindi pabago-bago ang kinakain mo.”
What part of your body is your favorite?
(Smiles) “What do you think?”
Of course, your left hand. It’s lethal, pamatay.
“Dati, I often used my left hand. But I have started also using my right hand. During my last fight, I used my right hand for the first time at okay naman.”
So, Hatton was the first victim of your right hook.
“Yes, si Hatton.”
How do you take care of your hands?
“Nothing special. I exercise my hands by just opening and closing them.”
You’re cracking your knuckles. Hindi ba masama ‘yon?
“I don’t think so.”
What part of your body is vulnerable?
“My muscles.”
How much sleep do you get per night?
“When I’m training, I get from seven to eight hours.”
What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?
“I eat and rest a little. And then, tulog na.”
And the first thing that you do when you wake up?
“Brush my teeth.”
What’s your favorite sleep wear?
“Jogging pants.”
Do you sleep with the air-con turned on full blast?
“Yes, malamig. Mga 70 degrees (Fahrenheit).”
What are the upside and downside of being a superstar? Time has chosen you as one of The 100 Most Influential People in the World.
“Siempre, kapag sikat ka maraming taong humahanga sa’yo. I like that. But now, I can’t go around the mall anymore without attracting attention, so I don’t go to the mall anymore.”
But you have bodyguards. How many do you have ba?
“Secret!”
How do you unwind? Do you get a massage; do you go to the spa?
“Hindi ako nagpapamasahe; di rin ako pumupunta sa spa. I’d rather spend my free time with my family.” (The Pacquiaos have just bought a $2.1-M house in L.A., occupying one
thousand square meters, with four bedrooms upstairs and a den downstairs. According to a Funfare DPA, the house is exclusive for the family and the rented condo unit in Beverly
Hills is open to Team Pacquiao when Manny is training for a fight.)
How do you cope with stress?
“I listen to music.”
Are athletes supposed to abstain from sex before a game/fight?
“Oo. Dapat lang.”
Mga how many weeks before a game/fight?
“At least 20 days before a fight.”
Si Jinkee ba kaya kang i-knock-out?
(Doesn’t answer; only smiles)
In the GMA action-adventure Totoy Bato, you play almost a real-life role. Which is harder, acting or boxing?
(Smiles) “Ano sa tingin mo?”
You are good at both, even in singing.
“Mas mahirap ang boxing. Totohanan ‘yon, eh.”
What are your bathroom habits?
“I just take a shower.”
Don’t you sing in the bathroom? Don’t you rehearse in the bathroom since you are also a singer?
“No, I don’t. Basta ligo lang talaga.”
You always pray in your corner of the ring during a fight. Do you have a special prayer?
“Wala naman. I just pray for my safety, na huwag ako mapahamak, na sana iligtas Niya ako.”
Do you have a favorite saint?
“Wala naman. When I pray, diretso kay Lord.”
What’s one thing that you can’t do without?
“Bukod sa wallet ko, palagi akong may dalang rosary.”
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