The Pacman Up Close

The whole Philippines stands still today. Very few vehicles were on the road when I went out earlier. Almost the entire country is at home, at pay-per-view establishments or on the internet intently looking for livestreaming links.
I had the chance to meet Manny Pacquiao a few months back. He was shooting a TV commercial for a pain-relieving drug, Alaxan FR, and I stayed quietly in the background watching him go through the shoots, joking with the staff in between takes, and noting how lean and muscular, absolutely no excess fat, and lithe his body was (a sign of the rigorous training and care he had for his body).

After his commercial takes, Manny came to the room where a few of us were waiting, and eagerly sat down on a sofa to field our questions. I was just an arms-length away from him — the closest I probably could ever get. Question after question was shot at him and he answered them all, even discreetly evading having to answer the then controversial issue between him and a lady actress.

I threw some questions at him (and yes, my speaking in Filipino was challenged, hehehe).

On how politics will affect his being a spiritual person and on how leading a Congressman’s life will affect his family, this is what Manny has to say:

My first closeup impression of Manny? What you see on TV is how he is in real life. He is humble. Low profile. Always smiling. Comes across as sincere in wanting to help his constituents in Saranggani. Loves the Philippines and God.

Today, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will go for his 8th title. Physically, he is way disadvantaged compared to Antonio Margarito in terms of height, reach and weight. But that has never stopped Manny Pacquiao from going for his dreams.

Today, everyone in the Philippines wishes him well and will be praying for him. And if he does get to win this fight, he will come back to the Philippines an even greater David who overcame (literally) the giant Goliath. And an even greater idol in everyone’s eyes.

We’re rooting for you, Manny!

(HAPPY UPDATE (sorry for spoilers for some people if you’re not on pay-per-view): Manny Pacquiao won the fight!!! This is boxing history in the making. It will be a happy day when the Pacman returns to the warmest welcome ever.)

Contest: Win a Ticket to See the Pacquiao-Margarito LIVE with Alaxan FR

This coming November 14, our very own Manny Pacquiao will once again do battle. This time, the crown at stake is the vacant WBC Super Welterweight Championship and his fight will be against Mexican Antonio Margarito, former WBA Welterweight Champion.

Once again, this fight can be watched live in different Pay-Per-View (PPV) locations around the Philippines as fans and kababayans empty the streets to watch Pacquiao go up against Margarito.

Alaxan FR is hosting a contest that will give you a chance to win one (1) FREE PPV ticket to see the Pacquiao fight at selected SM Cinemas. And you have 5 chances (5 days) to win that prized ticket. It’s simple. Here’s how.

Contest Mechanics (Updated)

1. Buy 20 Alaxan FR capsules from participating drugstores* and get the brand new limited edition Alaxan FR Pacman Tshirt

2. Add yourself as fan of Alaxan FR Facebook fan page.

3. Take a picture of you wearing the new Alaxan FR Pacman Tshirt and make that photo your profile picture as soon as you get the Alaxan FR shirt.

4. From Nov. 8 to 12, wait for the announcement of Alaxan FR Fan Page when you can post words of encouragement for Manny Pacquiao. The first 5 posts each day will win one (1) free pay per view ticket of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito fight at SM Mall of Asia ONLY.

* List of participating drugstores is in the Alaxan FR Facebook fan page.

NOTE:

Each winner will win one (1) free ticket. A person can win ONCE only in this entire Promo.
Winners will be contacted via Facebook. The Alaxan FR fan page will send notice via Personal Message.
Winners must confirm within 24 hours after the message has been sent. If winner hasn’t replied after 24hours, Alaxan FR fan page shall choose the next winner in line.
Winners can claim their tickets/prizes at 6th floor, Cambridge Bldg., 108 Tordesillas cor. Gallardo Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati. Winners will be notified as to when they can get their prizes.