A DIE-HARD Manny Pacquiao fan is bringing two boxes full of shirts, jackets and bandanas to the fight site as his way of helping the Filipino idol get his boisterous fans to root loudly for his victory over Erik Morales.
Boxing fan Cris Aquino, a gun enthusiast and businessman, said 200 shirts and bandanas and 30 jackets bearing the image of Manny Pacquiao inside two balikbayan boxes will eventually find its way to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, site of Pacquiao?s keenly-awaited showdown with Morales on March 19.
Aquino said he doesn?t mind spending his own money to show his support to the Filipino puncher.
“Kaunti lang naman,” said Aquino when asked how much he had spent for the merchandise, which would all be given to select members of Pacquiao?s entourage upon his arrival in Las Vegas on March 17.
In addition to the stuff that Aquino is bringing to Las Vegas, Smart Communications is also sending miniature Philippine flags to be given away to Filipinos watching the fight inside the Grand Garden Arena.
“Gusto ko lang makatulong kahit konti sa pangarap nating lahat na manalo si Manny,” said the 43-year-old Aquino. “This is my way of lending a hand to Manny?s bid to make us all proud of being a Filipino.”
Aquino became the unofficial Team Pacquiao mascot in late-2003 in San Antonio, Texas, when Pacquiao squared off with Marco Antonio Barrera, who was so badly beaten boxing people thought they had seen the last of the Mexican assassin.
When Pacquiao faced Juan Manuel Marquez in May 2004 also at the 15,000-seat MGM Grand, Aquino purchased specially-crafted caps and polo shirts that were given away even to Pacquiao?s hardcore supporters.
He was that bespectacled fellow who was caught in picture holding a Philippine flag celebrating the third knockdown scored by Pacquiao against Marquez.
As in his previous trips, Aquino is shelling out his own money for his airfare and luxury hotel accommodations just to make sure he gets the piece of the action right at ringside.
To ensure that he gets the best seat, Aquino bought his ticket?priced at $400?a few days after tickets went on sale in early-February while he was there attending an arms exposition.
“The thrill of being right there is incredible,” said Aquino, the man behind the “hotdog caps” worn by fans of Purefoods in the Philippine Basketball Association a few years ago.
“I was told that (Purefoods owner) Don Jaime (Zobel de Ayala) was not even aware of who made those,” said Aquino, whose interest in Pacquiao is linked with his US-based former classmate Forty Nazario, nephew of Pacquiao?s business manager, Rod Nazario.
“Forty and I are driving to Las Vegas from Los Angeles and we are both very excited,” said Aquino.
