Just how popular Manny Pacquiao is in his native Philippines? Well, “Pacquiao the Movie,” a biopic that shows the rise to stature of the fistic icon, is hitting movie theaters in the Philippines today.
Manny Pacquiao suggested in 1997 to the executive producer Rose Flaminiano that a movie of his life was a surefire hit. As his fame grew, the idea grew more and more viable.
In 2005, Pac Man signed a three-picture deal, and this film will focus on his childhood and teenage struggles. Actors Jiro Manio and Jericho Rosales will portray young Pacquiao. In the second and third installments of the series, Manny will play himself.
Can you picture the ‘Oscar De La Hoya The Movie’ on big screens? No? Pacquiao’s popularity in his homeland is a whole different deal than any fighter enjoys here in the States. By 2010, he’ll be starring in the seventh film, probably something along the lines of ‘Pacquiao vs. Godzilla.’
(Email news tips to Michael Woods at [email protected])
