ABS-CBN/MP PROMOTIONS TREAT PRESS GREAT!
Millbrae, CA-There are a lot of expectations when the first fight a major television network ABS-CBN, and the newly formed Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MP Promotions) promotes is the biggest boxing event since the ?Thrilla? In Manila?. When Manny decided not to fight Oscar Larios in San Francisco, as HBO would have preferred, ABS-CBN took the event to Manila.
THE CRITICS CAME ROLLING IN
When the fight was announced several months back, a long press conference took place in a TV Studio. The press conference looked more like an event in itself. Critics started questioning whether Pacquiao?s fight was a show or a real world-class boxing event. Fans poured through PACLAND, a website where most PacFans visit, posting negative comments about ABS-CBN?s handling of the promotion.
TICKET PRICES WERE THE REAL MISTAKE
Applying for a credential, ABS-CBN informed me that I would have to purchase my own ticket. This was an unprecedented move, but this was ABS-CBN?s first promotion. A week before the fight, they handed out tickets to the most expensive seating area to local and international promoters. In terms of the price, they were obviously way too high for the majority of Filipinos, and Americans traveling to the Philippines. ABS-CBN spent four million dollars on this promotion so the ticket prices could have been a reflection of their investment. The arena was not sold out. Thus, both MP Promotions and the TV folks at ABS-CBN passed out numerous ?free? tickets.
TREATMENT OF ?THE PINOY? TRULY FIRST CLASS
Upon arriving at the Discovery Suites in Manila, I was accommodated with a three-bedroom suite, even though I checked in at 5 AM. Representing www.RingTalk.com, I received a free breakfast for five guests and myself. There were no issues about the credential, which was hand delivered by ABS-CBN representative, Bryan Amos. In addition, I was able to purchase four discounted lower-box tickets for family members, which were also hand delivered.
ARENA SECURITY FOUND NO PROBLEMS
Arriving at the Aranetta Coliseum there were numerous members of the S.W.A.T. team with bomb sniffing dogs that made sure the event wouldn?t feature any explosions. Security in Manny?s locker room was also handled very well as Manny, who had a huge entourage, got the privacy needed to prepare for his twelve round drubbing of Oscar Larios. The only problem I found was that security allowed several people to stand directly behind Manny?s corner, without a seat, blocking any exit point. Luckily, there was no need for a quick evacuation of Pacquiao.
?THE PINOY?S? BLOG & SIGNED PACQUIAO TREASURE!
Later this week, I will chronicle my five-day stay in Manila, covering the Pacquiao win. Also, Pedro Fernandez and I have an autographed Manny Pacquiao 2006 Calendar, signed just after Pacquiao?s latest win. This calendar even caught the eye of Manny?s pregnant wife, Jinkee, who jokingly asked if she could keep the signed calendar for herself!
REMEMBER THE PACQUIAO SIGNED GLOVE?
While other places are asking you for something, we at www.RingTalk.com give it back! With Vince Diesel winning the autographed Manny Pacquiao boxing glove earlier this year, we?re coming back with yet another piece of memorabilia from the Filipino fighting icon. Look for news and details this Sunday night on ?Ring Talk Radio,? or early next week here at www.RingTalk.com
SEEN ?THE POSITIVE & NEGATIVE? OF PAC-LARIOS?
In the past 72 hours, Pedro Fernandez, has penned two pieces entitled, ?The Positive & Negative of Pacman-Larios.? In Part I, Pedro expands on the unnecessary punishment Larios took. The controversy that began with Part I turned from a simmer to a boil with Part II. Pedro does the unthinkable by implying Manny is more popular than Jesus Christ, at least this past Sunday. The links to both installments are below.
