Popular singer Martin Nievera will sing the Philippine national anthem in the ring before Manny Pacquiao takes on Marco Antonio Barrera in their much-awaited, long-overdue rematch at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Oct. 6.
Solar Entertainment president Wilson Tieng said he’ll ask Nievera to do the singing honors during a press conference presided by SCOOP president Eddie Alinea at the Kamayan Restaurant on Padre Faura last Friday.
Nievera, who happens to be in town (he flew in a few days ago and will be here until Aug. 6), said he’s excited to be involved in the event.
“I’ve got a concert in San Diego that night but if the offer is firm from Solar, I’ll move the schedule,” said Nievera. “I’ve been Manny’s fan from Day 1. He’s my idol. I went up to his suite to congratulate him after he beat (Erik) Morales in their second fight. I’d love to sing the anthem before he fights. It’s like a dream come true for me.”
Tieng said Nievera was the first choice to sing the national anthem before Pacquiao’s recent bout against Jorge Solis in San Antonio but he couldn’t get out of a previous commitment. Tieng said luckily, Geneva Cruz was in the US and had a terno in her suitcase. Cruz delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem and drew loud applause from the fans – even the Mexicans.
Solar chief operating officer Peter Chanliong said the network has come to terms on a multi-fight deal with MP Promotions for the Philippine rights to Pacquiao’s bouts. Solar has so far telecast eight Pacquiao bouts, starting with the Barrera match in San Antonio in 2003. A source said the deal is for four years.
Solar will air the Barrera rematch live on GMA-7 Sunday morning (Oct. 7) and the replay that night on RPN-9. Solar Sports will do simulcasts with the two free-to-air TV stations. It will show the fight uninterrupted in theaters all over the country and on pay-per-view.
Tieng said MP Promotions is producing Pacquiao’s next movie, “Anak Ni Kumander” with leading lady Ara Mina, to be released by Solar and shown in theaters on Jan. 1. The film will be directed by Kaka Balagtas, known for his action movies.
