BAGUIO CITY — How long does it take to perfect a kiss?
Too long it seems for boxing champion Manny Pacquiao who may have to sharpen, not just his fighting skills, but his romantic moves, as well.
In the initial film offering of his MP Productions titled “Anak ng Commander” which remains unfinished, Pacquiao reportedly had to do nine takes to complete his kissing scene with his on-screen love interest, Ara Mina.
Rumor mills had romantically linked Ara Mina to the boxing icon and said she was the reason he prematurely slipped out of his training camp in the United States and flew back to Manila last August 12. Three days later, Pacquiao resumed honing his punches at the Wild Card Gym in Cebu.
Both the voluptuous actress and the “People’s Champion,” had denied the allegations.
According to actor Roi Vinzons, who plays Pacquiao?s adversary in the movie, the boxer was “too fast on the draw.”
“Hindi nakukuha ang gusto ng director [He couldn’t get what the director wants],” Vinzons said, referring to Jose “Kaka” Balagtas who is directing the movie slated for the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Vinzons also said Mina’s lips were “bantam-sized” while those of Pacquiao were “heavy weight-sized.”
“So often, Ara’s lips were engulfed by Manny,” said Vinzons who was reportedly handpicked by Pacquiao as a co-star.
The movie, which was shot in Nueva Ecija, General Santos City, and Rizal, is not yet finished so Pacquiao has to rush back on October 10, after his bout in Las Vegas, to finish filming.
Vinzons said the movie needed two more weeks of shooting.
Portraying Pacquiao’s mother in the movie is Perla Bautista. Dante Rivero plays his father and the commander of the New People’s Army, hence the title of the movie.
Also in the cast are Valerie Concepcion, Efren Reyes, and Pacquiao’s brother Bobby.
“Anak ng Commander” has Pacquiao taking over his father’s place in the underground movement after Rivero was killed because of the bounty on his head.
Pacquiao will fly back to Manila 7 p.m. Friday, a day before he is scheduled to depart for Los Angeles where he will resume training for his scheduled fight, according to a statement from Solar Sports as of posting time.
