ONCE AGAIN, people are worried about Manny Pacquiao and the company he keeps. His nocturnal habits have reportedly been uncontrollable and he’s in with the billiards and “sabong” crowd again.
To compound these predilections, it has been reported that the Filipino boxing icon has been very busy with business commitments to the detriment of his preparation for his coming fight with Erik Morales on January 21.
A couple of weeks ago, Manny was said to be already starting some light roadwork but even that had to be scrapped in favor of tapings for commercials and a TV show. It was learned that Manny, before leaving for the States last Friday was staying up late almost every night because of shooting schedules.
It seems a marketing man now has Manny’s ear and has swamped him with endorsement contracts that have taken much of the boxer’s time. Sources say people who have been sincerely trying to help Manny are being edged out by this new “friend”, who has built up his own cordon sanitaire around Pacquiao. The guy had even taken to answering Manny’s cell phone until the fighter finally reprimanded him.
This smooth talker has been bragging that he will bring in loads of endorsements to add to Pacquiao’s fortunes; at a 20% commission, of course.
The sad part is, I am told that Manny’s wife Jinky and some advisers were distressed to find out that Manny’s contract with the “friend” obligates the fighter to pay him a commission even for deals which the marketing guy had no part in arranging! The boxer was said to have been persuaded to sign the contract despite the reservations of well-meaning members of Pacquiao’s party.
Now I’m not a marketing expert, but I do know that even a lowly sidewalk vendor can sell Manny Pacquiao these days. He’s that hot. The tricky part is seeing to it that these obligations do not get in the way of the fighter’s main focus which is to train well for the fight.
Sources say that when the marketing man was reminded of this, his reply was he wanted to strike while the iron was hot.
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There is also talk that another new “friend” has been taking advantage of the GenSan boxing sensation’s misplaced trust. It seems this fellow whom Manny met in one of his fights in the U.S., was able to convince Manny to open a joint account with him in the States. He has been reportedly taking liberties with Pacquiao’s money and has managed to siphon off a tidy sum. Some members of Manny’s group have started calling him “Murad Jr.” Even Manny is said to be growing suspicious already.
With friends like these, who needs Morales or Barrera or Marquez?
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People who only know me from my sportscasting activities are surprised to know that I actually started my broadcasting career as a disc jockey for 14 years.
In the 70’s, some of the most popular hits that I used to play were those of the British tandem of Peter Asher and Gordon Waller, simply and popularly known as Peter and Gordon.
Up to now, their songs are still part of the repertoire of babyboomers. Local duets that sing hits from the 60’s and 70’s invariably do their own renditions of “True Love Ways”, “Let It Be Me’, “Till There Was You’, ‘A World Without Love” and “Crying In The Rain.” No self-respecting duo would dare sing in public without knowing these Peter and Gordon numbers.
Well, fellow DJ and Letranite Steve O’Neal is bringing in the famed tandem for two concerts, at the Araneta Coliseum on Dec.1 and at the Hard Rock Caf? in Makati on Dec.2. This time the memory trip will be complete because Peter will be around, unlike the last time when only Gordon performed for Philippine audiences.
Tickets for the Araneta Coliseum concert are now available at Ticketnet, tel. 951-5555 and all SM outlets. Reservations for the Hard Rock dinner show may be called in at tel. 8934661 to 64.
I would hurry if I were you.
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Yesterday I happened in on a very lively discussion on radio in the program “In the Zone.” Hosts TJ Manotoc, Jude Torcuato, Robbie Puno and Patricia Bermudez-Hizon talked about a variety of sports topics, such as the PBA, NBA, the La Salle controversy etc. It was like eavesdropping on a conversation among knowledgeable friends replete with humorous remarks, inside information, and all around pleasant banter. It’s a great way to get your mind off traffic. “In the Zone” sessions are on Mondays from 8:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sports Radio (918 kHz).
Speaking of Sports Radio, it seems to be on a lonely campaign to garner interest in the forthcoming SEA Games. The radio station has been broadcasting information, interviews, and updates on the preparation of our athletes round the clock. Way to go, Sports Radio!
Meantime, I still don’t see any billboards, streamers or TV plugs. I wonder what we’re waiting for.
