SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA?INQUIRER got a glimpse of the real Manny Pacquiao during a disorganized press conference in Santa Monica, California, where Nike launched its new products bearing the multi-titled boxer?s trademark.
Earlier in the day he had a punishing 12-round sparring session with boxers the size of his bigger opponent, the Mexican Antonio Margarito. It was past dinnertime and apparently he had not eaten anything substantial.
Still he gamely answered the questions the journalists were throwing at him. Then somebody, apparently one of his handlers, yelled he had to go (?Gutom na ?yan,? one said) and they started shoving the reporters away.
Then an overeager alalay offered him an energy bar. Pacquiao issued him a scolding look and blurted, ?Lasing ka ba? Alam mo bawal ?yan.?
Then, again ignoring his handlers, he turned to sign his full name, adding Pacman in quotes, on a shirt a member of the Fil-Am media had bought from the Nike store earlier in the hope of getting an autograph.
?He must have seen himself in my pleading face,? the mediaman said, referring to the time when the boxer had to scrounge for food. ?I don?t think he?ll ever forget where he came from.?
