EXCLUSIVE from Cebu, Philippines through HOLLYWOOD, California – Perhaps he is larger than what the story of Emmanuel ‘Manny’ D. Pacquiao tells of his portrait. His name may be pretty isolated when you search it through Google. But, Mariano Baltazar ‘Mar’ Vidal, 56, humbly makes it right to immortalize his newfound hero of the Maharlikan nation.
“I am just very happy to paint Manny’s image in a bigger piece on a 40″ x 60″ canvas,” said the homegrown painter who started painting since he was four out of his fascination to draw movie characters, such as James Bond, Hercules and more. “It’s worth painting Pacquiao… because he has inspired the whole nation of the Philippines.”
Click here for Maraino Baltazar Vidal’s portrait of Emmanuel D. Pacquiao
“I am just blessed that he chose me over other great painters. It so happened when Manny visited early last year at the Crown Regency Hotel here in Cebu (Philippines) where I had my works shown to the public along with other good artists. He put his right arm around my shoulder, telling me that he is very impressed of my works of art.”
A few months later after Manny’s fight against Ricky Hatton in 2009, he received a text message early in the morning. Manny asked to see him at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu. That was Manny’s unannounced visit in Cebu.
