If plans push through, a new Manny Pacquiao landmark will be built in Metro Manila similar to Jose Rizal’s monument in Luneta and Ninoy Aquino’s statue in Makati City.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Monico Puentevella said that if Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas has a statue of boxing legend Joe Louis and the United Center in Chicago has basketball great Michael Jordan so why not have one for Pacquiao.
“He is a symbol of excellence that will never be replicated,” said Puentevella in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. “All over the world, everyone knows Pacquiao so it is about time to have a monument.”
Even Oscar Dela Hoya, who Pacquiao already defeated, and fictional movie character Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky franchise, each have their own statues in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
The former Bacolod City representative is hoping the government would initiate the move. He added that he also plans to tap the private sector especially business magnates Manny V. Pangilinan, the Ayalas, the Zobels and the Aranetas for the project.
“We will wait for a considerable time for the government to react but if we don’t hear anything, I’ve already talked to some businessman and I know they will be interested in this project,” said Puentevella, who is a regular in Pacquiao fights.
Puentevella, who is a godfather of Pacquiao?s daughter Princess, said that possible sites of the statue could be in the reclamation site at the Manila Bay, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Makati Central Business District and even the Araneta Coliseum where Pacquiao had already fought.
Pacquiao, an eight-division world boxing champion, recently defeated Shane Mosley in Las Vegas to retain the WBO welterweight crown.
Last year, Laguna sculptor Frank Baldemor created a statue for Pacquiao which was unveiled in Pasay City. ? Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News
