MANILA, Philippines ? Five fans got their once-in-a-lifetime chance to be with Manny Pacquiao but were simply too starstruck while drinking beer with the world?s pound for pound boxing champion who is slated to fight Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12.
Reynald Pandan of Sasa in Davao City, Jay Punzalan (Quezon City), Joel Gabo (Puerto Princesa City), Art dela Cruz (Manila) and Mark Glodoviza (Navotas City) were picked over 6,000 hopefuls nationwide in SMB?s ?Wala Kang Katulad? promo and met Pacquiao recently at the Executive Dining Room of San Miguel Corporation?s head office.
They were all fired up to ask Pacman loads of questions about his recent fight with Sugar Shane Mosley, his road to success, and even mundane topics that would pop out of their minds only to make the most out of the occasion.
?Sir, pang-ilang round nyo kaya mapapabagsak si Marquez?,? one of them asked, referring to Pacquiao?s third fight with Marquez.
Pacman good-naturedly replied: ?Ikaw, pang-ilang round mo gusto??
The guy muttered five or eight rounds, but the boxing champ just smiled and would not confirm the forecast.
The five fans got more than what they asked for. Pandan, for one, only wanted one of the three Manny Pacquiao signed shirts which were raffled off at a KTV bar where he and his friends watched the Pacquiao-Mosley fight.
?I went home envying the takers of Pacman?s limited edition shirts. But after two weeks, I received a call from San Miguel Brewery. The guy told me that they will fly me in to Manila to have lunch with Manny. I didnt believe him at first, but after a while, I thought he sounded credible, and became excited to see my idol,? the 36-year old aircraft mechanic chuckled.
He said to the SMB Marketing team afterwards: ?Pacquiao is an approachable guy. Still, I was hesistant to start small talk with him. Na-starstruck ako…?
Gabo, a government employee, added: ?Masaya na ako na makasama si Pacquiao sa picture at makakuha ng autograph n?ya. For me, that is priceless.?
Punzalan, owner of a digital printing company, said ? Manny is really a humble person, considering his status. He doesn?t brag. Walang siyang katulad!?
They partook of a sumptuous lunch consisting of the new congressman?s personal favorites ? tinolang manok, grilled bangus belly, adobo and pinakbet.
