Manila: Thousands of fans clogged the side street of a major television station to join up for a gift-giving game show hosted by the world renowned boxer turned Congressman Manny Pacquiao.
“My mother and I have been on the line here waiting our turn to get a number and join the game show of Manny Pacquiao on Saturday,” said Liza Publico, adding that she left her two-year-old daughter with a neighbour in suburban Quezon City, so she could try her luck for a house.
“We believe we will really get good prizes from Manny. The show is not rigged,” said Alvin Lopez, a teenager who could not attend a free high school because his parents could not afford to give him a daily allowance.
“If I get a prize from the show, I’ll use the money to finish my high school. Maybe, I’ll be a boxer too,” said Lopez.
Apart from boxing, endorsing products, working at the House of Representatives, singing in a band, making movies, and donating money and goods to neighbours in his hometown in the southern Philippines, Pacquiao’s latest hat, which could ensure his popularity for a long time, is that of a TV host who gives away money and goods for the poor who are close to his heart.
Firing up hopes
Manny Many Prizes, a production of GMA 7, will once more fire up the hopes of poor Filipinos, who represent 60 per cent of the country’s population. Producers, including Pacquiao ? also a sponsor who shares millions of his own earnings from the boxing ring ? promise contestants on the TV show gifts such as a house, cars as well as millions in cash.
“This is the real fight, to help those who are really in need,” Pacquiao said, adding it has been his mission since he became a rich boxer.
“I will be one of the three networks’ effort in the Philippines to help the poor,” said Pacquiao, adding that the increasing number of programmes such as this are a sign the rich have a heart for the poor whose population does not seem to decrease.
On Saturday, groups will start tracking which one is more popular among the gift-giving game shows of the country’s three major TV networks: ABS-CBN’s The Price is Right, hosted by popular TV personality, Kris Aquino, TV5’s Will Time Big Time, hosted by Willie Revillame, and the late-comer Manny Many Prizes.
All of them share the same advocacy and format of entertainment. Manny Many Prizes have games, live performances, celebrities, comedians, and beautiful ladies.
Pacquio’s edge is Olympic medallist and weight-lifter Onyok Velasco as a co-host.
