REYNALD Pandan of Sasa in Davao City only wished to win one of the three Manny Pacquiao signed shirts, which were raffled off at Kaoris KTV Bar where he and his friends watched the Pacquiao-Mosley May 8 fight, but he got more than what he hoped for — a lunch date and a drinking session with the world?s pound-for-pound king, together with four other winners from the recent promo thrown by San Miguel Beer.
“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 didn?t believe him at first, but after a while, I thought he sounded credible, and became excited to see my idol,” chuckles the 36-year-old aircraft mechanic.
Eventually, Pandan went to Mandaluyong City, at the Executive Dining Room of San Miguel Corporation’s head office, where he met the other four winners, Jay Punzalan (Quezon City), Joel Gabo (Puerto Princesa City), Art dela Cruz (Manila) and Mark Glodoviza (Navotas City) who, like him, were all fired up to ask Pacman loads of questions — questions about his recent fight with Sugar Shane Mosley, his road to success, and perhaps, even mundane topics that would pop up their minds while drinking San Miguel Beer with Manny.
After all, they want to make the most out of their win and it?s not every day that they get to rub elbows with the world?s most popular ring fighter.
But when Pacman appeared before them and warmly greeted them one by one, the highly spirited gentlemen suddenly turned shy, as if waiting for someone from the group to break the ice.
Pandan said to the SMB Marketing team afterwards: “Pacquiao may not be the type who talks much or initiates a conversation but I can sense that he is an approachable guy. Still, I was hesitant to start a 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.”
They partook of a sumptuous lunch consisting of the new congressman?s personal favorites ? tinolang manok, grilled bangus belly, adobo and pinakbet. Their beer match was the classic sisig and of course, isang platitong mani.
Pacquiao, seated on the center, seems to enjoy his meal, his ice-cold Red Horse Beer, and the experience of spending time with his supporters less the flurry of a big crowd. For him, it?s not every day that he gets to lunch with his fans.
Until someone from the group asked him “Sir, pang-ilang round nyo kaya mapapabagsak si Marquez?” referring to Pacquiao’s third fight with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12.
To which Pacman good-naturedly replied: “Ikaw, pang-ilang round mo gusto?”
The guy muttered, perhaps after 8 or 5 rounds, but the boxing champ just smiled at him, not confirming his fan’s forecast.
Punzalan, owner of a digital printing company, said “Manny is really a humble person, considering his status. He doesn’t brag. Walang siyang katulad!”
The five winners were picked out of over 6,000 hopefuls nationwide in SMB?s ?Wala Kang Katulad? promo.
SMB president Roberto N. Huang said that “the consumer promo is one way of further delighting loyal San Miguel Beer patrons who we hope to inspire by Manny’s stories of hard work, great faith and love for his roots.”
Huang added that the company will continue to provide consumers with exciting promos as San Miguel Beer keeps its commitment to nourish Filipino friendships. This October, SMB will launch another promo for Pacquiao?s much-awaited fight with Marquez on November 12.
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on July 18, 2011.
