The people’s champ, Manny Pacquiao, has a happy news for his fans: Bleacher tickets to his and Oscar “Chololo” Larios’ fight on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum will be given for free! At the press conference of the Pacquiao-Larios “Mano A Mano” bout held at the Studio 10 of ABS-CBN, Manny said he has discussed the matter with Gabby Lopez and this has been agreed upon.
“Yong mga pinakamura na tickets ay ipamimigay namin, and this would amount to R2.5 million,” he said. But as to the mechanics, how people could acquire them, “pag–uusapan pa namin, baka ma-stampede kami,” he jested in reference to the tragic ULTRA stampede. They are also still finalizing the prizes of the tickets.
Manny also said FLT Films International (the executive producer, Mrs. Rose Flaminiano, was present at the presscon) is still in the middle of shooting his first of three film-bios with Jericho Rosales in the title role. This coming May, they’ll shoot vital scenes in Los Angeles, CA and Las Vegas, Nevada, according to Mrs. Flaminiano. And after that, Manny could prepare for “Mano A Mano.”
Chololo Larios, known for his lightning punches, thanked Manny for giving him the chance to fight him in the Philippines and he promised “it would be a great fight,” even as he thanked the Filipino people for the wonderfully warm reception given him.
The Pacman, when asked in what round he’s going to down his opponent, said “ayokong magsalita ng patapos, basta alam ko na mabilis talaga siya, pero panoorin niyo na lang, maganda ang laban at tignan natin kung hanggang saan ang ibubuga niya.” He added that all he wants is “mabigyan ng kasiyahan ang mga kapwa Filipino ko.”
It’s been noted that Manny Pacquiao has become the “commercial king,” for having so many commercial endorsements, including San Miguel Corp. (with which he signed up a reported R100-million contract), McDonald’s, Alaxan, Smart, and Nestle, but of course for obvious reasons, he wouldn’t say how much he’s being paid.
By the way, Sarah Geronimo sang the National Anthem before the start of the press conference which was hosted by Dianne Castillejo and Sev Sarmenta.
More on the event, which is a concerted Filipino effort, from their press release:
“Mano A Mano” is the maiden collaboration between MP Promotions and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. It represents the coming of age of Philippine Broadcast media just as it is a feather in the cap of Filipino promoters to put up world-class bouts with an exception and unique theme.
“With the International Superfeatherweight Championships of the World Boxing Council on the line, expectations are even higher for the precedent-setting Pacquiao-Larios bout than the Pacquiao-Morales fight.
“The latter shattered television ratings in a match so closely and so wide-watched that people stepped off the streets to cheer along with Filipino hero in his fight for respect.
“However, ‘Mano A Mano’ is even more challenging because the fight will be held here and will be seen all over the world through ABS-CBN’s local stations, The Filipino Channel, iNDemand, DirectTV and the network’s Mexican broadcast partner.
“Filipinos can watch the match live wherever they may be in the world.
“It is a boxing event fought by Filipinos, promoted by a Filipino and broadcast by Filipinos. It is an affirmation of the Filipino’s world-class competence.
“To pull off this major project is a distinct honor for all Filipinos. From all perspectives, “Mano A Mano” is the fight for all Filipinos.”
