Distinguished Filipino sports scribe and boxing commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz jetted into New York from Manila to cover the daily doings and Saturday night Madison Square Garden (WaMu Theater) title bout of “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire. Both the grizzled veteran and the lovely and talented sportscaster Dyan Castillejo, former tennis standout before she picked up the microphone, were at Donaire’s Tuesday open workout at the Kingsway Gym on West 28th Street. On Wednesday, they will trail Donaire to the top of the Empire Styate Building for some publicity photos and then go to the Filipino Consulate for a VIP reception honoring the Fil-Am fighter who never neglects the “Fil” part of his heritage.(The two journalists team up for ABS-CBN TV coverage.) Nathanielsz, age 76, had to scratch his graying head when I asked when he had last ventured to the Big Apple. “Oh, it was some time ago,” Nathanielsz said, “for some NBA All Star Game. Basketball has long been very popular back home.” I asked Nathanielsz for his insider’s take on two Manny Pacquiao related topics that I find compelling. One, is Pacman serious about trying to become president of his beloved country and, two, does Sir Ronnie talk any ring retirement talk seriously. “Manny won’t retire anytime soon,” Nathanielsz said. “He will keep on fighting for a long time because he needs the money and because he loves the limelight. Being in the limelight only helps his political ambitions and Manny is keenly aware of this. When I say he needs the money, what I mean is he spends a lot of money.” Can Nathanielsz picture Pacman as the Main Man at Malacanang Palace, Manila’s answer to our White House? “Manny is extremely serious on this. He has told me face to face, ‘I pray that you live long enough to see me sworn in as president.’ So that tells you how serious Manny is on the subject.”
