Is it Manny vs. Willie in game show battle?

CEBU, Philippines -  “Basta ako, hindi naman ako nakikipagkumpetensya sa ibang show.”

 Thus said Manny Pacquiao when asked if hosting GMA-7's new variety game show “Manny Many Prizes” means he's ready to compete with other shows in the same genre.

 Saturday night, after all, is also home to one other high-profile variety game show: TV5's “Wiltime Bigtime,” hosted by Willie Revillame.

 And besides sporting the same variety game show format, there is one other similarity between the two programs. Manny, like Willie with his 'Wiltime Bigtime,” is co-producing “Manny Many Prizes.”

 But Manny said that he's happy more programs on television are out to help other Filipinos.

 “Ang sa akin lang naman ay makatulong din tayo. Sa akin, walang personalan sa ibang show. Para sa akin, taos puso tayong magbibigay kasiyahan, taos puso tayong tutulong sa mga tao, nang sa ganun ay maipaabot sa kanila ang puso ko na gusto ko silang matulungan,” he explained to the members of the entertainment media during the launch of “Manny Many Prizes” last week.

 Longtime dream

 He added that it's been his longtime dream to have a show of this format.

 “ Matagal ko nang pangarap na ganitong show, na nakakatulong tayo sa kapwa. Natutuwa ako at masaya dahil nangyari na nga itong show na pangarap ko at pangarap din ng mga tao na matulungan sila,” Manny said.

 Is his venture an indication he's already planning to run for a higher government position for the 2013 elections? The pound for pound king said it's too early to have such plans.

 Although he'll be deeply involved in “Manny Many Prizes,” Manny said it won't affect his boxing, especially since he'll have a match with Juan Manuel Marquez this November.

 “"Kailangan lang ng time management sa show na ito. Kailangan na ako talaga ang nandito palagi sa show na ito dahil ako mismo ang mamimigay ng cash prizes and also house and lot,” he said, adding that he wants to maximize his time.

 “Manny Many Prizes” premieres today after “24 Oras Weekend.”  (FREEMAN)