FPJ invited to attend ‘Mano-Mano’

Presidentiable Fernando Poe Jr., a known fanatic of combat sport especially boxing, has been invited to grace the first Mano-Mano Challenge which is set to unfold on Dec. 27 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Poe, acclaimed as the king of Philippine movies, is popular for his rapid punches that became his trademark action moves. His love for boxing inspired him to do a movie entitled "Totoy Bato", a story about a retired boxing champion who was forced to fight underground.

"Mr. Poe was invited because his stature could help popularized mixed martial arts as a legitimate sport in the country," said Ed Dames, managing director of the organizing CEMG. "Any politician or celebrity that can help the sport is welcome to the affair."

Inviting Poe to the Mano-Mano Challenge is the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters sa Pilipinas which is one of the supporters of the event.

Expected to join Poe are celebrities who are known martial arts enthusiasts like Robin Padilla, Bong Revilla, Richard Gomez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Rep. Miguel Zubiri and others.

Mano-Mano is a competition among the best martial artists in the country who will pit skills in the art of striking. The fighters are allowed to use their fists, feet, knees and elbows in hitting their opponents. Grappling however is not permitted.

Among the martial arts schools seeing action came from the disciplines of karate, kung fu, taekwondo, muay thai, pencak silat, wushu, sikaran, suntokaran, malayan kanfu.

For ticket reservations, please call Ticketworld at 891-56-90 or visit their 2outlets at all Ayala Malls and National Bookstore branches.