During Solar Entertainment’s tribute to the two fighters plus Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista at the Crowne Plaza Galleria last Tuesday night, they were called on stage to sing and dance.
The tribute was split into two parts. The first order of business was, of course, to honor the fighters for their recent wins. Solar showed film clips of each champion bowling over his opponent at the Staples Center three weeks ago. Then, they were given glass trophies of recognition.
Solar’s Wilson Tieng presented the trophy to Bautista who was accompanied by manager Tony Aldeguer and son Jay, Sammy Gello-ani and trainer Edito Villamor. Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis (Chavit) Singson gave the trophy to Viloria. Pacquiao received his trophy from Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio and General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon.
Then came the lighter side of things in the entertainment portion of the program.
Pacquiao sang "Pagsubok" accompanied by the Kookies band. Viloria sang two rap numbers and danced hip-hop to the Unity Band’s music. He wore a brown hat, a brown leather jacket and white sneakers. Bautista didn’t sing but was on stage while Faith Cuneta sang "Pangarap Na Bituin" to him.
Pacquiao would’ve sung more but nursed a cold. He had prepared three songs in an hour-long rehearsal. His wife Jinkee was supposed to sing, too, but was too shy. She said she got cold feet when she saw the huge crowd. Like her husband, Jinkee can carry a tune.
Solar events manager Rico Arce said the songs in the program were bound by a common theme of stepping up to the challenge to become champions or heroes.
Solar vice president for production Erick Tam directed the show, which will be shown on TV. Tam said the tribute will be aired at 9 p.m. this Sunday (Oct. 9) on RPN-9 and replayed at 9 p.m. this Tuesday (Oct. 11) on Solar Sports.
For dinner, Pacquiao was joined in his table by Jinkee, Mayor Acharon, close associate Clem Asencio, business manager Enrico Pineda, Jake Joson, Cris Aquino and Rely de Leon, among others.
Pineda, who heads Millennium Media Professionals, said he was introduced to Pacquiao by Rod Nazario early this year. He mentioned he is involved in public relations work for certain politicians, mostly senators.
"My job is to find endorsement contracts for Manny," he said. "I negotiated the Surf contract and we just signed up Alaxan. I told Manny I could make him earn a lot of money without throwing a punch. We’ve been approached by several companies to endorse their products but because of Manny’s stature, we’re only choosing the major ones. He gave me the authority to sign in his behalf but I don’t do that. He does all the signing. My arrangement with Manny is transparent and it’s built on trust."
De Leon said what’s selling like hotcakes in the market are Pacquiao’s signature caps and shirts under the MP line.
"Malakas ang benta ng MP caps and shirts even without advertising," said de Leon. "Iba talaga ang dating ni Manny. Eventually, the MP line will carry jeans and even toys."
The MP line is distributed by Sporteum whose president is Willie Ortiz. The MP caps and shirts are available in Shoemart, Gaisano and Sports Central stores.
Lampley finished his college career as the University of California’s all-time leading scorer with 1,776 points and the only player in school history to rank in the top 10 in points, rebounds and assists. Among the prominent California hoopsters whose records Lampley eclipsed were National Basketball Association (NBA) veterans Kevin Johnson, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Jason Kidd, Michael Stewart, Sean Marks and Lamond Murray.
Lampley is the only NBA veteran among the imports playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) San Mig Coffee Fiesta Conference.
In his Ginebra debut last Wednesday, Lampley had a slow start and scored only five points after two periods. But slowly, he got in the groove of things. Lampley exploded for 24 of his 29 points in the second half and held Coca-Cola’s Alex Carcamo scoreless in the fourth period. Ginebra rode on his heroics to beat the Tigers, 89-81.
Lampley also grabbed 15 rebounds and shot 13-of-16 free throws in 44 minutes.
Before the first half ended, it looked like Lampley and teammate Andy Seigle would come to blows during a heated argument over a defensive lapse on the court.
Seigle later explained there was nothing to it. "You know me, I’m loud," said Seigle. "We were just clarifying things about our rules on defense when we play zone. Sean’s got a great attitude. We’ll go far with him as our import."
Ginebra coach Siot Tangquingcen said there was no problem between Lampley and Seigle. "Sean and Andy were just discussing where they’re supposed to be when we play zone," said Tangquingcen. "That’s all."
Seigle, who got married to long-time companion and mother of their two kids Gem in Pennsylvania last summer, was a tower of power in the game. He came off the bench to deliver 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots in only 19 minutes.
Seigle opened the season with a new hair look. His hair was dyed red. Was that why he was on fire that night?