Last Friday night, Manny was at the launch of the program called "Manny Pacquiao Sports Idol" and talked about what to expect from the first season of 13 episodes.
The launch was held at the jampacked Phi Resto Bar in the popular Metrowalk hub. Basketball legend Atoy Co, who owns Phi, was at the place to welcome Manny, wife Jinkee, Cebu promoter Rex (Wakee) Salud, sponsors, showbiz personalities and officials of show producer Pro-Ads Marketing Concepts.
Pro-Ads is the group behind the acclaimed entertainment show "Chowtime Na" which airs over IBC-13 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Mondays to Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Pro-Ads president Henry Tan and executive vice president Lolit Ching conceptualized the "Sports Idol" format with Manny and they’re all excited to get it off the ground.
During the launch, Manny was serenaded by the Sparring Angels, four sexy vixens who sang and danced around the three-time world boxing champion on stage. "Bike 10" TV host Mike (Dragon of Soul) Chan also sang. Actress Angelica Jones made a cameo appearance. And comedian Hyubs Azarcon, impersonating Manny, was interviewed by Marisciel Yao in a hilarious surprise attraction. Hyubs wore one of Manny’s boxing trunks, put on gloves and looked like he was ready to fight or get knocked out.
It was a long day for Manny. He arrived from the US early that morning, went to San Pablo, had a TV appearance and came for the launch still looking fresh. Manny said he slept a little on the Philippine Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Manila but was wide awake for the launch.
Tan, a sports fan with a keen interest in bowling and horseracing, said he has high hopes for the show which will air on IBC-13. It was initially booked for Saturdays from 5 to 6 p.m. but because of the tremendous response from sponsors, Tan negotiated for a more "prime" spot on Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. The first show is scheduled on Nov. 11.
Among Tan’s guests that night were Tanduay’s Andres Co and Larry Li and Motolite’s Gay Opinion. There were streamers of Alaxan, Hitachi, Darlington Socks and many more all over the place. Free Alaxan tablets were given to the audience.
"We’ve seen Manny battle as he brings glory to the country," said Tan. "Now, we’ll see the lighter side of Manny in his own show featuring the country’s top athletes."
Media expert Rely de Leon said the program is destined to be a blockbuster.
Manny said he can’t wait to start filming the episodes. Because he begins training for the Erik Morales rematch on Nov. 12, Manny has about three weeks to finish shooting his sequences.
The show will be split into five segments.
The first segment on physical fitness will show Manny sharing his training tips. Manny said he’ll explain what it takes to develop a washboard tummy like his and how to strengthen the abdominal muscles. He’ll talk about his running routine and why it’s an integral part of his conditioning regimen. He’ll demonstrate how to punch, how to parry and defend, how to develop hand and footspeed and how to mentally prepare for a fight. But it won’t only be all about boxing. Manny said he’ll also talk about general conditioning exercises for other sports like basketball.
The second segment will give Manny the opportunity to talk to the country’s sports stars––past, present and future. He’ll interview athletes and find out what lessons can be learned from their experiences. He said among the guests will be former stars whom he’ll ask to give an update on what they’ve been up to. Athletes lined up for this segment include Robert Jaworski, Allan Caidic, Efren (Bata) Reyes, Richard Gomez, Bea Lucero and Lydia de Vega. Manny said two athletes he hopes to interview are Olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco and two-time world boxing champion Luisito Espinosa.
The third segment will show Manny visiting campuses and hobnobbing with students all over the country. Big school events will be featured in this portion. The focus will be on student life whether or not it’s sports-related.
The fourth segment will bring Manny to the grassroots level. He’ll talk to government officials, outstanding citizens and common folk in various barangays and municipalities. He’ll explore cultural nuances and traditions. He’ll go from place to place and unravel what makes each community tick.
Finally, the fifth segment will take up developments in sports technology, including sports medicine, equipment, new techniques in training and new rules in sports events. Manny will talk to specialists in their field to discover what’s new in the wonderful world of sports.
Tan said the program will also include updates on Manny’s activities on and off the ring. A future highlight will show Manny singing his brand-new theme song "Para Sa "Yo Ang Labang Ito" written by Lito Camo.
Lito presented the song’s lyrics to Manny during the launch. Lito said the song will have a driving beat set to the alternative mode. His plan is for Manny to cut his own album with his theme song as the anchor.
No doubt about it, Manny is the hero that the country has been looking for and yearning to embrace as a unifying element in a divided society for years. His time has come to shine and Manny deserves the recognition he now enjoys. He’s worked hard and sacrificed blood, sweat and tears for it.
Manny has a special message for us and he’ll tell us all about it in his own TV show.