Aldeguer relishes bringing 'Pinoy Pride' to the world

CEBU, Philippines – For ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer, it was a long and meandering journey before they turned their dream into a reality.

Five years in the making, Aldeguer relishes every bit of moment that finally they were able to put up a Pinoy Pride event in the United States, taking pride for being the first ever Philippine-based promotional outfit to assemble a major fightcard in the boxing mecca of the world.

"This is something big for us, something emotional for us. It's been a long journey and now we are here," said Aldeguer. "I would like to thank my father (Antonio 'Bidoy' L. Aldeguer) because he really started it all. I would also like to thank ABS-CBN for sharing our vision and believing in us. Everything wouldn't be possible without them."

Since its inception in 2010, ALA Promotions had been in collaboration with the largest Filipino multi-media conglomerate, ABS-CBN Corporation through ABS-CBN Sports + Action and The Filipino Channel, in carrying out a highly-successful Pinoy Pride series, which is now on its 33rd edition.

Aside from their highly effective partnership, Aldeguer has shared some other vital components that lead them to a breakthrough venture in the lucrative US boxing market.

"It took a lot of determination, commitment and effort on the part of ALA International to become the first promotional boxing outfit from Asia to secure a fight on US soil. This is not only historic, but it also lays down a solid foundation for expanding the promotions and broadcast of Filipino boxing matches internationally," said Aldeguer.

"We did this with ABS-CBN Sports + Action and TFC because we share the vision of showcasing the best of the Filipino – in this case of the sport of boxing – to the world and help our boxers aspire for excellence and achieve their dreams, especially with the vacuum that Manny Pacquiao will leave when he retires," added Aldeguer.

The giant TV network through its Global Chief Operating Officer Raffy Lopez is similarly happy to have forged a meaningful tie-up with the country's premiere boxing company based in Cebu.

"Partnering with ALA International is one way for ABS-CBN to serve the Filipino wherever he may be. The journey of ALA International's boxers who seek success beyond the borders of our homeland is a journey that TFC shares with them and with Filipino overseas," said Lopez. "This is why we wholeheartedly support this endeavor as it ties strongly with our mission of service." (FREEMAN)