Meet Team Pacquiao this Sunday, April 26 on GMA-7

Pambansang Kamao...(National Fist)...Mexicutioner...The Destroyer... People's Champ... World's Best Pound for Pound Boxer...These are just some of the titles given to the famous Filipino boxer, Manny Pacquiao.

Speed and power inside the boxing ring are the weapons of Pacquiao. But unknown to many, he also has another secret weapon. This is his group which surrounds him 24 hours a day from the Philippines to America. GMA News and Public Affairs gets to know the individuals constituting Manny's group, more popularly known as Team Pacquiao.

In Los Angeles, California, the People's Champ is training intensively under veteran trainer Freddie Roach. While undoubtedly, Manny is a born boxer, many wonder if he would have reached the top echelon of boxing without Roach. However, for the coming Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight, there is a noticeable change in Roach's training regimen, one not welcome to other members of Team Pacquiao, including Manny himself. Would this change be for the better, or for the worse?

Meanwhile, get to know other members of Team Pacquiao who also made a fortune because of Manny's success—including his best friend, Buboy Fernandez and his cook, Nonoy Neri who now have numerous properties here in the Philippines. However, both of them have the same thing to say: not everyone behind Manny serves him with honesty, as many of them actually are only interested in his money. Discover the intrigues and conflicts hounding Team Pacquiao.

While the Pacman is almost legendary inside the ring, he also excels outside it. This is no more evident than the people he has chosen to handle his money and business. These people are one in saying that Manny is a good businessman. But who really is in control of Pacquiao's wealth and financial ventures?

Also get to know the two important women in Manny's life: Aling Dionisia and Jinkee Pacquiao. They will reveal how their lives changed and how they cope with Manny's growing wealth and stardom.

In this witty and informative special, you will discover untold stories about the people's champ. The documentary Team Pacquiao will air this Sunday, April 26 (10:30 pm), at the SNBO time slot after Fulhaus on GMA-7.

Martin Nievera to Sing "Lupang Hinirang" in Pacquiao-Hatton Fight

Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao finally made the decision on who will sing the Philippine National Anthem on his upcoming fight with British boxing champion Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas.

Fans of Lea Salonga and Charice might get a little disappointed but followers of Martin Nieverra has the reason to rejoice and watch the concert king sing Lupang Hinirang on May 2 at Pacquiao-Hatton bout.

This is the first time a male singer will sing the national anthem in any of Pacman's international fights. Prior to Martin, other local artists who sang our national anthem on previous Pacman fights are Karylle (versus Oscar dela Hoya), Ciara Sotto (versus Juan Manuel Marquez), Nicole Angela Judalena (versus David Diaz), Kyla (versus Marco Antonio Barrera), Geneva Cruz (versus Jorge Solis), Sarah Geronimo (versus Erik Morales), Jennifer Bautista (versus Erik Morales), Regine Velasquez (Yanig sa Taguig), Lani Misalucha (versus Erik Morales), and Dessa (versus Velasquez).

See below their performances:

Dessa


Lani Misalucha


Regine Velasquez


Geneva Cruz


Jennifer Bautista


Sarah Geronimo


Kyla


Nicole Angela Judalena


Ciara Sotto
(Click link to view Ciara Sotto singing Lupang Hinirang)

Karylle

GMA-7 and Solar Sports to File Legal Case Against Manny Pacquiao; Pacquiao Answers Back

Filipino boxing champ Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao announces his decision to tie-up with ABS-CBN and it gives Pacman's Kapamilya supporters a good reason to be jolly but not for GMA-7 and Solar sports.

Solar Sports expressed its disappointment with Pacman's decision to cut short their contract, claiming that the contract with the boxing champ is still valid.

Solar's legal counsel Atty. Enrique dela Cruz Jr added, "Naniniwala po ang Solar na ang kontrata nila kay Manny Pacquiao ay valid at binding pa. Hindi ito maaaring labagin ni Manny Pacquiao at ng ABS-CBN."

Solar has yet to hear from Pacman concerning this issue though they revealed that Pacman has sent them a letter stating that he wanted to end his contract with them.

For Solar, they are ready to file cases against anyone—be it Pacman or ABS-CBN—who would violate the contract's agreement.

Likewise, GMA-7 also released a statement early this afternoon to show their disappointment with the boxing champ's decision.

GMA network’s Corporate Communications department through Legal Affairs Vice President Dick Perez, to Pacman.

The letter reads in full:

"Dear Mr. Pacquiao,

"We refer to your televised announcement that you have decided to partner with ABS-CBN and to the report that your future fights, including your match with Hatton, will now be aired in ABS-CBN.

"Please be advised that the Agreement between you and GMA still subsists and provides as follows:

"2.2 TALENT shall not appear on any television program, show, promotion or event of any broadcast media entity other than GMA and its subsidiaries and affiliates without the written consent of GMA."

"Your unilateral action to give ABS-CBN the right to air the Pacquiao-Hatton fight violates the above-referred provision to the Agreement.

"We demand that you strictly comply with the terms of our Agreement and that you recall immediately your grant to ABS-CBN of the airing right to the fight, otherwise, much to our regret, we shall take such actions as are necessary in order to protect our interests.

"We request your response to this letter within seven (7) days from your receipt hereof. If you fail to respond within the period given, we shall assume that you have not recalled your grant of airing right to ABS-CBN."

However, Manny Pacquiao said he is not affected by the possibility of him being sued after he chose ABS-CBN to be his new media partner.

"Maluwag ang loob ko. May mga tao naman ako na nag-aasikaso ng mga bagay na yan.

"Ako ang ginagawa ko ay mag-concentrate at focus sa fight ko at sana panoorin niyo fight ko at ipagdasal ako. Mapapanood niyo ang fight sa ABS-CBN versus Ricky Hatton.

"Laban ko, laban ng lahat. Maraming salamat sa inyo," said Pacquiao.

GMA-7 is Disappointed in Manny Pacquiao's Decision to Tie-Up with ABS-CBN

Manny Pacquiao's decision to cut his ties with Solar Sports, which broadcasts his fights on TV through GMA-7, and partner again with ABS-CBN causes a big disappointment on GMA Network Management .

In this regard, GMA Network released a statement about Pacquiao's move. And it reads:

"GMA Network is very disappointed with the reported decision of Manny Pacquiao to transfer from Solar Sports to ABS-CBN the rights to broadcast his fight with Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 and his other fights.

"We would like to clarify the following points:

1. The existing contract for the airing of Manny Pacquiao's fights in the Philippines is between Pacquiao and Solar Sports and NOT between Pacquiao and GMA Network;

2. Solar Sports just enters into blocktime agreements with GMA Network for the airing of Manny Pacquiao's fights in the country.

"Ms. Beth Celis in her newspaper column last March 18, 2009 said that 'The network (ABS-CBN) is said to have offered Manny full media support in the next election to ensure victory in the next year's congressional elections.' GMA Network did not offer the same to Pacquiao because the Omnibus Election Code prohibits television networks from doing so. Section 95 of the code states that 'no contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly' by grantees of franchises such as television networks.

"It was also reported that Pacquiao favored the other network because of ABS-CBN's dominance in Saranggani and the international presence of their reporters. GMA Network's news teams and existing contributors in key areas worldwide adequately cover important events like those of Pacquiao's activities. GMA also has a superior signal in General Santos City and environs.

"Aside from his two existing programs, Pinoy Records and Totoy Bato, GMA Entertainment offered projects to Manny as soon as his schedule allows. These include his own sitcom, a drama series, concerts in Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the United States and in key cities in Canada, and boxing clinics around the Philippines. The network may have to review these now in light of the recent developments.

"Moreover, according to GMA's Legal Counsel, Atty. Dick B. Perez, Manny Pacquiao has a separate contract with GMA Network which prohibits him from appearing on 'any television program, show, promotion or event of any other broadcast media entity other than GMA and its subsidiaries and affiliates without the written consent of GMA.' GMA has not given him its consent to appear in ABS-CBN."

Manny Pacquiao To Star in a Movie with Sylvester Stallone

People's Champ-Boxing superstar Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao is about to star in a movie with Hollywood action star Sylvester Stallone.

Pacman reportedly had a meeting with Sylvester Stallone last January 6 at Stallone's Los Angeles office to discuss the details of the movie.

According to Pacquiao's business manager, Erik Pineda, this will definitely not a boxing movie but something like a Jacky Chan - Chris Tucker starrer 'Rush Hour' type of film.

"Everything is in the planning stage but what’s certain is that Sylvester Stallone wants Manny Pacquiao in the movie as one of the co-stars." said Pineda.

PACMAN Welcomes Queen Elizabeth Pacquiao

The Pacquiaos welcome Queenie or Queen Elizabeth Pacquiao.

On December 30 at 6:37 AM (10:37PM Manila time) in Los Angeles Metropolitan Hospital, Los Angeles, California, Jinky, Manny Pacquiao's wife, gave birth to their fourth child of a 7.9 pound baby girl, named Queen Elizabeth.

Pacman and Jinky along with newborn Queen Elizabeth and three other kids are expected to be back in the Philippines on January 10, 2009.

Angel Locsin and Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao Cover Rouge Magazine December 2008 Double Cover Issue

Kapamilya and Kapuso reunite in this month's double cover issue of Rouge Magazine.

Young star Angel Locsin and People's Champ Manny Pacquiao grace the cover of December 2008 issue of Rogue Magazine.

Pacquiao - De La Hoya Fight Result

This may not be the year of the upset in the sweet science, but it has been a year of upsets. Margarito over Cotto, Hopkins over Pavlik, Calzaghe over Jones, Dawson over Tarver, Quintana over Williams, Williams over Quintana, Mora over Forrest, Forrest over Mora, Phillips over Spinks, Clottey over Judah, Bradley over Witter, Caballero over Molitor, Ruiz over Bautista, Prescott over Khan, Latimore over Powell, Vera over Lee…the favorite has been dumped arse over teakettle repeatedly this year, making for some entertaining climaxes, and decent buzz for a sport that hasn’t grown more than a smattering of new fans in a decade.

On Saturday night, if l’il Manny Pacquaio, who will be outweighed by a good dozen pounds when the bell rings at the MGM Grand, manages to take out Oscar De La Hoya, his upset win would surpass all others in the Boxing Year 2008. Is this likely? Pundits, and vocal share of derisive fight fans, think Oscar will win handily. Too big, too strong, too much reach and height for The Golden Boy. TSS has been surprised at the vehemence of fans writing in, wondering why this “Dream” match has been made, or more accurately, skewering the bout as nothing more than a cynical cash grab by the promoters and participants. They see it as a novelty pairing, something along the lines of an Evil Knievel bus jump.

But what if Pacquaio (47-3-2, 35 KOs, enjoying an eight fight win streak) manages to make Oscar (39-5, 30 KOs, 3-3 in his last six outings, 2-3 if you give Sturm the nod in their 2004 tussle) look every hour of his 35 ¾ years, and uses his handspeed edge to do the unthinkable?

What if that weight disparity is erased by a motivation edge? Manny does after all have a nation of 90 million at his back, lifting him up, serving as a catalyst to endure when the larger man’s left hooks are banging off his skull, rattling him, and making him yearn for the relative comfort of the lightweight division.

What if his southpaw stance throws Oscar off his game; that’s not a spectacular reach, since the last time ODLH met a lefty in a real scrap was back in 1997 (Hector Camacho).

Click here to read how Team TSS sees the Saturday beef playing out.

Source: THE PREDICTION PAGE By Michael Woods

Manny Pacquiao Covers Reader's Digest December 2008 Issue

Philippines very own boxing champ - Manny Pacquiao graces the cover of Readers’ Digest December 2008 issue. The photo was shot by Tim Tadder, a sports photographer from the US.

The cover says “More Power: Pacquiao in the fight of his life” referring not just about his biggest bout come December 6 versus Oscar dela Hoya but also about the trials and tribulations he had undergone to be the world champion that he is now.

Here are some interesting excerpts from the interview: Growing up in General Santos City on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, 12-year-old Manny had a choice: he could stay in school or he could help his mother feed the family. From getting pennies a fight as a boy, to P3,000 pesos as an under-aged professional, he will earn at least $15 million just to step into the ring with welterweight Oscar De La Hoya

This issue of the Readers Digest has increased in circulation by 50% due to market demand.