Better late than never

Author: Dinna Chan Vasquez
Column: Life & Entertainment

When GMA Network hosted an "intimate" victory party for Manny Pacquiao at the New World Renaissance Hotel, Makati, most of the guests, which numbered about 200, came promptly at 7:30 p.m.

It was the boxer who was late. Nearly two hours after the appointed start of the festivities, there was still no Pacquiao. Host Paolo Bediones explained that the guest of honor was not feeling well and missed the 3 p.m. flight to Manila from General Santos City and failed to take the next available one because there was no more space.

Bediones said Pacquaio's close friend and supporter Chavit Singson then sent his own plane to fetch the International Boxing Organization and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion from GenSan.

Better late than never, as they say, as Pacquiao finally arrived dressed in an orange argyle sweater over a light yellow button-down and chinos. On his head, the boxer sported his favorite accessory--a newsboy cap.

"Pasensya na po kayo. Masama talaga ang pakiramdam ko at nagkaroon po ng konting problema," Pacquiao said to his guests after he arrived.

Present during the event were GMA Network chairman, president and chief executive Felipe Gozon, executive vice president and chief operating officer Gilberto Duavit Jr., and other top network executives. Other guests included Solar Entertainment chairman and chief executive William Tieng and president Wilson Tieng and officers and representatives of the network's advertising partners, including Johnson & Johnson Phils., Unilever Phils. Inc., PLDT, PNB, RFM, Starcom MediaVest Philippines, Smart Communications Inc., Procter & Gamble, Chowking, Goldilocks, Jollibee Food Corp., and Greenwich Pizza Corp., to name a few.

Also present aside from Singson was former Manila mayor and Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and his wife Beng, Pacquiao's business manager Eric Pineda and his wife Macy, and even ABS-CBN star Claudine Barretto, who came with husband Raymart Santiago. Barretto's daughter Sabina is the boxer's goddaughter.

Other guests included Kapuso contract stars Dingdong Dantes, Maxene Magalona who came with mom Pia, Paolo Contis and girlfriend Lian Paz, Alfred Vargas, Benjie Paras and his family, cager and TV host Chris Tiu, German Moreno, Mike Enriquez and Mel Tiangco.

During the special dinner, GMA honored Pacquiao as Kapuso's "heavyweight champion" and as a special gift, the network gave the boxer a glass sculpture by artist Ramon Orlina.

The program was highlighted by the formal sealing of partnerships between Manny Pacquiao, GMA Network, and Solar Entertainment through a contract signing. Pacquiao also renewed his contract with GMA Network, which covers a starring role for the champion in a new sitcom.

Rochelle Pangilinan and JayR entertained the guests while Pacquiao also rendered a few songs including a live performance of his new single "Lahing Pinoy" with the Lito Camo Band.

Pacquiao himself announced that he would be doing a sitcom for GMA with Olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco and Camo.

Source: Manila Standard Today