‘Manny’ of the hour

Author: Beng Ragon
Column: Entertainment

PEOPLE’S Champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has proven that he is one of the best fighters in the world of boxing, beating Mexican legends Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. Now, he looks forward to facing Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez on March 16, 2008 – four years after their initial bout that resulted in a controversial draw given that Pacquiao knocked down Marquez three times in the first round.

While he prepares to end his unfinished business with Marquez and seeks for his 3rd world title belt in Las Vegas, Pacman has another business to deal with – the release on New Year’s Day of his self-produced movie, "Anak ng Kumander," which reveals the action star potential of this sensational boxing icon.

What more does he have to prove outside the boxing ring after his bold attempts at recording, commercials, politics and now movies?

For Pacquiao, his foray into films goes beyond showing his fans that he can act; it’s more of giving the industry a shot in the arm. This speaks of the P30-million budget he shelled out for "Anak ng Kumander," made under his very own MP Productions which he said gave jobs to many people – production crew, stuntmen, extras, new actors, and even veteran stars like Dante Rivero, who has been inactive in the movies for sometime now.

He also wanted to produce more action films at this time when fantasy flicks are dominating the movie scene.

"Nawawala na ang action movies kaya nais ko itong ibalik. Nais ko ring makatulong sa industriya," said Manny.

Director Jose "Kaka" Balagtas shared that Pacman is a revelation in the movie as he was able to execute his action scenes so well. He was honored to do this project with Manny who intends to produce films to help more people in the industry.

On the other hand, veteran actress Perla Bautista, who plays Manny’s mother in the movie, was also very impressed by how the boxing champ was able to convincingly do his fighting stunts and also delivered in his drama scenes. "Nakikipagsabayan si Manny. Dibdiban ang acting niya. A super action star is born," Perla remarked.

Manny revealed that he momentarily forgets his being a boxer when he is in front of the camera. Working with someone like the veteran actress, who did several action movies in the past with budding action stars, served as a great motivation for him. If given the chance, he hopes to work with the likes of Bong Revilla, Phillip Salvador, Rudy Fernandez, Lito Lapid, and Robin Padilla.

Manny has two leading ladies in the movie: Ara Mina and Valerie Concepcion. Also in the cast are Efren Reyes, Roi Vinzon, Dan Alvaro, Lara Moreno, and Manny’s younger brother Rogelio Pacquiao.

Source: Malaya

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