P is for Pac Man (Manny Pacquiao), A-Z of Filipino Cultural Exports
B. 1978 /Manny Pacquiao is more than a boxer. For the Filipino people, Pacquiao is the unofficial patron saint of the Philippines. Fondly referred to as Pac Man by his fans, Pacquiao’s ‘rags to riches’ success is perfectly summarised after the 1980’s cult Japanese arcade game. Like the game, Manny Pacquiao has become an international social phenomenon, resulting in various spin off projects – within the sectors of entertainment, philanthropy and politics. This said, Manny Pacquiao is a great boxer – he is a boxer’s boxer, who many would argue as one of the greatest pound for pound boxers of all time. Pacquiao is the first and only boxer in history to win ten world titles in eight different weight divisions. His last match alone, ‘Floyd Mayweather Vs Manny Pacquiao’ (May 2, 2015) captured the world’s attention, becoming the richest purse in the history of boxing, hitting the £300 million mark. In the lead up to what became a 5 year wait for ‘the match of the century’, Pacquio’s life story was made into a feature length documentary, from his humble beginnings, growing up in a slum in the Philippines to his fight to becoming one of the most loved and recognisable boxers in history. Narrated by personal friend and ambassador – Hollywood A-lister Liam Neeson, the story of ‘Manny’, is one of transcendence – in the hope that the people of the Philippines, like Manny Pacquiao will one day be saved.
The trailer to ‘Manny’ can be watched here: http://mannypacquiaomovie.com/
#OFW more than a country of good looking, half-wit, opportunistic terrorists
