If you have keenly observed Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the only boxer in the world who has won seven championship titles in various weight categories, he always prayed – knelt actually – in the corner of the ring before and after a bout.
“I have so much to thank God,” the world’s pound-per-pound king said during a break on his last shooting day for his Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Wapakman” at the Aliw Theater. “Actually, thanking the Lord is what I do every day of my life,” he added. Since he has nothing to ask the Lord anymore, he said he just thank Him every time. “Nagpapasalamat na lang ako.”
Manny, who incidentally celebrates his birthday on Dec. 17 and who is constructing a mansion in Gen. Santos City for her mother, now popularly known as Mommy D, said that he is so blessed by God. “In fact, I am so overwhelmed by the abundance I have been receiving. And I never asked for money. I just simply keep on thanking God!”
Manny added: “Everyone knows how I started in my boxing career – from a lowly boy in Gen. Santos City. Yes, a lowly and humble boy.” Indeed, he is still very humble. As you see, he doesn’t normally associate with the rich and the mighty, only occasionally, considering his world stature as a boxer. “I go with friends – ordinary people. I’m still the Manny they knew before,” he said.
To back up the value of humility which he practices to the letter, Manny quoted Jesus Christ who said that he who is humble will be exalted, and he who is boastful will be humbled.
In effect, Manny was saying that humility is one of the secrets of his success!
“I do not also bother myself with the lives of other people,” Manny also said. He was asked if he would patch up the friction between Bianca King and Krista Ranillo which occurred at the dressing room provided for the stars at the location of “Wapakman,” Solar Entertainment’s official entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival.
“No,” Manny said. “It is their problem. Baka masabit pa ako diyan. Hindi ko ugali ang nakikialam sa mga problema ng ibang tao.”
Manny moves around with humility. And he answers with sincerity to questions during interviews. He has also a great patience for some stupid questions thrown at him. He simply laughs with gusto, and never do you see him irritated or angry at a reporter throwing a question that has been asked for so many times.
“I never get angry,” Manny assured everyone during that press visit at the location of “Wapakman.” “I would rather laugh.”
He recalled however that one time while he was out with his family more than a couple of years back, there was a guy who threw a bottle of beer at them. Manny lost his temper (because he was with his wife Jinkee) and he could have smashed the face of the man with his fists, but the man, perhaps scared of his wits, climbed a tall wall and disappeared.
Manny revealed that a book is now being written about his life. The book is simply titled “Pacquiao.”
“You will learn more of the secrets of my success,” he said. The book will be concluded with the result of his forthcoming championship fight with Mayweather. Actually, since his life is very colorful, his story won’t fit in one book. So expect several volumes.
Going back to “Wapakman,” the story tells of Magno, an ordinary man whose world revolves around his five kids while his wife, Magda (played by Rufa Mae Quinto) works as a nurse in Italy. One night, a freak accident involving Magno’s truck and a car triggers a big explosion which Magno luckily survives without any serious harm. Slowly, Magno realizes that the accident made him a super fast, super smart and super strong person, a better dad for his family. Yet he realizes later that his newfound powers should only be used for the good of humanity, thus he assumes the identity of Wapakman, everyone’s favorite superhero.
WAPAKMAN TRAILER
Soon, Magno learns that Magda has come back to take the kids with her to Italy against his wish of keeping their family together – happy and whole. He doesn’t want to let go of the kids. But can he be both a good dad and remain a superhero upon whom the world relies on for it to be a much safer place for his kids and everyone, knowing fully well that this is a superhero’s responsibility? On the other hand, can his love for his kids make him give up being everybody’s superhero? A very hard choice indeed and one that Wapakman should decide on real fast.
Also in the powerful cast of “Wapakman” are the controversial Krista Ranillo as Octavia/Screamer, Bianca King as Mystika, Polo Ravales as Emerson/Combuster, John Hall as Mutaman, Jojo Alejar as Dr. Rex, Leo Martinez as Dr. Jingle, Mura as Usman, Benjie Paras as Kulas, Long Mejia as Kadyo, Onyok Velasco as Goliath, Keanna Reeves as Lenlen, John Manalo as Michael, Mica Torre as Maegan, Edinburgh Kyle as Piolo, Jairus Aquino as Dingdong, Miguel Magalong as Magnito, Chacha Cañete as Nenok, Barbie Forteza as Patitang and Michelle Obumshell as Michelle Obama.
A Solar Entertainment film directed by Topel Lee, “Wapakman” will be showing at your favorite theaters starting Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
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