Pineda to sing national anthem

Arnel Pineda, the Filipino front man of popular American rock band “Journey,” will sing the Philippine national anthem when Manny Pacquiao defends his WBO welterweight title against Ghanaian Joshua Clottey on March 13 (March 14 in Manila) at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

This was announced by abs-cbnNEWS.com which stated that Pineda confirmed he was invited by Pacquiao to sing “Lupang Hinirang” before the scheduled 12-round fight.

“Pupunta ako sa Dallas to sing sa laban ni Manny [Pacquiao].This Thursday (ang alis ko),” Pinefda was quoted by abs-cbnNEWS.com.

“I’m really happy kasi matutuloy na. Nahihiya na ako kay Manny kasi pangatlong invitation na ito sa akin. Baka kasi isipin ay iniisnab ko. So finally, matutuloy na,” he added.

The crooner said he was not able to sing in Pacquiao’s previous fights because of his hectic schedule as Journey’s vocalist.

Pineda, who was introduced over the phone to Pacquiao by common friends, was also present during the boxer’s birthday party in General Santos last December.

Pineda is currently part of ABS-CBN's weekly variety show "ASAP XV."

Source: Author Unknown  | Manila Bulletin