The Talented Mr. Pacquiao

The Talented Mr. Pacquiao

There’s a funny Manny Pacquiao story I always like to tell.

I had just been handed my first big shoot and Pacquiao was my main talent. “Hi, Manny. My name is Enzo. I’ll be your director today.” I practiced that line around a thousand times in a span of two days. As Manny approached, I practiced one last time for good measure. I extended my hand and lost all communication skills. I sounded like I was speaking in tongues.

Manny, being the classy guy that he is, shook my hand, smiled and said “Hi, direk.”

That was 7 years ago.

Manny was a boxer then. Just a boxer. Now, Manny Pacquiao is a slasher. And by slasher I don’t mean a horror flick or a basketball player that uses his speed to get to the rim. I mean someone who has multiple slashes in his job title. Manny is—in no particular order—a boxer, a singer, an actor, a Senator, and a basketball player.

While most slashers take on multiple roles as a way to augment their income, it seems he has been taking on multiple roles just because he can.

Manny Pacquiao is doing what every living person dreams of doing: blurring the line between work and play.

For some people, attempting this would be a major problem. Mainly because they are taking time away from the talent that brought them their fame in the first place. But Manny isn't most people and he isn't held to the same standard.

He isn't expected to sing like Gary Valenciano, but he puts smiles on people's faces when he belts his tunes. He isn't expected to turn in award-winning performances like Jericho Rosales but he fills up cinemas. He isn't expected to rack up trible-doubles, but crowds rejoice when he is inserted into a game.

This weekend, the talented Mr. Pacquaio will put on his basketball player costume. He is replacing L.A. Revilla in the Blitz Game on Friday.  Take a look at some of the other participants and you'll see a  mix of venerable basketball elite and upcoming young bucks: Ronnie Magsanoc, Noli Locsin, Mike Tolomia and Mac Belo just to name a few.

It should be noted that two of the main draws of the event: Alvin Patrimonio and Johnny Abarrientos have also been slashers. Johnny starred in "Go Johnny Go" while Captain Lionheart starred in over five flicks including basketball movie classics: Dobol Dribol and Last Two Minutes.

Now ask yourself one question: What would an ideal All Star event look like? Fans should want to watch it. Fans should feel so compelled by the line ups that every seat in the arena is filled, every TV across the nation is tuned in to watch the game. Following this line of thinking, inserting Manny Pacquiao into the event makes total sense.

While he certainly does not have the same basketball resumé as some of his counterparts, he may be the biggest name on either roster. You know that every cellphone will be snapping photos of The Pacman trying to guard The Flying A.

Are there other PBA stars who could have replaced Manny in this event? Maybe. But if the ultimate goal was to fill the arena, they made the right decision by picking Manny.

Manny is a force across cultures. He cuts across so many different demographics and he is creating a buzz that no PBA player could have created. Love him or hate him, you will tune in to see him play in the All-Star Weekend. Along with keeping the most ardent fans interested, the PBA is engaging even the casual fans.

I think I need to buy a Pacman All-Star jersey.