Manny, Marian bring back sitcom genre

plus: To celebrate “UNESCO Artist for Peace” award, Philippine Madrigal Singers holds concert

Pound-for-pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao made the members of the entertainment press very happy at the press launch of “Show Me Da Manny” when he raffled off P300,000 worth of cash prizes. Even before the presscon started, Manny announced that he will be raffling off cash prizes, making the night a truly exciting event.

But before that, there was the usual open forum wherein Manny and his popular co-star Marian Rivera answered questions from the media, some of them also had the chance to have their picture taken with Manny, who willingly obliged, and even signed autographs.

“Show Me Da Manny” marks the return of the sitcom genre on the GMA 7 turf (and in Philippine television) after quite a while. It premieres this Sunday, after “All Star K.” The new sitcom featuring Manny and Marian as warring owners of boxing gyms promises to be a heavyweight in terms of laughter and entertainment value.

When asked if they are ready to knock out the competing shows in terms of ratings, Manny said they are not thinking of it.

“Comedy po ang show namin at ang aming hangad ay kasiyahan ng mga manonood. Pinagbubutihan po namin ang trabaho. Marami po kayong dapat abangan sa show namin like mayroon kaming magaganda at guwapo sa cast. May mga pangit din. Lahat mayroon kami,” said Pacman with a laugh.

For her part, Marian said it’s just going to be a bonus if their new sitcom would rate well. “What is important is we are doing our job well and we are very comfortable with each other. Masaya kami sa set and there is no dull moment.”

Marian added that she also didn’t have a problem adjusting to a new TV partner since she has had a chance to work with the boxing hero in a concert.

Manny didn’t forget to thank the members of the movie press whom he said are very supportive of his projects and other endeavors not only in his showbiz career but also as a sporting icon.

We were so delighted because we had a chance to have a picture with Manny plus an autograph. It certainly made our night complete. Add to that was the good fortune of being one of those who won in the raffle.

But we missed Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao who plays a special role in the sitcom as what else but Mommy Pacman. She was not in the presscon—too bad because we really wanted to interview her.

Aside from Manny and Marian, also in the star-studded cast of “Show Me Da Manny” are Paolo Contis, Benjie Paras, Lovi Poe, Tuesday Vargas, Mike “Pekto” Nacua, John Lapus, Rochelle Pangilinan, Kevin Santos, AJ Dee, Lito Camo, Karl Acosra and the 1996 Olympics silver medalist Onyok Velasco.

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Fresh from being designated as UNESCO’s Artist For Peace, the Philippine Madrigal singers is scheduled to hold a concert entitled “Madz About Love…Madz About Peace” at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on August 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. Also known as Madz, the group has the received distinction “in recognition of their efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among people in Southeast Asia, their contribution to extend Unesco’s message of peace and tolerance, and their dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization.”

They will perform songs that made them bring honor to the country and affirmed their status as icons of Filipino music as well as singles from their upcoming album “Love Continues” under Sony Music. This will be a collection of well-loved classics and contemporary love songs interpreted in the timeless Madrigal fashion. It will feature songs like “How Did You Know,” “Love of My Life,” “Now That I Have You,” “Very Special Love,” “When You Say Nothing At All,” “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever” and “Your Love,” among others.

Founded in 1963 by National Artist for Music Andrea Q. Veneracion, the Philippine Madrigal singers is one of the most awarded choirs in Asia and in the world. The group has consistently won major prizes in the most prestigious international choral competitions for decades. Because of its impressive track record and musical virtuosity, the Philippine Madrigal Singers is regarded as one of the best choirs in the world.

“Madz About Love…Madz About Peace” is presented by Sony Music.

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The first legendary story offered in “Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla,” Tiagong Akyat has quickly climbed its way up the ratings ladder as it achieved a high rating of 27.6% in the nationwide Taylor Nelson Sofres survey results on its pilot episode leaving the other shows on the same timeslot trounced.

Gerald Anderson, lead star of the said series who is currently out of the country because of commitments abroad, is extremely happy over the good news.

“Sobrang unexplainable yung feeling. Lalong nakaka-encourage yung positive feedback ng mga tao. I’m really thankful. The hard work is indeed paying off,” Gerald mentioned in a text message sent to one of the staff members of Agimat.

Director Dondon Santos is also overjoyed with the affirmative response of the viewers. “Nakakatuwa at nakakataba ng puso. Basehan rin kasi namin ang response ng publiko. Napagtanto ko na kaya na ng manonood ng tumanggap ng ibang klaseng genre pagdating sa telebisyon at hindi lamang mga drama series at mga variety shows. Open na rin sila sa mga ganitong klaseng kwento.”