The lighter side of Manny

Inside the boxing ring, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is the picture of a prized and an indomitable fighter. The ferocious look that tells his opponent "Watch out, I am going to get you," the rippling biceps ready to throw those mean left punches, the boxing skills primed and proven many times over. Manny is truly the People’s Champ who brings perennial honor to Filipinos and the Philippines.

Manny showed the world once again that he is a true champion when he literally knocked out Mexican boxing biggie, Eric "El Terrible" Morales, in just three rounds. And as Morales would say it after his defeat, "Manny was faster and stronger. I did everything I could but he was just too good for me."

But is there a lighter side to Manny? On Dec. 23 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Open Field, Manny brings joy to Filipinos by singing his heart out in tunes that speak of victory in the face of seeming insurmountable odds. This the People’s Champ does by topbilling the pre-Christmas concert BokSING sa Manila: A Victory Concert.

Manny’s mettle in singing, though only secondary to his athletic prowess, is winning fans for him including my Nanay, who can listen to Para Sa Yo Ang Laban Na ‘To for one month straight. He is one of few who have released an album in 2006 that has reached Platinum status alongside albums of Erik Santos, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual.

Highlight of BokSING is Manny singing his monster hit Para Sa Yo Ang Laban Na ’To which has become the theme song of every Filipino who has never stopped overcoming life’s challenges and obstacles. The song was penned by Manny’s friend and top novelty songwriter Lito Camo.

Joining Manny in BokSING is another hero, a musical one – Filipino-American Allan Pineda Lindo a.k.a. apl.de.ap of The Black Eyed Peas. As everyone knows, Allan, with his famed group, has sold no less than 10 million records, scored trans-Atlantic chartbusters and won nominations and awards from the Grammys to Billboard Music Awards. He did all these via The Black Eyed Peas CDs, Monkey Business and Elephunk, and smash singles My Humps, Don’t Phunk With My Heart, Hey Mama, Shut Up and the anthemic, Where Is The Love (that featured Justin Timberlake).

apl has made known to everyone about his Pinoy roots by writing and performing The Apl Song and Bebot. Both with Filipino lyrics, the first is a homage to the simplicity of Filipino lifestyle and close-knit family relationships (with chorus sampled from Asin’s Balita), while the second celebrates the beautiful Filipina.

Like Manny, apl did not get his success easy. As a kid, apl grew up in poverty in the Philippines until an American couple decided to adopt him. In the US, apl had to contend with racism and ostracism, finding succor – and eventually, salvation – from his music that led to the formation of The Black Eyed Peas.

BokSING will allow Filipinos to see their boxing and singing champ in a different light: Manny as karaoke lover instead of putting boxing opponents to sleep inside an arena, and apl musically sparring solo with Manny instead of performing with The Black Eyed Peas. A once-in-a-lifetime offering no less!

Lending support to Manny and apl in BokSING sa Manila are Camille Velasco, Rae, Nump, Roscoe, Slapshock, All Star Dance and LSDC Street Dancers. BokSing sa Manila will open its gates at 4 p.m., with the front act to follow at 5 p.m. The main event starts at 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ticket prices are P500, P400 and P250. For inquiries and reservations, call 891-9999 or visit TicketWorld website at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Pyro musical show at SM Mall of Asia

As part of the New Year’s Eve countdown celebration, the SM Mall of Asia will have a spectacular pyro musical show provided exclusively by Starmaker, the country’s leading pyrotechnics company. Expect a spellbinding evening as you watch the biggest and the brightest fireworks display ever to be staged in the Philippines. This is the only pyro musical show for the New Year’s Eve. Other venues will also have countdowns and fireworks, however, these are not choreographed with music.

The breathtaking display of lights will start at 7 p.m. with bursts of fireworks only. These fireworks merriment, experienced every hour, will heighten the excitement of the people present as the eve approaches. At the strike of 12 midnight, the much-awaited pyro musical show will begin. Dazzling array of lights in sync with music will paint the night sky as people welcome the year 2007. The SM Mall of Asia show will also feature entertainers like Kim Flores, WCOPA five-time gold-winner, and other performers to enliven the crowd as they wait for the countdown.

Starmaker, known for its international fireworks standards, produces the safest fireworks in the market. Other Starmaker shows are at SM Supercenter Molino on Dec. 30; SM City Lipa, Dec. 30; SM City Dasmariñas, Dec. 25 and 30; SM City Pampanga, Dec. 23; and SM City Marilao, Dec. 23. The company also has regular shows at the Alabang Town Center during Sundays and Robinsons Malls. Starmaker products are available in Starmaker stalls in all SM stores, Robinsons, Market! Market!, Alabang Town Center and selected Rustan’s Supermarket until Dec. 31.