The other 'Pacquiao'

MANILA, Philippines - Throwing a left hook into the air to simulate the punch that knocked out Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, Manny vowed yesterday to be at his best fighting form in running for president of the fans club he’s planning to organize with a handful of relatives.

That’s Manny Paksiw, not Pacquiao, and the fans club he’s putting up to promote himself can’t seem to get off the ground. The problem is aside from his wife and two children, Paksiw — whose real name is Johnny Dagami —is finding it difficult to enlist any more members.

“Joke only,” laughed Paksiw. “Of course, if ever I form a fans club, it will be for Manny Pacquiao, not for me.”

Paksiw, 36, is a dead-ringer for Pacquiao and has in fact, worked as the six-time world boxing champion’s double in the movie Anak Ng Kumander. Director Tony Bernal introduced Paksiw to Pacquiao about three years ago and they’ve become friends.

Paksiw said he watched the Pacquiao-Hatton fight in the closed-circuit viewing at the Araneta Coliseum.

“I was jumping up and down,” recounted Paksiw who is from Biliran, not General Santos City. “I was lucky to be invited to watch by Solar’s Rico Arce. At first, I was nervous because Hatton looked so strong and started very aggressively. But when Manny knocked him down the first time, I knew it wouldn’t last. Manny makes all of us proud to be Pinoy.”

Paksiw had hoped to be in Las Vegas to witness the fight.

“That’s my dream, to go to the US,” sighed Paksiw. “I’m hoping Manny invites me to watch one of his future fights. I will be his loudest cheerleader. If you think those British fans were loud, you should hear me scream.”

Because of his resemblance to Pacquiao, Paksiw’s showbiz career has perked up.

“My partner Fredy Root and I do a 45-minute comedy act on stage,” said Paksiw. “There’s a lot of joking around, singing and dancing. We also do a boxing spoof. At the start, our talent fee was only P350 to P500 but now, we’re up to P3,000 to P5,000. Our show is a lot of fun. We do gags like we’re boxing in the gym.”

Singing is something Paksiw has in common with Pacquiao.

“I’ve recorded 10 compositions but I’m still looking for a producer,” said Paksiw. “Right now, my best song is Ikaw Ang Inspirasyon Ko which I’m dedicating to Manny. I sent some of my songs to radio stations but I don’t know why they’re not playing them. I hope there’s a promoter out there willing to invest in my career. Sana nga si Bob Arum.”

Paksiw said when he was a kid in Biliran, he used to box in carnivals. “I tried boxing as an amateur but when I lost more than I won, I gave up,” he chuckled. “I’m really a boxing fan more than an electric fan.”

Paksiw said he feels like he’s part of Pacquiao’s family.

“I’ve met Manny’s parents (Rosalio and Dionisia),” continued Paksiw. “Aling Dionisia is very nice. She’s humble, religious, generous and kind just like Manny and me. Hindi ako ibang tao sa kanila. The first time I met Aling Dionisia was when Manny just returned home after fighting (Erik) Morales and we were all at the Manila Hotel. Secretary (Lito) Atienza was still Mayor of Manila at that time.”

As for his choice as Pacquiao’s next opponent, Paksiw said anyone who fights the Filipino icon is destined to lose.

“It’s up to Manny whom he’ll fight but if it’s (Floyd) Mayweather Jr., I think Manny will knock him out sooner than Hatton,” said Paksiw. “Nobody can take Manny’s power. When I doubled for Manny, I saw how strong and fast he is. His hands are really heavy and loaded with power. It doesn’t matter whom he faces — Mayweather or (Juan Manuel) Marquez. Manny will win by knockout.”

Paksiw said he welcomed Pacquiao when he came back from the Hatton fight last May 8 but it was a touchy reunion.

“We had a misunderstanding,” confessed Paksiw. “I told him earlier my father died but Manny’s staff checked it out and confirmed he’s still alive. I got a text from my brother in the province that our father died so I thought he did. I wanted to show the text to Manny. But may tampo na siya sa akin. He thinks I tried to fool him. He was angry and I don’t blame him. I didn’t say a word. I respect him too much. I hope he gives me another chance. If I see him again, I’ll ask for his forgiveness. I’ll say sorry.”

Even as Pacquiao was sore, he still slipped P2,500 into Paksiw’s pocket. Paksiw said it would’ve been more if he weren’t mad.

“I’m a simple guy,” said Paksiw. “I’m sorry for what I did. My ambition in life is only to give my family a little comfort. That’s all I’m working for. Right now, we’re just renting. We don’t have our own house. I’m hoping my showbiz career takes off so I can provide for my wife (Rovilyn Gonzales) and our two kids (Princess, two, and Baby John, six months old).”

Paksiw said Pacquiao’s popularity has given his career a shot in the arm. He used to be a mainstay on Channel 2 shows and is now in demand for public appearances. Paksiw said he has a gig in Tanauan, Batangas, and a guesting on Eat, Bulaga! this weekend.

Paksiw finished only up to second year high school. He worked five years as a printing operator in a Malabon plastics factory then decided to try his luck in showbiz. Paksiw’s comic foil is his “trainer” Fredy Root who is 50-year-old personal reflexology practitioner Romeo Jamero of Bohol in real life.

In showbiz, Paksiw is known as “El Gwapo.”   One of his two calling cards describes him as “a performing artist” and has a picture with Pacquiao. The other card calls him “a stand-up comedian” and shows him in a fighting pose with Fredy Root under the banner “El Gwapo.”

If he were Pacquiao in front of President Arroyo, Paksiw said he would tell the Chief Executive, “to help the poor and to provide our country with a sincere leadership that will make us grow as a nation.”

And if Pacquiao runs for Congress, Paksiw said he’ll be the first to volunteer for the campaign. “I will support Manny in whatever he does and in any way I can,” said Paksiw. “I know in his heart, Manny wants to serve our people. I’m ready to campaign for him. Manny is and will always be my idol.”

(Paksiw may be contacted by email — [email protected] — or his cellphone 0921-2579605.)