He was there when Manny Pacquiao stopped Marco Antonio Barrera in Texas in 2003 and was around when the Filipino boxing idol drew with Juan Manual Marquez in Las Vegas in 2004.
When Pacquiao decked Fahsan 3K Battery in Taguig last December, he was there on top of the ring, waving the big Philippine flag before and after the match that ended in three rounds.
Definitely, Aquino will be back in the picture when Pacquiao goes up against Mexico’s Erik Morales at the MGM Grand on March 19. In fact, he has booked himself a ticket to Las Vegas on the 16th.
Aquino, the bubbly Chinese-looking businessman and gun enthusiast, will bring with him two "balikbayan" boxes containing 200 Pacquiao t-shirts and bandanas and 30 colorful jackets.
Aquino said these would be distributed to members of the Pacquiao entourage before the fight. And while supply lasts, some lucky fans will also get their hands on the goodies – for free.
"Kaunti lang naman," said Aquino when asked how much he spent for the giveaways. "Gusto ko lang makatulong kahit konti sa pangarap nating lahat na manalo si Manny."
His plane ticket alone would cost Aquino close to P100,000. And this does not include the $400 (P21,000) ringside ticket he has reserved for himself on fight night.
But for Aquino, it’s doesn’t really matter how much they all cost. For as long as he gets to see his ring idol in flesh fighting for flag and country. Truly, he’s no ordinary Pacquiao fan. — Abac Cordero