Pacman meets the Madman

LAS VEGAS — Concert king Martin Nievera was warmly welcomed by Manny Pacquiao in his Wynn Las Vegas Hotel luxury suite the morning after Erik Morales was stopped in the 10th round at the Thomas and Mack Center here Saturday night.

Nievera was led to Pacquiao’s bedroom where they embraced and talked about their common love, music. The singer gave Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee an autographed copy of his latest album "When Love Is Gone."

Nievera was accompanied by Katrina Ojeda, a schoolteacher, and her parents Jose Mari and Christy.

"What a great feeling to be with Manny," gushed Nievera after meeting the Pacman. "I watched his fight in the stadium and cheered myself hoarse. He was awesome. I guess it’s not a good idea for me to schedule a concert after Manny fights. It’s not good for my voice."

Nievera, a professional singer the last 24 years and still going strong, said Pacquiao cracked that his first album "Para Sa ’Yo Ang Laban Na ’To" is posing a stiff challenge to his records in the market.

"He ribbed me about it," related Nievera. "I told Manny if he keeps on recording, I might start boxing. My mom (Conchita) phoned me from Manila after she saw his MTV and told me he’s good. Do you know that the same concert promoters who sign up singers like Gary (Valenciano) and me are now offering shows to Manny?"

Nievera said despite Pacquiao’s ring success, the fame hasn’t gone to his head.

"He’s still the same Manny," said Nievera. "He hasn’t changed from how he was before. It’s great that he remains humble, religious and caring."

Nievera asked for Pacquiao’s autograph which he readily signed on a poster.

What impressed Nievera was Pacquiao’s physical condition.

"I touched his arms and felt his abs," continued Nievera. "They’re like rock. He prepared long and hard for the rematch and it paid off. He sacrificed a lot to get into shape, staying away from his family during Christmas and New Year’s Day. I watched the first fight against Morales and I thought the cut from the headbutt made the difference because Manny couldn’t see from his right eye starting the fifth round and couldn’t do what he planned. I thought Morales pissed off Manny in the rematch and when Manny’s pissed off, watch out. Manny’s a real inspiration to all Filipinos."

Nievera, who celebrates his birthday on Feb. 5, is close to signing a long-term contract to perform at the soon-to-open Steve Warrick Theater in the Desert Passage of the Aladdin Hotel and Casino on the strip. He’s been offered a one to three-year contract but Nievera said he’s inclined to commit for a year, with a break every two to three months to return to Manila and reconnect with his fans.

The theater is named after Las Vegas’ latest star magician known as the "new" David Copperfield. Nievera said he will likely begin performing in June.

Nievera offered to sing the National Anthem in the ring for the Pacquiao-Morales rematch but his call came too late. Viva recording artist Jen Bautista was given the honor about a month before Nievera’s offer.

Bautista sang the National Anthem with a minus-one while Latino sensation Jon Secada did a-capella versions of the Stars and Stripes and the Mexican National Anthem.

"I told Manny to just call me if ever he wants me to do anything for him," said Nievera. "I’m Manny’s biggest fan and it’s my honor to do what I can for him."

World Boxing Council lightflyweight champion Brian Viloria’s manager Gary Gittelsohn has asked Nievera to sing the National Anthem for his first title defense against Jose Antonio Aguirre of Mexico here on Feb. 18.

Nievera flew here last Christmas. Katrina is a New York University master’s degree holder in special education and teaches at a private school, Meadows, owned by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. Katrina’s father Jose Mari is a cabin crew inspector and consultant of the Air Transporation Office. Jose Mari’s father Manuel was the manager of former world junior welterweight champion Roberto Cruz. A former licensed boxing judge, Jose Mari used to take boxing lessons from and spar with Cruz as a kid.

After the Pacquiao-Morales fight Saturday night, Nievera was contracted by Italian boxing promoter Dean Delorean and Filipino businessman Allan Mallari to host a victory party at the Flamingo Hilton here. Tickets were priced at $75 and $150 with proceeds earmarked for charity. Over 500 patrons came to watch Nievera and celebrate Pacquiao’s triumph.

Nievera sang about 20 songs. The party started at 10 p.m. and broke up at about midnight.