MANILA, Philippines - Wrestling superstar Dave Batista, who proudly calls himself Pinoy, is back in town.
Yesterday, at the elegant Crowne Plaza Galleria in Ortigas, the 40-year-old bouncer, lifeguard, bodybuilder and wrestler rolled into one launched a new energy drink called Xplode, and talked about the other great Filipino fighters today.
The 6-foot-6, 290-pound wrestler, who has a Filipino father, was a hit the moment he stepped on stage in his tight jeans, leather shoes and True Religion shirt. The massive five-time heavyweight champion smiled most of the time.
“My schedule is very hectic but now I’m looking forward to coming here more often because I just found a new excuse to be here,” said Batista, who described the new energy drink “as explosive” as he is when he’s up in the square ring.
“This product is who I am — explosive. I’m a very driven person,” said the wrestler as he held up a bottle of Xplode.
Batista in here just for a couple of days but said despite his chaotic schedule he still finds time to troop to the gym and pump it up. He said it just makes him “feel better” everytime he works out, and his huge, bulging muscles say so.
During the open forum, The STAR threw a question what comes to Batista’s mind when he thinks of the Filipino athlete.
“Of course, there’s only one answer and that’s Manny Pacquiao. He’s just leading the way. He’s an unbelieavable athlete,” said the wrestling superstar of the Pinoy boxing champion whom he considers a friend.
Batista led Pacquiao up to the ring when the latter faced Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last May. He’s not the first wrestling superstar to do the honor, just next to “The Undertaker” in one of the Erik Morales fights.
“The world is just realizing how great an athlete Manny Pacquiao is. I consider him a friend. We had some time together when I walked him up to the ring. We got to sit down and talk,” added the gentle giant who’s now into acting as well.
He said he’d just done a movie that will come out sometime next year, but added that it was “a small part” and that he won’t think twice doing a movie with Pacquiao if and when an offer comes.
“There were some talks but I would love to. I’m a big fan,” said Batista, who dropped a couple of Filipino words such as salamat (thank you) and mahal kita (I love you), when asked if he knew any.
The Bruce Lee fan wouldn’t mind playing the villain’s role with Pacquiao because in the movies “even the good guys do something bad.”
He also mentioned the name of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) standout Brandon Vera, who’s also a Filipino.
“Filipino fighters are just making waves out there. And it’s because of good work ethics,” added Batista, who just happens to be one of them.