In his upcoming battle against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. this Saturday, May 2 (May 3 in the Philippines), Manny Pacquiao will have in his corner fellow Kapuso stars who, along with millions of Filipinos, have followed his journey to greatness. And as fight day draws near, various GMA artists voice out their support for their fellow Kapuso, friend and countryman.
“ Isa si Manny sa mga hinahangaan ko di lamang sa kanyang galing sa boxing kundi na rin sa kanyang matatag na pananampalataya at pagmamahal sa bayan,” says Dingdong Dantes.
“This is one of the biggest highlights not just for Manny’s career but also for the history of the Filipino people. Sabay ng tagumpay ni Pacman ang tagumpay ng bawat Pilipino. You make us proud, Kapuso!” he cheers.
And in the biggest fight of Pacquiao’s career, Marian Rivera-Dantes, who costarred with him in the comedy series Show Me Da Manny, expresses the sentiments of many. “Hangad ko, kasama ng buong sambayanang
Pilipino, ang iyong tagumpay. Nawa’y gabayan ka ng ating Panginoon sa iyong muling pagsampa sa ring at patuloy ka pang maging inspirasyon sa marami.”
His past co-stars have nothing but good words for the man who has shown heart, courage and loyalty in and out of the ring. “We are praying for your victory. As with all your past fights, we know you’ll make us proud to be Filipino,” says Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, who starred with Pacquiao in the boxing-themed series Totoy Bato. “You have poured your heart in uniting the Filipino people, and for that, we are grateful. To God be the glory!”
Despite many years in the spotlight, Manny’s fellow Kapuso artists attest to the man’s humility which has kept this man’s feet planted firmly on the ground.
“Manny is very easy to work with and treats everyone equally. He’s funny and likes to sing on set,” shares his MP Featuring Sport Science cohost Solenn Heussaff. “Manny is every Pinoy’s pride and I know he won’t disappoint.”
“I have nothing but praises for him,” says Lovi Poe, who also worked with Pacquiao on Show Me Da Manny. “He’s a very successful man who is idolized by almost everybody in the world yet he showed nothing but humility.”
While Pacquiao is known worldwide as one of the greatest boxers in recent history, in his home country, he is all that and more. Having shown great passion not just for the sport, but the country he represents, Pacquiao has truly proven himself to be a true Kapuso.
“Manny has been such an inspiration to each Filipino. Each time he faces an opponent in the ring, it is not just for a title but also for Filipino pride. We thank you, Manny and we support you all the way!” says Carla Abellana.
Dennis Trillo also extends his support for the Filipino boxing hero saying, “Kasama mo kami, Pacman, at ang buong sambayanang Pilipino sa laban mong ito. Sa bawat suntok at ilag na iaalay mo para sa ating bansa, nais din naming iparating sayo ang aming taos pusong paghanga at pasasalamat. Ipinagmamalaki ka namin, Kapuso!“
Truly the People’s champ in and out of the ring, Pacquiao has proven to be a unifying force for the nation.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa ‘yo Manny for all the pride and glory you have given the Filipino people. And once again, we unite as one nation as we pray for you and give our all-out support. The Filipinos are all behind you,” expresses Tom Rodriguez.
And on Saturday, as Pacquiao proudly enters the ring to fight for the Filipino people, his fellow Kapuso will all exclaim in unison, “Go Manny!”