RIGHT after the kick off leg of the press  promo tour of   Pacquiao-Marquez third rematch on Nov. 12 over the   weekend at the Manila   Hotel and at the Quirino Grandstand, our ‘Pambansang Kamao” again  hit  the  headlines.

Our national dailies and tabloids  as expected  were all for our very own   Congressman Manny.

It is but natural for every Filipino  to  cheer for his countryman and  the   kick off leg of the promo tour was a resounding success.

The only thing that went wrong  was before the press conference.

As soon as I arrived at the lobby of  Manila Hotel,  I received a text message  from my wife telling me that it’s  hard to get inside the presscon venue ‘coz it was  reported over GMA News TV  that the presscon was by invitation and only selected few  mediamen were allowed inside  with sitting arrangements.

I still moved on, and found out later at the reception of the presscon  venue that a lot of media friends were told to wait at the reception  area.

I approached one of  the   receptionist and showed my People’s Tonight identification card. She   asked me if I  had  received an invitation I said “no” and she directed  me  to  register in another table.

At the registration table I showed my ID again and the receptionist handed it to a lady behind  her. “Kilala  ko to ah!” she said.

I looked  at  the  lady and it was Madame  Beth, a  colleague I   haven’t    seen for about  10   years.

The receptionist immediately handed me a presscon ID.   Thanks a lot, Madame Beth.

Presscon for sporting events like  the Pacquiao-Marquez rematch should be open to the legitimate sportswriters, sports columnists, sports reporters in print and broadcast entities.

Other beat reporters like entertainment, political. police, I think, verification should  be   done if they are assigned by their  mother units to cover sporting events.

The GMA News TV report and  the  press   promo tour kick off organizers  are quite irresponsible. World  Press Promo tour should be open to  legitimate mediamen.

After all,   Pacquiao was quoted as saying, “open yan sa lahat ng  mga  kasamahan  natin sa media.”

Anyway, high altitude training of   Pacquiao starts in a few days at Shape Up Boxing Gym inside Cooyesan  Hotel Plaza in Baguio City.

This is the real stamina and endurance build up for Pacman.

Preparations underway at Shape Up Gym and Cooyesan Hotel Plaza for another month long of hosting team Pacquiao.        

Strict security  measures will be implemented  especially to  fans seeking signatures for their memorabilia.

It  will always depend on the availability of  the  good Congressman.

Fans are off limits to the training area.

According to coach Boy Catolico, head coach of Shape Up boxing gym, Pacman’s training in Baguio will boost the morale of his wards.

“Sana dito na manggagaling sa Shape Up boxers and susunod sa mga yapak ni Manny Pacquiao,” Catolico said.


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Erwin Velez of Villa Elisa, Imus  Cavite – Pacquaio wins by K.O. in the early rounds. “Basta maitama nya  combinations nya. Mabigat  na  ang kamay ng welterweight.”

Roberto Panelo of Irisan, Baguio City  --  “Pacquiao pa rin ako. Mananalo sya huwag lang magkompyansa.”

Alfredo Veras of Agoo, La Union  --  “Dapat ingatan ni Manny Pacquiao yung counter kasi dyan magaling si Marquez. Pacquiao pa rin ako.”

Leonardo Marinas of Agoo, La Union  --  “Die hard Pacquiao ako. Mananalo sya by K.O. not later than the 5th round.”


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