In Huddle
Anyone know Pacman’s mystery girl in green?
By Beth Celis
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:40:00 01/13/2008
Filed Under: Boxing, Basketball, Sport
MANILA, Philippines -- For the benefit of the very curious—that includes me—I text-messaged some people known to be very close to boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in an effort to identify the girl in green he was kissing in that now controversial set of internet-spread photos.
I texted about 5 people but the responses I got were all negative.
Not that they were covering up for the recently dubbed “Pambansang Chickboy,” they just really didn’t know who she is.
My impression is that the photo of Manny kissing a girl on the lips was no big deal to his friends. Nobody even knows where or when the shot was taken.
* * *
I thought I’d get an answer to my query when my mobile phone rang and Reli de Leon’s name registered on the screen. Reli is a close business associate of the “Pacman.”
But the girl in green was farthest from Reli’s mind.
He was thinking of the man in the purple velvet, the Black Nazarene.
Reli said he had just read my column on Black Nazarene devotees and had something interesting to add.
* * *
“Manny may not be a devotee but he is a firm believer in the power of the Black Nazarene,” Reli said.
“I know because I was the one who went to the Quiapo parish just before his last fight against Juan Antonio Barrera to have his shorts blessed.”
According to Reli, it has become a ritual for Manny to have his shorts blessed by priests from the Quiapo church.
“He has done it in his last six fights and he has won all of them: Two against Erik Morales, one each against Velasquez, Solis, Larios and Barrera.”
But as far as the girl in green is concerned, Reli said he knows absolutely nothing.
* * *
Winning the Feb. 2 bout against VicDarchinyan in Cebu could be the passport of Z Gorres to his first ever world title. Gorres continues to be one of the more promising Filipino pugilists but he has yet to win a title. He lost his first attempt also in Cebu against Fernando Montiel via a split decision.
The Armenian boxer has won over Filipinos Diosdado Gabi, Federico Catabay and Glen Donaire by KO, but lost to the latter’s younger brother Nonito in his last fight.
* * *
Gabby Espinas of Air 21 and his wife were already seated at the table next to ours when other cagers arrived: Ginebra’s JJ Helterbrand, Rafi Reavis and Michael Holper.
I asked Ginebra assistant coach Allan Caidic, who was in our table, if there was an occasion to celebrate at the Saisaki Restaurant, West Avenue. I was wondering what brought the four together, Espinas being an odd man out.
The three were all Fil-Ams and all playing for Ginebra.
Allan said there was no occasion. The four just get together regularly to bond.
Maybe the common denominator is Japaese food, which they all love.
On the other hand, they too, could be wondering at the strange combination in our table: Allan, fellow-columnist Ronnie Nathanielzs, Bacchus coach Lawrence Chongson, Legends USA foundation secretary general Rufino Ignacio and myself.
We love Japanese food too.
|
