‘Idol’ provides aspiring pugs venue to shine

Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao’s humble beginnings went unnoticed until he won the biggest fights of his scintillating career.

It was practically the same limited media exposure boxing star Nonito Donaire Jr. had before hitting pay dirt.

Up-and-coming boxers won’t have to go through the same route as the fabled Ala Promotions puts up “Idol,” a boxing television series that will chronicle their rise to fame.

“When Pacquiao and Donaire started out, they were hardly noticed. This is an avenue where people could follow the progress of our young boxers,” said Ala Promotions vice president Dennis Canete.

Ala publicity officer Karen Yu, who also graced Tuesday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate, said the show would be aired once every two months on Studio 23 starting Sept. 14. Yu added the show was a product of the highly successful “Pinoy Pride.”

“It aims to produce and establish the next boxing idols and a new generation of boxing stars. We’re promoting not only the fighters but also boxing as a sport,” said Canete.

Pinoy Pride, a brainchild of Cebu-based Ala Promotions headed by Michael Aldeguer, produced the likes of Boom Boom Bautista, AJ Banal, Milan Melindo and Donnie Nietes.

“We hope to help young boxers rise the way Pacquiao or Donaire did. There are many interesting fights that are not shown on TV. This program will provide the avenue,” said Canete.

Idol will showcase unbeaten Filipino super-flyweight Melvin Gumban (15-0) and featherweight Mark Bernaldez (11-0) against Indonesians John Badjawa and Marangin Marbon in its initial salvo.

Canete said Gumban, who knocked out seven opponents, was treated as a hero in his hometown Escalante City, Negros Occidental, where the fights were held on Aug. 24.