The singing pastors of the Word Choir were again chosen by Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao to sing the Philippine National Anthem before his long-awaited showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The same group of pastors, who are from different Christian churches in General Santos and Sarangani, sang the Lupang Hinirang when Pacquiao made a triumphant ring return against Chris Algieri in November last year.
“Sa dinami dami ng pinakamagagaling na mga singers pero nabigyan tayo ng chance,” said choir member Mario Layug in an interview with ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol.
Like Pacquiao, who is in the crucial stages of his preparations for his welterweight title unification fight, the singing pastors are also making sure they are in tune before flying to the US on April 24. Come fight day, they will sing front of tens of thousands in attendance and millions watching the bout worldwide.
They are also confident Pacquiao will become the first man to ever beat Mayweather, who boasts an impressive 47-0 record in his professional career.
“Lord proteksyunan mo ang aming Congressman. Ang gwapo niyang mukha manatiling gwapo hanggang siya ay magkaroon ng tagumpay,” said Dadong Gloria.
For more updates on Pacquiao-Mayweather “Fight of the Century,” visit The Pacquiao Files.