Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Manny Pacquiao Returns to ABS-CBN

Filipino boxing hero Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao renewed his ties with ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., which will air his next matches including his highly-anticipated superfight with British superstar Ricky Hatton on May 2.

"Pagkatapos kong pag-isipang mabuti nilapitan ko ang ABS-CBN. Napagpasyahan ko pong makipag partner muli sa kanila,” Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound king, said via ABS-CBN's TV Patrol.

"Sarili ko po itong desisyon," he added. "Sa ABS-CBN mapapanood nyo ang laban ko kay Ricky Hatton at ang mga susunod ko pa pong mga laban."

Pacquiao and ABS-CBN have collaborated in some of his fights, including the one against Mexican Oscar Larios in July 2006. The broadcasting network also aired his matches to Filipinos overseas through ABS-CBN's The Filipino Channel.

"Wala pong pagbabago. Ang laban ko rin po ay laban po nating lahat mga Pilipino, kahit saan mang sulok ng mundo."

Pacquiao also appealed for support from his fans especially in his upcoming fight against Hatton, who is considered as his toughest match to date.

"Sana po, lagi nyo po akong ipagdasal sa mga darating ko pang laban, lalung lalo na this coming May second," said the Filipino champ, who also thanked his former network GMA-7 by saying, "Nagpapasalamat ako sa aking mga dating media partner."

ABS-CBN welcomed the return of Pacquiao even as it assured its support for his campaign against Hatton.

"We are very happy with the decision of Manny Pacquiao to be his partner in future fights, including the Pacquiao-Hatton fight on May 2. As his former media partner, we shall support Manny's campaign to bring honor to the Philippines and to his kababayans here and around the world," said Bong Osorio, ABS-CBN Head of Corporate Communications, in a statement.

"To Manny, we say, 'Welcome home, Kapamilya'," he added.

Osorio said that Pacquiao has signed a letter of intent with ABS-CBN which will cover the Hatton match and possibly three or more fights thereafter.

On questions about Pacquiao's contract with Solar Sports Entertainment, Osorio said the boxer will later answer queries to explain his decision.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao has reportedly long been wanting to return to ABS-CBN according to actress and talk show host Kris Aquino.

Aquino said in her program Showbiz News Ngayon that she greeted Pacquiao's wife Jinkee through text messaging after receiving news that the boxer has reopened his partnership with the network.

"Katext ko kanina si Mareng Jinkee Pacquiao at sinabi kong 'welcome back, balik Kapamilya ulit kayo'," said Aquino.

The talk show host said Jinkee replied back with: "Alam mo mare, matagal na talagang gusto ni Manny magbalik sa ABS-CBN at siya talaga ang may gusto at gumawa ng paraan para maging Kapamilyang muli."

Watch Pacquiao Announces His ABS-CBN Comeback:




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Mildred Patricia Baena