Princess steals show from her famous dad Manny Pacquiao in his concert.

Text and photos

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Fresh from his victory over Joshua Clottey, “Fighter of the Decade” awardee Manny Pacquiao immediately took the stage upon his arrival at the packed SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. To everyone’s surprise, his daughter Princess followed him up the steps and started dancing to her dad’s singing. A huge smile of pride and joy broke on the champ’s face watching her spinning around and waving her arms to the delight of the crowd. By the next chorus Manny was giving her the mic and had her singing along.

-First Time cast from left: Joshua Dionisio Barbie Forteza and Jhake Vargas

Mom Jingkee Pacquiao later on said that neither parent had told their daughter to do it, “She did it on her own; at home she really loves to sing and dance. But we didn’t expect her to do it in front of the crowd.” Thousands of fans waited hours to get a glimpse of the national icon. And yet the throngs of well wishers did not intimidate the 4 year old toddler. Older brothers Jemuel and Michael in contrast timidly greeted their pa. The showbiz and singing streak is only showing in Princess for now. Their youngest sister Queen Elizabeth, less than a year old was not with them for the concert.

Spongecola’s Yael Yuzon with Izza Calzado

Noticeably absent during the concert were former DENR Secretary LitoAtienza and  Ilocos Sur Gubernatorial candidate Chavit Singson. Atienza was one of the instrumental figures in providing training for Pacquiao at an early age while Singson has been supporting his boxing career since he was 16 years old.

The lovely Jennelyn Mercado sang “Everlasting Love”

Manny said, “Pareho silang impurtante sa buhay ko kahit di pa ko kampeon, eleksyon man o wala. Kaya natural lang na maksama ko sila sa lahat ng tagumpay ko. Wag na sanang ipagakait o intriga ang pagtanaw ko ng utang na loob.” (They are both important in my life even before I was champion, whether or not it’s election season. Having them with me in my triumphs is only natural. I hope they don’t deny my way of showing gratitude towards them.) Even before his arrival critics have attacked ‘polticians’ hanging on to his fame and using him to endorse their candidacies. Atienza is currently running for Mayor in the city of Manila.

This was the third time that the arrival concert had been held at Mall of Asia. In between songs Manny received a Global Pinoy card from SM Supermalls Pres. Annie Garcia, Mall of Asia AVP for Operations Steven Tan and SM Cinema Head Ed Tejerero.

Starstruck finalists from left: Sarah Lahbati, Rocco Nacino and Diva Montelaba

Dance numbers were performed by “Starstruck” finalists Sarah Lahbati, DivaMontelaba, Rocco Nacino and “First Time” cast Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio and Jhake Vargas. The Mocha Girls also warmed up the crowd. Sarah Lahbati is Starstruck’s Ultimate Female Survivor; she fulfilled a lifelong dream meeting Pacquiao. She was into boxing during her high school years in Europe. Spongecola performed their inspiring hit “Puso” which became a UAAP soundtrack. Jennelyn Mercado serenaded boxing’s first couple with “Everlasting Love”. During the performance she approached the champ and asked him to kiss Jingkee.