Friday, July 22, 2011

...the philanthropist in Pacquiao

Pacquiao donates land for poor

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
July 22, 2011
Manila Bulletin
 
 
MANILA, Philippines — Boxing icon and Sarangani Representative Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao has taken his inner philanthropist to another level by donating three hectares of his land in Sarangani for a housing project to benefit the less fortunate.

“Binili ko ‘yung lupa at binigay ko sa mga tao para magkaroon sila ng sariling bahay... sariling pera ko ang ibinili ko roon, kasi kung gobyerno pa ‘yun, marami pang proseso,” Pacquiao was quoted by ABS-CBN News as saying.

The Sarangani representative, who was hailed as Habitat for Humanity’s newest Hero Ambassador for the deed, said he is happy to give back to the needy, given the love and support that they have continually showered him.

“Natutuwa ako dahil sa suporta na ipinakita sa’kin ng kababayang Pilipino at masaya ako na tumutulong ako sa mga tao,” said he in an interview aired on “Unang Hirit” Friday.

Pacquiao also extends his charitable works through his latest game show, “Manny Many Prizes.”
In the show’s pilot episode last July 16, he gave away a house and lot to 61-year-old contestant John Roldan even though the latter failed to give the right answer in the last round of the show’s main game.

“Masaya ako na tumutulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Pacquiao, who’s now known as the “Pambansang Ninong,” said.

Amid these philanthropic efforts, Pacquiao, one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, is beset with rumors that his wealth is dwindling.

He refuted this, however.

“Ah, talaga? Kaya pala nakabili ako ng bahay sa Forbes,” Pacquiao quipped in the same ABS-CBN News report, pertaining to his multi-million-peso mansion in Forbes Park, Makati City.

In other news, Pacquiao laughed off another rumor that he has fired his business adviser Michael Koncz. As if to disprove the malicious talks, Pacquiao divulged that he was set to meet the latter soon.

"Darating si Michael Koncz. Dala niya ‘yung kontrata nung fight namin against [Juan Manuel] Marquez,” he explained in the “Unang Hirit” interview.

Speculations concerning Pacquiao’s termination of Koncz arose after a post on Pacquiao’s official website announced that he has signed an “extension contract” with VisionQwest Resource Group, inc.
and VisionQwest Accountancy Group to handle all his "accounting, personal and business tax, audits and examinations, as well as all contract reviews.”

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