Pacquiao drops in at NY consul’s party for Fil-Am press club

NEW YORK CITY– Boxing champion and Congressman Manny Pacquiao graced the New York consul general’s reception for the Filipino American Press Club of New York January 16 at ConGen General Mario L. De Leon, Jr.’s residence.

The Sarangani province representative was joined by Filipino-American filmmaker Ryan Moore, who directed the new documentary “Manny,” which chronicles Pacquiao’s life and career of Pacquiao.

Guests arriving at the 2^nd Annual Dinner Reception for networking and community building of FAPCNY were served drinks and appetizers, as Consul General De Leon officially greeted guests and highlighted some national news that made headlines in 2014.

He gave an optimistic overview of the programs to expect in 2015 and noted the support that the Fil-Am press has given in helping propagate the agenda of the Philippines and promote the activities of the Consulate General in the US Northeast.

Consul General and Mrs. Mario De Leon, Jr, along with officers of the Philippine Consulate General New York, Fil-Am Press Club of New York members celebrate their partnership during a reception at the ConGen’s residence. PHOTO BY RENIE TOMAS

Moore discussed his motivations behind his film documentary project, which took five years to make, and his hopes of how it would help shed more understanding of Pacquiao’s rise to prominence from his very humble beginnings in the Philippines.

Moore shared how his grandmother’s life story of devotion to family and fearless determination inspired him to commit himself to the “Manny” project. He eventually enlisted the aid of famed Hollywood celebrities such as Liam Neeson (narrator of the film) and Mark Wahlberg in completing the documentary.

It was Pacquiao’s first time as a guest in the Consul General’s residence. He mentioned that he was in town to promote the release of “Manny,” which hits theaters nationwide on Friday, January 23.

Members of the press club fired questions at the “pound-for-pound king” during an impromptu press conference.

Pacquiao addressed matters concerning his duties as a congressman at the Philippine House of Representatives, his foreseeable plans as a legislative figure, as well as the probability that his much touted bout will Floyd Mayweather, Jr. would happen.

He also encouraged young children to focus on their academic studies and even advised against pursuing a boxing career, citing how it was very tough for him to attain the celebrity athlete status he now holds.

Founded in 2011, the FAPCNY is a private association of Filipino-American journalists and media professionals within the New York Tri-state region. It addresses issues, concerns and advancement of professional Filipino-American journalists.