Jericho sees self in Manny

When Manny Pacquiao beat Mexico’s Eric Morales in a return match early this year, the whole country, especially the masa, rallied behind him. Pacquiao is the classic example of a poor boy made good, a success story that should serve as inspiration for other people with humble beginnings to rise above themselves and, why not, be hailed as a hero.

Early in life, Pacquiao had known poverty but it didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream not just to be a boxer but to be a champion boxer. He helped contribute to the family’s meager income by selling bread (doughnuts) baked by neighbors, hawking the stuff on the streets of General Santos City.

Years later, it was in those same streets where Pacquiao passed, not on foot but standing in an open car, paraded around the city beaming with pride after that Las Vegas victory over Morales, cheered on by the same people to whom he probably sold bread (doughnuts).

Through it all, Pacquiao has remained humble and down-to-earth, making him a true role model not only for his kababayan in General Santos City but for people and dreamers around the country.

"But I am not a saint," said Pacquiao. "I am just human and I have my faults, too."

His success story – probably some his "faults" whatever they may be – will be showcased in the movie, co-produced by Star Cinema and FLT Films, which will be shown end of this month, prior to his bout with Oscar Larios, also a Mexican like Morales.

Pacquiao The Movie stars Jericho Rosales in the title role, with Bea as Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee.

"I love the role," said Jericho who himself is a product of the masses, another achiever who aimed high and hit his mark. "Playing Pacquiao gave me an insight into a boxer’s life. It’s a hard life. I can’t imagine how Pacquiao’s body can take all those blows. It takes more than guts to be a boxer, that’s why I take my hat off to Pacquiao."

Pacquiao The Movie is directed by Joel Lamangan who promised to give the movie a "human interest" touch, much like that way Hollywood movies of the same genre (Raging Bull with Robert DeNiro, Cinderella Man with Russell Crowe, etc.) were done.

"There are so many heart-touching sidelights to Pacquiao’s story, most of them not known to the public," said direk Joel. "The movie will make people love and idolize Pacquiao all the more."