Photos by Biboy Montuano

[img_assist|nid=2094|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=24|height=24]World Boxing Champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao led the exciting grand opening fiesta of Island Pacific Seafood Market at Canoga Park last Friday, February 12, 2010. Over 1,500 eager guests and customers awaited the legendary hero’s mini concert with songwriter Lito Camo and his MP Band. The first lucky 150 customers received an autographed photo of Pacman, while the others received gift certificates and t-shirts as giveaways of the event.

Pilipino-American artists also came out to celebrate the grand opening. Iconic Pilipino pop band, the Introvoys with Paco Arespacochaga, Bambu, & Jigger performed, as did Michelle Andria, Nikisha; Krizzy, Kim, Dezeree, Ilikea, collectively known as the Asian Dolls also performed. Pilipina model-turned-actress Patricia Javier, and Madonna Decena of Britain’s Got Talent also sang a couple of songs with Manny.

[img_assist|nid=2095|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=center|width=24|height=24]

Non-Pilipinos also came out to show support; not just for Pacquiao who has been dubbed boxing’s “Pound-for-pound King”, but also for the new Island Pacific market that holds the distinction of having the most complete and the freshest selections of seafood in the area. Popular Spanish celebrity Mayra Berenice from the radio station El Gato 103.1 and the Folclorico Mariachi Band were on hand to represent the Hispanic community. 

Traffic stood still as both Filipino and Hispanic fans drove from as far away as Temecula, Orange County, Long Beach, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Carson to get a glimpse of the world-renowned boxing champ. The searchlights beaming in the sky attracted so much attention that the parking lot had to be closed down to accommodate the swarms of supporters that showed up. 

[img_assist|nid=2096|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=center|width=24|height=24]

Manny Pacquiao – the record breaking 7-division boxing champ, arrived on time and signed boxing gloves, belts, and shirts to the delight of his adoring fans. His appearance in support of Island Pacific is in return for the fact that the store has been supporting him by giving him all his supermarket needs each time he trains for a fight here in Los Angeles.

Panalo talaga sa Island Pacific!

Circus artistes, stilt walkers, magic show, juggling and balloon twisting, kiddie jumpers and food sampling from various food distributors entertained the whole family, especially the children. Patricia Javier and the Asian Dolls and former Southborder vocalist Vince Alaras continued to serenade the crowd last Saturday, Feb 13th, and distributed free tickets of Philippine’s Comedy King Dolphy’s US movie premiere. Truly a fun-filled weekend fiesta for everyone! 

A whole new shopping experience awaits Island Pacific Supermarket customers with the opening of its new branch in Canoga Park. Not only Pilipinos but also Hispanics and other Asian ethnicities favor shopping at the fresh seafood section. Located at the western side of San Fernando Valley along Roscoe Blvd corner De Soto Avenue, Island Pacific offers a wide range of the freshest foods, grocery items and home essentials at very affordable prices. Presyong sulit talaga! 

Completing the superb shopping experience only Island Pacific Canoga Park can provide are its wide aisles, clean spaces and of course exciting promotions and excellent customer service. Watch out for the following conveniences!

• Philhouse Hot Food to Go – Take home delicious favorites like kare-kare, adobo, crispy pata, menudo, lechon kawali, at marami pang iba!
• Fresh Seafood Cooked The Way You Like It - They will do it, a’la Dampa-style in Manila, where you choose your seafood and they’ll cook it perfectly for you.
• Alas Kargo -  Wala ng mumura pa
• Money Remittance Service 

Island Pacific Canoga Park will be conveniently accessible not only to Canoga Park but also to other communities in West San Fernando Valley, including Woodland Hills, Northridge, West Hills, Chatsworth, Topanga Canyon, Tarzana, and Reseda. It will open at 8am and close at 9pm everyday.