By Claire Ramos
Manny Pacquiao. “Pacman”. Pound-for-pound best Boxer. Singer. Humanitarian.
And now…Actor!
If you weren’t previously aware, and didn’t catch Manny’s recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live , this may be news to you. Pacquiao stars in “Wapakman”, a movie to be released Christmas Day (Dec. 25) 2009 in the Philippines at the Metro Manila Film Festival. Directed by Topel Lee and featuring WWE Superstar Batista and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, the film is said to fall under the genres of Action, Comedy, and Sci-Fi. In addition, this film also features Rufa Mae Quinto, Keanna Reeves, Jojo Alejar, Benjie Paras, Long Mejia, Mica Torre and Olympic Boxing Silver Medalist Onyok Velasco.
And the plot? It’s the classic ‘ordinary-man-turned-superhero’ theme, complete with all the complications that come with such an experience. Manny’s character, Mango, is an all around family man who lives for his five kids while his wife works as a nurse in Italy. One night, in an unfortunate accident, a car crashes into his truck and causes a huge explosion. It turns out that an organic substance known as the Walo-walo, which stores energy and is almost as powerful as nuclear energy, caused the explosion. Incredibly, Mango not only survives the blast completely unharmed, but actually awakens feeling like a new and better person - lighter, stronger, and faster. He uses these newfound powers to become a better father, and in the process, takes on the identity of Wapakman, their favorite superhero.
However, when his newfound responsibilities of being a savior conflicts with being a parent, and his wife, Magda, arrives to take the kids to Italy with her, Mango is forced to choose between heroics or family. Not wanting to lose the kids, but also holding the responsibility of heroism, Mango needs to make a decision, and quickly. Oh, and don’t forget, every superhero has an arch enemy, and this story is no different – which is where Batista comes into the picture.
So, how will everything play out? Just like everybody else, we’ll have to wait, and watch…
Sources:
· IMDB
Comments
IMBD doesn't say anything about Nicole Scherzinger playing his wife... says Rufa Mae Quinto has that role. And I don't see Nicole at all in the trailer...
The Nicole Scherzinger thing is pretty interesting, especially considering we don't hear her talk about her Filipino side that much...
If I remember correctly, the shooting of this film was one of the reasons that delayed the start of Pacman's training camp for the "Firepower" battle against Cotto later tonight.
Hopefully, Manny brings his superpowers to the ring and handle business!