Manny Pacquiao wears many hats.
He used to be a boxer. He is an endorser, an actor, and a singer. He is an incumbent senator who is also running for the top post in the land.
On Saturday afternoon, Pacquiao added another title to his name — esports team owner.
Pacquiao launched Team Pacquiao GG (TPGG) — his very own esports team, holding the launch at City of Dreams in Paranaque.
And for the world’s only eight-division boxing world champion, it was a long time coming.
“Today, we are launching Team Pacquiao to sow the seed of Filipino excellence in international esports competitions,” he said. “Our purpose is to become the pound for pound esports heavyweights of Southeast Asia through community engagements, professional teams, content creation, and charitable giving.
“Team Pacquiao has partnered with Veloce Group (Veloci) to build Team Pacquiao together to something special not only for the Philippines but also for the world. We have brought together a team of five incredibly talented Filipino men and women as founding members of Team Pacquiao, who have accomplished so much in their gaming and streaming careers and also share my vision to create opportunities for those without them.”
Pacquiao knows the ins and outs of this budding industry.
Early this year, he launched his own mobile game “Fighting Pride: The Manny Pacquiao Saga.”
Pacquiao has also endorsed the uber-popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. He even has his own legendary skin and has been immortalized in the esports scene through one of the games heroes in Paquito.
The senator who is championing sports said that the growth of esports is not just a one-off, believing that it is here to stay.
“Most Filipinos identify video gaming as a hobby and possible addiction for younger people that must be supervised. But not anymore. Esports is not just an online phenomenon but a legitimate, growing sporting industry around the world with a lot of job and business opportunities.”
Currently, Team Pacquiao GG is composed of five distinct esports influencers.
Gian Lois “GLOCO” Concepcion is one of the pioneer Youtubers and a creative content creator in the country while “Kimbee” is a TV model and a chef.
There’s also Koleen “Een” Mercado, who is also a model and a successful young entrepreneur in the field of crypto-trading.
“Shin Boo” Ponferrada is a world-renowned esports international commentator and there’s Elyson “Wrecker” Caranza who is known not only as a badass e-gamer but also a philanthropist having raised P15 Million which he donated to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.
Having the right team will ensure that Team Pacquiao GG will be in the industry for the long haul.
“As I step away from boxing, I want to continue to give something back to the Filipino people who have given me so much support and love in my career. We have a lot in store for the community and I can’t wait to be a part of this journey with Team Pacquiao. This is only just the beginning.”
