Even with a busy schedule, Senator Manny Pacquiao pledged to continue supporting the Letran basketball program.
After the Colegio de Letran de San Juan Knights dispatched the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers for solo third in the standings, head coach Jeff Napa disclosed that he, together with the team’s coaching staff, had met with Pacquiao on Wednesday evening after the Mahindra Enforcer’s win over the San Miguel Beermen.
Napa, who had met Pacquiao for the first time, admitted that he had been a little starstruck with boxing’s only eight-division world champion.
“Siyempre iba yun, Manny Pacquiao na yun, Hall of Famer ay legend na yan. It’s a great experience kasi first time ko rin lang siya na-meet,” the mentor added.
“Sobrang down to earth, yun nga, nag-chess pa nga sila ni Father [Vic Calvo]. Talagang, kahit saang sport ata magaling, ultimo chess, ang galing.”
During the dinner, Pacquiao vowed to surprise the Knights this season and watch the Muralla Street cagers live. The fighting-Senator last saw the Knights live last October during the title-clinching Game Three win of Letran over San Beda.
“Sabi lang naman ni Manny, all throughout 110 percent ang suporta niya,” Napa shared. “Sobrang busy lang ng boss namin kaya hindi siya nakakapanood.”
“Sabi niya naman he finds ways para makapanood siya ng game. Mambubulaga na lang daw siya sa mga bata.”