Mo’ Manny Mo’ Money

Manny Pacquiao x Nike Air Trainer 1

As Filipinos and boxing fans prepare for the May 2nd fight, the Pac Man merch frenzy has been blazing since the Dela Hoya months ago. Btw, best to your retirement Golden Boy. So if you haven’t picked them up already, Niketown San Francisco and Las Vegas are selling limited-edition Official Manny Pacquiao Nike shirts in SF Giants colors (retail $22). Why the SF Giants colors? This past April 21st, the SF Giants hosted “Filipino Heritage Night” where 10,000 Manny Pacquiao bobbleheads were given out. Guest of honor, Manny Pacquiao threw the first pitch to none other than SF Giants’ ace Tim Lincecum, who is also part-Filipino. That’s a milestone in Filipino American history no?

If you’re still not satisfied, on the day of the Hatton fight, May 2nd, Nike will be releasing very limited numbers of Manny Pacquiao Nike Air Trainers (see photo). 100 pairs will be distributed to Niketown San Francisco and Las Vegas along with a couple more accounts. This was probably a long time coming- I’m sure fans were expecting a Pac Man shoe since Manny signed onto Nike in 2006.The odds of getting a pair of those Air Trainers? Hmmm… let’s say you may have to line up a night or two early.

Wait there’s more Manny merch… Franco Shade has created a limited-edition Pac Man Foundation shirts, where all proceeds benefit the Manny Pacquiao Foundation for underpriviledged children in the Philippines.

Oh yeah, those Franco Shade shirts are sold out. I just checked. For a great shirt that’s going to a great cause, hopefully they’ll produce a few more. Only 500 shirts made?

However, if you’re still in the Bay Area, head over to Fatlace, for your Official Nike Team Pacquiao shirts! Black and white tees from what I’ve seen. They should be in stock still.

And let’s say after the May 2nd fight, you’re still hungry for some Pinoy Pride merchandise, the SF Giants are hosting “Filipino Heritage Night II” on Wednesday, September 16th. No bobbleheads here, but the t-shirt giveaway is pretty awesome. Props to the designer.

Despite harsh times in our economy, this is Pinoy Pride at its finest ya’ll, and to many (or Manny I should say), it’s worth every penny!

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Here’s something I would like to share from Wikipedia: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is “an autoimmune disease affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually triggered by an acute infectious process. It is frequently severe and usually exhibits as an ascending paralysis noted by weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper limbs and the face along with complete loss of deep tendon reflexes. With prompt treatment by plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulins and supportive care, the majority of patients will regain full functional capacity…”

My reason for sharing information about GBS is because one of my best friends has been diagnosed with the disease last week. A couple weeks prior, he complained about headaches, nausea, and weakness in the legs. His wife took him to the ER twice and went back home after each visit. Then last Saturday, he couldn’t move. He collapsed as his wife tried to help him off of bed. So an ambulance was called and he was taken to the ER. He was later admitted to intensive care, where he still remains.

Just to keep this brief, the news was completely shocking and frightening all at once because many of us have never heard about GBS. This disease can happen to anyone at anytime. He is currently intubated as we speak and may be at the peak of highest weakness. I’ve finally got a chance to see him a couple nights ago and it’s been absolutely heartbreaking. Can’t find any more words to describe. Plus there’s not much more to say at this time. The disease is running its course day by day. We’re constantly reminded that “majority of patients will regain full functional capacity.” All we can do is pray- for his wife, his 4-month old baby girl, family, and friends.

So many thoughts continue to race through my mind. I’ve been sharing them with other friends and family as means of mental therapy. I want to also share this with anyone reading my blogs as well. Remember to please value your life and the ones you love- because you never know. I’ll continue to keep posted…