Arnel Pineda to sing anthem in Pacquiao-Clottey bout

MANILA, Philippines -- It's confirmed.

Arnel Pineda, the Filipino front man of popular American rock band "Journey," will sing the Philippine national anthem in Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s much-awaited fight with Ghanaian Joshua "The Grand Master" Clottey on March 13 (March 14 in Manila) at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

In an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Pineda confirmed that he was invited by Pacquiao to sing "Lupang Hinirang" in his upcoming fight.

"Pupunta ako sa Dallas to sing sa laban ni Manny [Pacquiao].This Thursday [ang alis ko]. (I am going to Dallas this Thursday to sing in Pacquiao's fight.)," Pineda said.

"I'm really happy kasi matutuloy na. Nahihiya na ako kay Manny kasi pangatlong invitation na ito sa akin. Baka kasi isipin ay iniisnab ko. So finally, matutuloy na. (This is my third invitation from Manny who might think I'm snubbing him. I'm happy this is finally pushing through), " he said.

The crooner said he was not able to sing in Pacquiao's previous fights because of his hectic schedule as Journey's vocalist.

Pineda, who was introduced over the phone to Pacquiao by common friends, was also present during the boxer's birthday party in General Santos last December.

Pineda is currently part of ABS-CBN's weekly variety show "ASAP XV."

Aside from singing in the Pacquiao-Clottey bout, Pineda is also set to fly back to US this coming

Steven Seagal wants movie with Pacquiao

LOS ANGELES, California – Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao had dinner with action star Steven Seagal in Hollywood early this week, Balitang America reported.

Pacquiao and Seagal talked about the possibility of doing a movie or concert together.

“We had a great time together. The time just flew by,” said Pacquiao.

"We discussed the possibility of working together in movies and making joint concert appearances," he added.

Both men had plenty of common interests, both being accomplished fighters, actors, and musicians.

“We also discovered that we share a bond in Asian philosophy and philanthropy. I invited Steven to be with me at Jerry Jones’ Cowboys Stadium on March 13 when I defend my World Welterweight title against Joshua Clottey and he accepted,” Pacquiao added.

Seagal currently stars on A&E’s popular reality series “Steven Seagal Lawman.”

Meanwhile in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather Sr. says the world does not care about Pacquiao’s fight against Clottey. The Mayweather camp continues to blame the Filipino boxing champion for the failed Mayweather Jr. – Pacquiao Dream Match.

“Who wouldn’t fight for that kind of money? I think it was $40 million, something like that. They will both get that kind of money. I think that he’s scared,” said Mayweather Sr.

The Mayweather camp however said they are still open to the possibility of fighting Pacquiao in the future.

Krista leaves for US minus Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Controversial actress Krista Ranillo left Manila for the US on Christmas Eve to spend time with her family.

Ranillo’s grandmother, Gloria Sevilla, and aunt, Suzette Ranillo, accompanied her on the trip last December 24.

The elusive actress declined to be interviewed and rushed to enter the airport terminal.

“Pagbalik na lang, boarding na kasi,” the actress replied to requests for interviews.

On Wednesday, the sexy actress was a no-show at the premiere night of the fantasy film, “Wapakman” with lead star Manny Pacquiao, whom she was rumored to be romantically linked.

Instead, Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee, was with him during the movie’s premiere night amid reports that she might snub the event.

Krista also did not show up during the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines’ Parade of Stars, the following day.

“Sanay na kami sa intriga. Sa tanda kong ito, sanay na kami dyan,” Suzette said regarding the rumored affair between her niece and the Pambansang Kamao.

Pacquiao opens novelty shop in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao opened a souvenier shop offering branded "Team Pacquiao" items in Manila on Tuesday.

Pacquiao, along with his wife Jinkee and his entourage, were greeted by swarms of fans at the Robinson's Mall in Ermita, where the "Team Pacquiao" shop was opened.

The shop sells Manny Pacquiao t-shirts (including Nike branded tees), jackets, boxing gloves, shorts, shoes and trinkets that were reportedly handpicked by Jinkee Pacquiao.

The store's opening came barely 2 months after the Pacquiaos opened a "Team Pacquiao" souvenier shop at the Robinson's Place Mall in General Santos City (GenSan), which is Manny's hometown.

The store also offers a selection of signature Manny Pacquiao clothes and accessories.

Each store carries a distinct "Team Pacquiao" logo on the storefront with a scrawled signature bearing the words "By: Manny Pacquiao" below.

Business acumen

This is not the Pacquiao couple's only foray into business, as the pair have opened a boutique and a chain of coffee shops in GenSan. (Read about Manny Pacquiao's many investments here)

Jinkee opened her boutique in August this year called "Jinkee's Fashion World" at the JMP Building along Osmeña Street in GenSan.

The high-class boutique, which has a large framed picture of Jinkee near the store counter, sells earrings, blouses, designer printed bags, watches, hair accessories and wallets.

The glass-paneled, green-walled boutique also carries Manny Pacquiao merchandise like jackets, round-necked t-shirts, and ceramic mugs or plastic tumblers with the trademark "Nike Pacquiao Identity Crest" bearing the boxer's initials.

The Pacquiao couple also opened franchises of BluGre Coffee, Davao's leading specialty coffee shop chain, in GenSan.

One of the coffee shops was opened at the JMP Building and another at the Robinson's Place Mall.

Aside from tending to their blossoming businesses, the Pacquiao couple are also busy preparing for Manny Pacquiao's birthday celebration on December 17

Who is Krista Ranillo?

MANILA – Actress Krista Ranillo (born Cristalle Lauren Tupaz Ranillo) is the talk of the town these days because she is being linked to Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

But very little is known of the 24-year-old sexy starlet, who has graced the covers of numerous men's magazines and starred in racy independent films.

Intrigues may be nothing new to Ranillo as she comes from a showbiz family. However, it is safe to say that her rumored affair with Pacquiao is the biggest intrigue she has faced yet.

Ranillo is the daughter of actor Matt Ranillo III and Linda Tupaz. She is the granddaughter of Matt Ranillo, Jr. and Gloria Sevilla, considered the "King and Queen of Visayan Movies."

Her father’s siblings, Suzette, Lilibeth, Dandin and Juni, also joined show business. Her step-grandfather is actor Amado Cortez, who comes from the Padilla showbiz clan which includes Rudy Fernandez, Robin Padilla, Carlos Padilla and Zsa Zsa Padilla.

According to The Internet Movie Database (IMDB.com), Krista’s name came from the movie “Kristo,” wherein her father played the title role of Jesus Christ.

It also reportedly comes from her birthday's (December 10) proximity to Christmas Day.

She started out in television soap operas in GMA-7 where she was under contract for almost 12 years. She took a break from showbiz from 2002 to 2007 to focus on her studies at the Ateneo de Manila University.

'Angelic but wicked'

She earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with tracks in Communication Arts and Psychology in 2007, and was reported to be a consistent Dean’s Lister.

In her school yearbook, Aegis '07, a write-up describes her thus: "Everyone beware of Krista Ranillo! With her angelic face, sweet smile, gorgeous body, and brains to die for, she seems heaven-sent."

"This religious, charming, talented artista/model/everything-else princess seems too good to be true," the write-up states, with glowing reviews of her loyalty and warmth as a friend.

However, the writer notes that Ranillo also has a naughty side.

"But behind that innocent facade lies a mischievous little devil who can make you believe that you can only buy blue books in the States and and that you missed a very important quiz when you were absent," it states.

Of her "wild side" the write-up goes: "When you're with Krista, you're sure to be laughing your head off with all her hilarious tricks and quick quips. It doesn't matter what you do together, for she's always ready to go along with anything spontaneously crazy."

She is described as a responsible student who "finishes her papers early so she can spend the weekend with her friends" and was often described by peers as being aloof.

"Often one of the first to rally loudly for a free cut in class, Krista is actually quite a nerd!" the text states. "Though some may think she's 'mataray' because she hardly hangs out in school, she's actually sleeping at home!"

"Truly, Krista Artista is a walking contradiction. Angelic but wicked, funny but serious, silly but nerdy, social but anti-social, sweet but naughty, caring but mischevious," the write-up says.

Already having the makings of a celebrity, Ranillo's batchmate ends the write-up with: "Can I have your autograph?!"

Wholesome to sexy

Krista Ranillo on the cover of MAXIM Philippines. She writes as a sex columnist for the magazine.

Ranillo shunned her wholesome image and became a sexy actress for her showbiz comeback. She even serves as the resident sex columnist for MAXIM Philippines.

Her father was opposed to her sexy image, and the two were reported to have fought over this issue for a time.

Her film credits include the action-drama flick Two-Timer (2002), followed by Chopsuey (2007), where Ranillo played the sister of actor Piolo Pascual, a Filipino-Chinese man on the throes of depression.

In 2008, Ranillo starred in the comedy film "Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After" as part of an ensemble cast.

She also starred in Paupahan (2008) as a bit-player actress who provides sexual favors for even the lowest-tier production staff while shooting a movie. She has scenes in the indie film where she goes topless.

This year, she starred in Marino, a film about seamen. Ranillo, who played the role of a prostitute, was cast along with Ara Mina and Allen Dizon (who produced the film Paupahan).

Krista signed up with ABS-CBN in 2008 and starred in Carlo J. Caparas’ “Pieta” alongside Ryan Agoncillo. She played the role of Martha, the love interest of Agoncillo’s character.

She also appeared in episodes of "Your Song" and "Maalaala Mo Kaya" and was also a temporary Star Patrol host for TV Patrol World.

Krista is part of the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Wapakman" topbilled by Pacquiao. She is also set to star alongside Coco Martin in "Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla presents Tonyong Bayawak."

Love life

A mystery girl (left), said to be Krista Ranillo, rides shotgun with boxer Manny Pacquiao (right) after he guested on an American talk show.

According to numerous reports, Ranillo had been in a long-term relationship with television director Dominic Zapata. The pair were reportedly together for 7 years, though there are also reports that the pair have split up.

Most recently, she was romantically linked with her co-star in the film "Whapakman", boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Rumors swirled that the pair were having an off-screen affair after they were seen together at a party in Hong Kong.

During Pacquiao's latest bout with Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, Ranillo was brought along with the "Pacquiao team." Entertainment reports alleged that Pacquiao paid for Ranillo's stay at a Las Vegas hotel.

A video on the internet also purportedly shows Pacquiao getting into a black sedan with a mystery girl (said to be Ranillo) in the passenger seat, after he guested on the US talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

These rumors were further fueled when Pacquiao's wife Jinkee was seen crying during a thanksgiving mass after Pacquiao's "Firepower" match last Sunday, and refused efforts by Pacquiao to comfort her.

Mrs. Pacquiao also skipped out on her husband's after-party and mini-concert at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Later on, actress Gina Alajar said on her Facebook account that Mrs. Pacquiao should not let Manny go since "Krista Ranillo is not worth it."

Answering comments posted on her Facebook page, Alajar went on to allege that Ranillo likes married men and that the young actress is short on values.

Ranillo was reported to be the cause of Alajar's split with her former husband, director and actor Michael de Mesa.

These rumors, however, were denied by her manager Arnold Vegafria. He insisted that Ranillo and Pacquiao are "just good friends."

Pacquiao refused to comment when abs-cbnNEWS.com pressed him on the issue, while Ranillo has yet to give a formal statement.

Gina Alajar clams up on Pacquiao-Krista 'affair'

MANILA - Veteran actress and director Gina Alajar was evasive Tuesday when sought for comment on the alleged affair between People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and young sexy star Krista Ranillo.

In a phone interview, Alajar refused to further comment on the issue, saying she already issued a statement to a popular newspaper.

"Hindi na ako magco-comment doon," Alajar said.

Alajar was dragged into the issue after she posted a controversial shout out in her Facebook account in connection with the alleged Pacquiao-Ranillo affair. She wrote: “If I were Jinkee Pacquiao, I would not give up Manny. Krista Ranillo is not at all worth it!”

In 2001, reports said Alajar and former husband Michael de Mesa ended their marriage supposedly because of the actor’s alleged love affair with Ranillo, who is a current columnist for men’s magazine Maxim.

In a previous interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Pacquiao also sealed his lips on the issue.

"No comment ako diyan," said the pound-for-pound king in an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com before he flew to Las Vegas.

The popular boxer also clammed up when asked to comment on reports that he and his “Wapakman” leading lady were spotted dating in Hong Kong.

Prior to Pacquiao’s fight on November 15 (Manila time), reports said the boxer and his wife, Jinkee, allegedly had an argument over a rumor that he was caught going inside Ranillo's hotel room in Las Vegas.

Ranillo was reportedly in the United States with her father, veteran actor Mat Ranillo III, to watch Pacquiao’s fight with Miguel Cotto.

Ranillo’s camp has already denied these rumors. Ranillo’s manager, Arnold Vegafria, maintained that the sexy star and Pacquiao are just “good friends.”

"She said that they are good friends and they are going out together as a group. That's all I know," Vegafria said.

Vegafria added: "They are doing a movie together. Krista and two of my artists are his leading ladies - Krista and Bianca King... I think this is also part of the promo. We will see. I will talk to Krista when she comes back."

Vegafria also maintained that Ranillo is happy being single.

"She's very aware of what's happening but she just laughed it off. And I spoke to her, she denied it. Sabi niya sa akin Manny is a married man and hindi siya pwedeng makisali. So ganoon, hanggang friends lang," Vegafria said.

Busy day for triumphant Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – After finally being relieved of the various promotional appearances and rigorous pre-fight preparations, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao once again will have his hands full with a hectic itinerary today.

Upon arriving this morning from Los Angeles, Pacquiao graced a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to express gratitude to all his supporters.

Pacquiao, as expected, has several scheduled stopovers for the rest of the day. First among these is a visit to the Quiapo Church at around 10 a.m. for a thanksgiving Mass, something the boxer regularly does after returning home from a fight.

The General Santos City-bases southpaw then dropped by the headquarters of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City in the afternoon. This is likewise a routine for Pacquiao, mainly because DENR Secretary Lito Atienza is his close companion.

According to reports, Pacquiao is also expected to pay a visit to the main office of San Miguel Corp. — one of his major backers — in Ortigas, Pasig City. He will then head to Makati City before headlining a free concert at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City tonight.

Taller Hatton predicts early win against Pacquiao

WASHINGTON - Ricky Hatton is banking on his strength and slight height advantage to help him knock out Filipino Manny Pacquiao early in their mouth-watering light-welterweight title clash in Las Vegas on May 2.

The 5 foot 7 inch Hatton, who has never lost at his natural weight of 140 pounds, is one inch taller than former four-weight world champion Pacquiao.

"I don't see it being a distance fight," Hatton said during a teleconference call on Tuesday. "Manny goes for the knockout, I go for the knockout. It'll be an absolute war.

"Manny isn't the most elusive guy ... and when he gets hit, he will be hit by the strongest man he has ever been in with. I've never been more confident.

"Very rarely do I have an opponent against whom I have a height advantage, albeit a miniscule one, and certainly a strength advantage," added the 30-year-old from Manchester.

"Manny hasn't fought anybody as fiery, as ferocious and certainly as big and strong as Ricky Hatton. Ricky Hatton is a handful."

Hatton , who is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

UNDISPUTED KING

Pacquiao's most recent bout, a stoppage win over Oscar De La Hoya in December, was at welterweight but he has never fought in the 140-pound division where Hatton is the undisputed king.

"He's had one fight about 135 pounds and that was against Oscar," Hatton said. "He's a southpaw, he's got his hand speed and his footwork so I'm aware of the dangers.

"But he should certainly be worried about my power. He has won world titles in different weight divisions but down there."

Hatton will be fighting for the fifth time in Las Vegas, his most recent appearance there resulting in an 11th-round TKO of American Paulie Malignaggi in November to retain his IBO belt.

However, the Nevada desert venue was also the scene of his only defeat -- by Floyd Mayweather Jr in December 2007 -- a bitter loss that prompted him to re-evaluate his career.

"The Mayweather fight taught me I needed to pull my socks up and stop thinking I could walk right through opponents," said 'Hitman' Hatton.

After an unimpressive comeback bout against Juan Lazcano in Manchester, Hatton fired his long-time trainer Billy Graham and turned to the father of his sole conqueror, Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Under Mayweather's guidance, Hatton has rediscovered some of the boxing skills he felt he had lost in recent fights and he believed his stoppage of Malignaggi proved how much he had improved during their short time together.

"That was with just seven weeks of training camp," Hatton said of his November win when he frequently out-jabbed an opponent who had been widely viewed as holding an advantage in hand speed and boxing ability.

"If we did that in seven weeks, with another training camp we're going to be that much better. Everyone thinks I'm just a fat little brawler but there's more to me than that."