INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines—Boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao’s deadly punches has caught the attention of the whole world—including institutions on the lookout for the perfect product endorser. As the sports icon’s popularity soared, so has his product endorsement deals multiplied.

The General Santos native has been called by many names: From “Ang Pambansang Kamao (The National Fist)” to the “world’s best fighter.”

But after relentlessly booking one product advertisement after another—not unlike his speedy and unforgiving one-two punches in the boxing arena—a seemingly more appropriate tag as “endorsement king” is ominous.

Through the years, Manny has bombarded the public with television, radio, and newspaper advertising campaigns for a beer, pain reliever, fast-food chain, and even a sing-along microphone, among others.

A mini poll, which included students and call center agents, asked what product or company they would want Pacquiao to endorse and why.

Several said the boxing icon better stick to endorsing sports-related goods, while others prefer not to see him endorse anything at all. Here are some of their answers:

•“I would like Manny to endorse a sports training center like the Aspire Academy in Qatar. This would be a great opportunity for him to develop new talents not just in boxing but other sports as well.” - Rommel Reyes, 32, culinary student

• “There was a rumor I heard about Pacquiao endorsing Nike with the likes of Tiger Woods and Lebron James. I hope that pushes through because he should endorse brand names that are equally popular.” - Laurence Vicedo, 25, call center agent

• “Honestly, I don’t want to see him in any commercial anymore. But if I were him, I would definitely not want to endorse a vinegar or ice cream company. It simply doesn’t add up. I would rather he stick with promoting gloves, vitamins, supplements, energy drinks, and sportswear.” - Roxanne Rolle, 18, development communication student.

•“Maybe the Department of Education can utilize Manny’s popularity to uplift the country’s literacy rate by encouraging more children to go to school and read more. He could also become a spokesperson for the government’s poverty alleviation programs.” - Tyronne A. Ragudo, 27, online English instructor

• “I would want Manny to endorse the book titled “Your best life now” by Joel Osteen. I believe he could become a great source of inspiration to many Filipinos and help us understand what living life to the fullest is all about.” - Ferdinand Domingo, 26, technical support

• “Manny would be good as Gatorade endorser. He would be more effective in campaigning for goods or values that are sports-related because he had built a reputation for himself as a sports legend.” - Lyndon Cambronero, 24, team leader

Whatever product, service, or institution Manny chooses to endorse, it would definitely involve multimillion peso deals. But who’s counting? With the champ’s charisma and selling power, the products he’s endorsing are sure laughing their gloves off on the way to the bank.