Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao to throw out ceremonial first pitch for San Francisco Giants

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao to throw out ceremonial first pitch for San Francisco Giants

By Media report on DoghouseBoxing (April 17, 2009)

The San Francisco Giants will hold their annual Filipino American Heritage celebration to highlight the Filipino culture and community on Tuesday, April 21, when the Giants face the San Diego Padres at 7:15 p.m. Five-division boxing world champion and boxing’s No. 1 attraction and pound for pound fighter, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Fans who purchase a special Filipino Heritage game ticket will receive a limited edition Manny Pacquiao bobblehead and a seat in the Filipino Heritage section at AT&T Park. A portion of the special ticket proceeds will benefit Filipino non-profit organizations including the Filipino American Arts Exposition, Manilatown Heritage Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation's Bantay Bata program.

“We are extremely grateful for this relationship between the Giants and the Filipino community. This heritage event has grown to be one of the largest programs of its kind, bringing together a celebration of athletics, community and culture,” said Tom McDonald, Giants senior vice president of consumer marketing. “We expect nearly 10,000 Filipino Americans at our event on April 21 with close to $50,000 in charitable proceeds being raised.”

Live cultural entertainment will take place at AT&T Park beginning at 3 p.m. Hosted by Franco Finn and Jason Mateo, performing artists will include, Mango Kingz, Gabe Bondoc, Legaci, DJ E-Rock (from Wild 94.9), The Company of Westlake School of Performing Arts (hip-hop dance performance), Te Orama (Polynesian youth company of WSPA), Honey Circuit, Eye Eighty, Audiology, Escrima Serada and many others. There will also be a special guest appearance by Manny Pacquiao and head trainer Freddie Roach on the festival stage.

“On behalf of the community organizations, I would like to thank the Giants for their commitment in celebrating and honoring the Filipino American community with this event,” said Al Perez, president of the Filipino American Arts Exposition. “This year's Filipino Heritage game is shaping up to be the best ever with all-star entertainment during the Filipino Festival and a special tribute to Filipino American veterans during the pre-game ceremonies at homeplate. This will be a great day to see Giants baseball and celebrate Filipino culture with the whole family.”
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