Ht: 5-6 Wt: 147

DOB: December 17, 1978 In: Cabangal, Philippines

Age started boxing: 12.

Early boxing memory: My first fight gave me one dollar. I gave the dollar to my mother.

Favorite all-time fighter: Sugar Ray Leonard.

Pre-fight meal: Rice and fish.

Pre-fight superstition: Pray. Just pray. Pray right before I go to fight.

Typical breakfast: Soup and bread.

Toughest part of being a boxer: When you prepare for the fight. When you train hard.

Last book read: Purpose Driven Live by Rick Warren.

Current Car: Which one [smiles?]

Toughest man faced: There’s a lot. But one of them was the (first Erik) Morales fight. The hardest puncher was Oscar De La Hoya.

What supplements do you take: I can’t tell you that [smiles]. I have a sports store in the Philippines.

If you weren’t a boxer, what would you be: I don’t know. It’s hard to say.

Favorite soccer team: Argentina.

Why Argentina: Because they’re good [smiles].

Best boxer in the sport today: I think from the Philippines [laughs].

Boxing inspiration: Like all my fights, I dedicate this fight to my country. I remember as a little boy I ate one meal a day and sometimes slept in the street. I will never forget that and it inspires me to fight hard, stay strong and remember all the people of my country, trying to achieve better for themselves.
Hobbies/Leisure activities: Playing guitar, chess, basketball, singing.

Nicknames: Manny, Pac Man, The Destroyer.

Favorite movies: My movies.

Musical tastes: Folk, rock, love songs.

Favorite TV shows: My TV shows.

First boxing memory: Hearing Mike Tyson lose to Buster Douglas on radio (age 11).

Pre-fight feeling: Nothing, blank.

First job: Construction worker.

First car: Toyota Corolla.

Favorite meal: Steak.

Favorite ice cream flavor: None.

Funny boxing memory: None.

Childhood dreams: To be a famous boxer. And to finish studies.

Greatest boxing moment: “Winning my first championship (WBC Flyweight – TKO 4 Gabriel Mira in April 1999 in Quezon City).

Most painful moment: Losing my first championship belt. (Lost title on scales because he failed to make required weight of 112. Consequently lost by KO 3 the next day to Medgoen Singsurat in September 1999 in Thailand.)

Worst injury: None.

Favorite boxers to watch: Sugar Ray Leonard. Felix Trinidad. Oscar De La Hoya.

Favorite vacation spot: Beaches in the Philippines.

Embarrassing boxing memory: None.

People qualities most admired: Kind-hearted, good-natured, honest.

Photo Credit: Chris Farina.