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28 March 2024

'Manny Mania' hits Dubai Mall as Pacquiao visits Du Shop

Fans queu up to meet Manny Pacquaio at the Dubai Mall's du shop on Wednesday. (Supplied)

Published
By Allaam Ousman

Boxing legend Manny Paquiao made a quick stop to meet fans at du store in Dubai Mall, two days ahead of his team's PBA Philippine Cup Game tour in Dubai, organised in collaboration with du, Dubai Sports Council and Clique Media.

Boxing fans in the UAE can get up close with Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao when he makes his first public appearance at the Dubai Mall Wednesday.

The boxing superstar is on his maiden visit to the UAE to lead Mahindra Enforcers in the Philippines Basketball Cup 2016 as a player-coach this weekend in Dubai.

 

Enjoying Dubai with my wife.

A photo posted by Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) on

 
Pacquiao will be the star attraction at the PBC 2016 organised by Clique Events CO, the Official Overseas Game Organiser of PBA (Philippines Basketball Assocation) in UAE, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), and du as the main presenter.
 
The Mahindra Enforcers, Alaska Aces and Barangay Ginebra, considered among the best basketball teams in the Philippines, are expected to draw huge crowds of Filipino basketball enthusiasts on November 6 and 7 at Al Wasl Sports Club.

However, Pacquiao is scheduled to meet fans at the Du Shop situated in the ground floor at Dubai Mall at 4pm.

This is one of several public events lined up for eight-division world champion Pacquiao dubbed the 'Peoples Champ' - a sobriquet held by The Greatest Muhammad Ali.

Indeed, he is arguably the biggest name in boxing and sport in general, being accorded VIP status fit for a celebrity when he arrived in Dubai on Monday.

Lucky fans will be able to meet and greet the boxing legend in addition to also receiving autographed t-shirts, signed boxing gloves, as well as specially framed photographs with the champion himself at the Du Shop.

“We are thrilled to enrich the lives of our valued customers by putting them face to face with a legend in his own time. The Filipino community make up a huge portion of our valued customer base, and by bringing their champion to them we are also bringing them a little bit of home,” said Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communication, du.

The Filipino boxing hero will also inaugurate a GO Sports Store at the Mall of the Emirates on Thursday November 5 situated on the third floor.

The store, which will feature dedicated sports zones alongside a 10-metre volcano-shaped climbing unit, will be visited by the boxing superstar who featured in the May 2 'Fight of the Century' with unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather.

Charity

Pacquiao is also supporting Rahma, a new charitable cancer service in Abu Dhabi when he visits Yas Marina Circuit on Saturday.

The Filipino boxer will be on hand to inspire those taking part in RahmaYAS, a charity walk and cycle around Yas Marina Circuit.

The event will raise awareness of Rahma, a charitable service launched by the Cancer Patient Care Society in Abu Dhabi to provide practical and psychological support for people diagnosed with cancer.

Pacquiao, is closely connected to Rahma, acting as its patron, according to a release.

He will be taking part on Saturday to inspire UAE residents to lead an active lifestyle.

Rahma, the Arabic word for mercy, is a charitable service launched last month by the Cancer Patient Care Society in Abu Dhabi to provide practical and psychological support for people diagnosed with cancer.

“Having Manny’s support for Rahma is something we’re very proud of,” said Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi, chairman of the board of directors of Cancer Patient Care Society.

“If one man demonstrates the passion and determination to succeed, it is him. I know that his presence at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend will inspire the community, as well as raise awareness for our charity.”

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “We’re thrilled that Manny Pacquiao will be at Yas Marina Circuit to support RahmaYAS on Saturday.

“Participation will be high for this event as Manny joins everybody for the walk and cycle, and supports Rahma as they begin their crucial role in assisting people living with cancer.”