Pacquiao vs Algieri: Pastors to sing the Philippine National Anthem
Manny Pacquiao has chosen six pastors and three religous singer to render the Philippine Nationan Anthem in Macao before the Filipino icon takes on the challenger Chris Algieri on Saturday, November 22, at The Venetian Hotel.
As a professing born-again Christian, Pacquiao favored the pastors, instead of a proffesional artist to perform. It was reported that American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez was supposed to be the singer, but it’s Pacquiao’s call to alter the performer.
“Nine of them will sing our National Anthem. Out of that number, six are pastors. They have been conducting practice since we arrived in Macao last Monday,” Pacquiao said to Philboxing.com.
The six pastors are Antonio Torres, Boy Buan, Bong Quintos, Federico Gloria, Rexcel Neri and Jess Bascuna, while the three others are Boyet Layog, Gerry Girado and Cris Aguilar.
“There’s no problem. My promoter was already informed that a group of pastors will do the singing of the Philippine National Anthem before the fight,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao made the decision on Thursday when he requested promoter Bob Arum about the matter.
Pacquiao seeks for his fourth consecutive victory after losing to Manuel Marquez two years ago. The Pacquiao vs Algieri is on Sunday morning in the Philippines.
