Catriona Gray, Manny Pacquiao

Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, 34, in Philippine mixed martial arts is arguably what Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, 40, is in Philippine boxing in terms of influence and popularity. The two sports stars attended the joint National Heroes Day celebration of ONE Championship and Grab Philippines on August 26, 2019 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

“Not only is he a sports icon but Manny is also a terrific human being and an amazing public servant who truly cares for the Filipino people,” Folayang stated during the event. “With what he’s given back to the people, even taking money out of his own pocket to help the poor and underprivileged, it’s more than admirable. It’s inspiring, and it’s motivating.”

“Everyone is in good spirits right now,” Folayang added. “It was such an honor to even be in the same room as Manny. He’s an absolute legend in every sense.”

Folayang was with his Team Lakay teammates former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, 30, and reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, 23, during the event. Also in attendance were Team Lakay head coach Mark “The Machine” Sangiao, 39, ONE Championship senior executive Victor Cui, 48, and Grab Philippines community members.

ONE Championship and Grab Philippines declared Pacquiao as a national hero during the event. Cui, Sangiao, Folayang, Eustaquio and Pacio presented a beautifully framed ONE Championship world title belt to the boxing legend as a commemorative token.

The Team Lakay members, fans and Grab drivers who all came out to see Pacquiao were treated to a world-class evening program. Pacquiao took the time to make a sizable donation to the Jinkee and Manny Heart Foundation, which gives free heart care for children in the Philippines, and donated 1,000 pesos to every Grab driver in attendance, which ended up totaling 1 million pesos overall.