SAN DIEGO, June 21, 2012 – If Manny Pacquiao is down in the dumps after his controversial and widely debated loss to Timothy Bradley two weeks ago, it’s nothing a little retail therapy can’t fix.
As one of the world’s most recognized athletes and without a doubt the number one celebrity in the Philippines, everything Pacquiao does in his life makes headlines. So when he decided to buy himself a $427,000 Bell helicopter, it became a big media event.
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VIDEO: See Manny Pacquiao’s new ride
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Pacquiao explained the purchase was a practical one, to aid his ability to travel from his home in the province of Sarangani to the capital Manila 700 miles away in his role as an elected member of the Philippines House of Representatives. Americans who aren’t up on their geography need to be reminded that Sarangani is an island at the extreme southern end of the archipelago nation.
The Bell 206A Jet Ranger helicopter is slightly used (do they call helicopters “pre-owned”?), but it received a sharp custom paint job complete with Pacquiao’s MP logo and his name in block lettering on the sides under a gloved first, all in his trademark red, blue and gold color scheme. It seats five people.
Pacquaio said in media interviews this week in the Philippines that he actually bought the helicopter before his loss to Bradley, with the motivation of better serving his constituents.
Nice ride, Manny. Take that, Donald Trump. Photo: Pacquiao Congressional Office.
Pacquiao has made a lot of money from boxing and he enjoys the fruits of his labor. He owns a luxurious mansion, recently bought himself a Ferrari Italia 458 at a cost of $220,000, and purchased a new Italian made yacht as a Christmas present for his family for $600,000. It was the yacht that raised eyebrows in his home country as somewhat extravagant.
Someone who has worked hard, achieved success and been paid well for it does not need to apologize or justify purchasing and enjoying some of life’s luxuries. Consider the helicopter’s price tag in light of Pacquiao’s recent payday for the fight with Timothy Bradley, $26 million. He made enough in 40 seconds of boxing to pay for that helicopter; enough in under one minute to pay for the yacht.
Pacquiao recently returned to the Philippines, cutting short a planned vacation after the Bradley fight due to floods from a typhoon that hit his home province, destroying hundreds of homes and displacing over 8,000 people. Pacquiao said he will donate some of his earnings to help the flooding victims.
Forbes Magazine recently reported that Pacquiao is the second highest paid athlete in the world so far in 2012, earning $62 million including endorsements and product sales. He came in second only to boxer Floyd Mayweather, who earned $85 million. Both knocked Tiger Woods out of the top spot.
Safe travels, Congressman Pacman!
Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR, is President/Owner of the Falcon Valley Group in San Diego, California. She is also a serious boxing fan covering the Sweet Science for Communities. Read more Media Migraine in the Communities at The Washington Times. Follow Gayle on Facebook and on Twitter @PRProSanDiego. Gayle can be reached via Google +
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