Modern-Day Pinoy Heroes
APART FROM YOUR PARENTS AND THE OFWS, TIM TAYAG TALKS ABOUT THE MOST REVERED FILIPINO SUPERHEROES TODAY. DRUM ROLL PLEASE…
ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANCES ALCARAZ
MANNY PACQUIAO
The Pacman, by virtue of his popularity and incredible boxing skills, tops this list.
His rags-to-riches story only makes his tale epic. Some believe he gets his strength from an amulet — a carabao’s tooth — embedded in his arm. But the pound-for-pound boxer remains humble and God-fearing despite his huge success in the ring and in showbiz. He has the power to unite the whole country and eliminate crime, since even the bad guys are glued to the screen during his fights (and I don’t mean Congress). Special powers Left hook, right hook, speed and power Weaknesses His English and his desires to run for Congress
BATISTA AKA “THE ANIMAL”
If you’re into wrestling, you’ve heard of Batista. The former four-time WWE World Heavy Weight Champion towers over most Pinoys at 6ft 6in with muscles bigger than three carabaos combined. He is proof that even if the Filipino averages 5ft 2in tall and 90lb, one can still reach heights with hard work, genes from Greece, and milk.
Special power Batista bomb
Weakness Booker T
ALLAN PINEDA AKA APL.DE.AP
Boom! Boom! Boom! You’ve heard that catchy tune from the famous Black Eyed Peas, whose members include will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and Philippine-born apl.de.ap aka Allan Pineda. Apl has always been proud of his heritage even before it was fashionable or profitable to be Pinoy. Rumor has it, he even dated the fab Fergie for a time. Apl is from Pampanga, after all. And you know what they say about us Kapampangans — we know how to cook.
Special power Rapping
Weakness none
VANESSA ANNE HUDGENS
Anyone with kids will know the songs from High School Musical 1, 2 and 3. The series catapulted Vanessa Anne Hudgens into mainstream stardom. In addition, Miss Hudgens — whose mother is Filipina — had two top-selling albums under her belt even before she reached legal drinking age. With looks, a chart-busting voice, and Disney-certified acting, this superwoman made it to #20 in the list of Forbes “High Earners Under 30” in 2008. She is a role model young Filipina girls can emulate. Girls, when you make it to the top, give your folks a cut Special powers Good looks, singing and acting Weakness Nude photos leaked on the internet
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