It was indeed a grand welcome fete that GMA Network accorded to Kapuso Manny Pacquiao, the world’s greatest boxer ever, over the weekend. The King of the Ring, fresh from his sensational win over Mexican fighter Antonio Margarito and now being hailed as the 8th Wonder of the World, was paid tribute to by his home studio via a series of special events billed as “Pacmania Weekend” from Nov. 20-21.

GMA-7 covered Pacquiao’s return on Saturday morning with up-to-the-minute flash reports featuring exclusive interviews and inside scoops on his condition and plans after his historic match in Dallas, Texas.

The Sabado Pacman Power fever continued in the afternoon with the boxing icon’s live guesting on “Startalk TX” hosted by Lolit Solis, Butch Francisco, Joey de Leon and Ricky Lo. This was followed by a grand Homecoming Concert at SM Mall of Asia entitled “King of the Ring,” and “Show Me Da Manny Special.”

The celebration continued on Sunday as Kapuso Film Festival aired Manny’s self-starred and produced movie “Anak ng Kumander.” The Pacman Day continued with “Party Pilipinas” throwing a grand hero’s welcome and homecoming party for Manny with the theme “Fearless.” After his appearance in “Party Pilipinas,” GMA-7 hosted a Kapuso Thanksgiving lunch with GMA-7 execs led by Chairman/CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon. In his speech, he referred to Manny as a Certified Kapuso and a class of his own, unbeatable and hard to surpass, a champion who always says with humility that his success comes from the Lord. “He really has the heart of a champion for others – his family, friends, country, people and who offers his fame for the greater glory of God.”

Atty. Gozon added: “Manny has achieved a level of greatness that others can only dream of… He is a legend who can inspire us all to become better people with his genuine desire to make a difference. Manny makes all of us proud to be Pinoy and a Kapuso.”

On his part, Manny thanked Atty. Gozon, GMA President/COO Gilberto Duavit and the other GMA execs and supporters for always being there for him and for the success of his sitcom “Show Me Da Manny.” He said, “Ang successes ko, ang lahat ng na-achieve ko in the field of boxing and showbiz, ay para sa atin lahat, karangalan natin lahat.”

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Six iconic years of ‘Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’

What started in 2004 as the primetime counterpart of the now defunct “Jessica Soho Reports” soon became a Saturday night viewing habit.

“Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” carved a permanent niché in Philippine primetime television history with its insightful stories on today’s most intriguing personalities, social issues, and Filipino culture.

Hosted by none other than multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, the program already reached six fruitful years of enriching the minds of Filipino viewers.

This year, the program also featured snippets of their host’s career highlights through the “25 Years of Jessica Soho” series.

The story of us

Asked what she loves about the show, Peabody Award winner Jessica Soho says, “Masarap siyang panoorin, literally and figuratively. Para siyang nagkukwento tungkol sa mga sarili natin at tungkol sa kultura natin. Gustung-gusto ko ang mga istorya that tells us how we are as a people and yung napapakita din natin yung psyche natin, sense of humor natin, how we manage to smile through everything kasi malakas ang faith natin as a people.”

Her participation also marked some of the most memorable scenes in the show – earlier this year, Jessica Soho grooved to the tune of Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Really Care About Us” with the cyber superstars Cebu Dancing Inmates.

Beyond fame

Right before her launch as Sunshine Corazon in the hit TV series “Glee,” “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” had an exclusive interview with Filipina international singing sensation Charice Pempengco.

Among the list of this year’s remarkable interviewees include Venus Raj right after her stint at the 2010 Miss Universe, President Noynoy Aquino after his inauguration, and Champion boxer Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton during her homecoming.

Today, “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” marks its sixth year with another exclusive on the biggest names in sports, music, film and culinary – Pinoy Icons – Filipinos whose achievements have taken them beyond fame – Comedy King Dolphy, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, the Superstar of Philippine Culinary Nora Daza and our very own Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao.

Live, laugh and be inspired with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” – airs every Saturday, after “24 Oras Weekend,” only on GMA-7

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Ely Buendia marks Big 40 at Republiq

Famed OPM legend Ely Buendia marks his 40th birth anniversary with a first-ever solo concert aptly dubbed as “Ely Buendia XL – Xtra Live at 40,” to be held tonight (Nov. 27) at the Republiq of Resorts World Manila.

In the unique and special event, fans will delight to hear Ely perform his unforgettable songs and future hits. Some of his friends, old and new who’ve been part of his musical career, will join him on stage.

It is recalled that Ely gained superstardom status as the guitarist, songwriter and lead vocalist of the popular ’90s rock band The Eraserheads, considered as the most influential and well-loved band in OPM history. He is now with another critically acclaimed rock group, Pupil.

Ely’s Big 40 concert is by invitation only. It will be aired on GMA-7’s Sunday Night Box Office on Dec. 12 at 10:30 p.m.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Nov. 27, go to former Sen. Freddie Webb, Dr. Fe del Mundo, Dr. Primitivo Chua, Consul Mellie R. Ablaza, Ronaldo Valdez, SM’s Millie Dizon, Barge Ramos, Dr. Gracia F. Valledor, Millie Reyes, Mila Llorin, Ofelia S. Angeles, Aaron R. Gabriel, Emma Cawit, Jean Torresyap, Eleanor M. Gerilla of Marilao, Bulacan, and Gem Ramos of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Ronald Andrew and Michelle Hipolito…