Actress Rufa Mae Quinto has stepped into the shoes of Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger who had just begged off from portraying leading lady to boxing champ Manny Pacquiao in the forthcoming film, “Wapac Man.”

Nicole was Pacquiao’s choice for the role. He himself asked Solar Films to seek out and offer the role to the famed Fil-Am singer.

Nicole had to abandon the project due to conflict in schedule, said Solar Films’ Wilson Tieng.

The Pussycat Dolls is currently on a world tour to promote their latest album, “Doll Domination.” They were in Manila for a one-night concert last month, during which Nicole told the local press that she would like to sing in one of Pacquiao’s matches.

Tieng said they are happy to have Quinto onboard since she was the film outfit’s first choice for the role anyway.

Quinto had already shot some scenes for “Wapac Man” early this week.

“Wapac Man” is the official entry of Solar Films to the Metro Manila Film Festival in December.