The special Soongs for Manny Pacquiao

Jason Soong with Manny Pacquiao in the background

MANILA, Philippines–Jason Soong can probably lay claim to be closer to Pacquiao than just being at the ringside come fight night. Aston Palicte, one of the boxers under Jason’s wing, is being promoted by Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions which makes Jason and Manny copromote the rising force in boxing that is Palicte. Aston’s trainer/handler is Nonoy Neri, Pacquiao’s nutritionist.

Jason said: “Manny was so happy to see Aston during the morning runs, and was telling everyone that he’s the next big thing.”

Marc Soong, Jason’s brother, quipped: “And yes, it’s cool that we have Aston Martin and Aston Palicte!”

British supercar brand Aston Martin is just one of the many brands of the Soongs. The Soong brothers are more known in motoring circles as executive directors of Autostrada Motore, the official distributor of Ferrari and Maserati in the Philippines. Just this February, Aston Martin announced its entry in the Philippines under the stable of the patriarch Wellington Soong, who is popular for bringing in the Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar and Land Rover brands in the Philippines.

Willie Soong

A few years ago, the Soong brothers put up a boxing gym. Then they became friends with Joe Ramos (Pacquiao’s associate), who, in turn, introduced them to Manny. “Manny even trained in our gym before a few fights,” recalled Marc. He added: “We used to maintain the gym outside our old showroom [in Makati] and when we moved to the Fort, it got very difficult and eventually closed. As brothers, it was a big lesson—we lost in a business together and maintained our relationship.”

As of press time, Jason said that “the undercard fight of Aston as of now is off, but he’s training with the No. 1 trainer of Freddie Roach later. Manny spoke to me earlier and told me to make sure he’s taking vitamins and double up on vitamin C.”

Marc said that he has watched Pacquiao’s fights in Vegas. “It is an experience of a lifetime! This time, I will be with family and friends in La Regalade for the fight. Unfortunately, I am not in Vegas now, but my brother is there with Team Pacquiao now.”

Marc Soong’s message to Manny: “Beat the s–t out of him (Floyd).”

Wellington Soong, for his part, said that he has been watching boxing legends from as early as the 1950s.

“We will watch the fight in a private exclusive venue with friends on a giant video screen,” Wellington told Inquirer Motoring.

His message to Manny: “This is your moment to make history in the world of boxing, and the entire world will watch this event to bring greatness to the Philippines.”