Pacman to open tattoo shop

The businessman in Manny Pacquiao just keeps on going. After having established himself as a boxer, singer, actor, product endorser and most recently, Sarangani congressman, the “Pacman” is now starting a new money-making venture – a tattoo shop.

The endeavor is close to Pacquiao’s heart, having had numerous tattoos done on him from even before he was famous.

During the “Redhorse Pambansang Muziklaban: Francis Magalona Tribute” on Saturday, Pacquiao announced that he is tapping Pinoy inker Chris Garcia as partner in the soon-to-be-opened enterprise.

"Magandang karangalan ito na makasama ko siya sa tattoo shop dahil isa siya sa mga pinakamagaling mag-tattoo dito sa atin and I'm very proud of him," said Pacquiao to the press.

The feeling is apparently mutual. Garcia, who was also present at the event, said being chosen as partner in the venture by the iconic boxer himself is a great honor.

"Ibang klaseng pakiramdam. Napaka-sarap ng pakiramdam,” said he in the same interview.

Garcia said the planned shop, the first branch of which will be opened in Los Angeles, California, will embody “the excellence synonymous to Manny Pacquiao.”

"Pagkasinabi mo 'yong pangalan ni Manny, ang unang papasok sa isip mo ay absolute excellence,” he said.

“Kaya 'yon ang gusto naming i-offer sa shop niya---nothing but the absolute best.”

The US based Garcia, brother of Slapshock’s Jamir, is known for the tattoos he has done on actor Sylvester Stallone and father and daughter singers Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus.

Garcia has also done work on local musicians including his brother, Sandwich’s Raimund Marasigan and Karl Roy, as well as basketball player Don Allado.

Pacquiao and Garcia are only a couple among many celebrities who trooped to the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City to attend the Magalona Tribute. Others who were spotted there were Pepe Smith, Arnel Pineda and Jericho Rosales.

The 44-year-old Magalona, rapper, actor, TV host and known tattoo enthusiast, died in March of 2009 after losing his battle with leukemia. He was the son of actors Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

Launched as a teen star in the 1980s, Magalona's career soared when his rap song "Mga Kababayan," made it big in the early '90s.