TheSportsCampus

Filipino world boxing welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao tried his hand at a different sport when he participated in the ICTSI Philippine Open pro-am today and subsequently helped raise 105,960 pesos for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in northern Mindanao. The superstar, who is also a congressman in the Philippines, played alongside Filipino golfing great Frankie Minoza in the prelude to the Asian Tour's US$300,000 tournament, which is the second leg of the 2012 season.

He later autographed boxing gloves at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, the tournament's venue, which were sold to fans. The monies raised would be given to victims of the typhoon which struck at the end of last year near his home province.

"Doing some charity work to help the people who suffered in the typhoon," said Pacquiao. "I'm happy as there are a lot of good people who are helping the victims. This will be a big help. It's one of the ways we can do. I have also helped."

Nicknamed Pacman, the 33-year-old Pacquiao is regarded by many as the best pound for pound boxer in the world and was named the "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2000s by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).

The ICTSI Philippine Open is the oldest national championship in Asia. American Berry Henson is defending his title this week.

Pacquiao showed his rustiness in wielding the golf club but hit some good shots during his pro-am round. "I've not practiced the last three years. I feel tight. I need to practice more. Before, I used to play every day," he said.

"I'm focused in golf, like in boxing. I like boxing but I also like golf."

He was delighted to be a part of the ICTSI Philippine Open. "It's good. I wish I can play in the tournament!"