Pacman in a cup: 'Punch' to knock out health foes

MANILA, Philippines - The Pacquiao punch that swooped down Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas on Sunday (Manila time) is again ready to annihilate "enemies." This time, however, the whirlwind punches will not come from the world's best pound-for-pound fighter, but from a concoction of energy-boosting drink that will help knock down cancer, constipation, and high cholesterol. Introducing the “Pacquiao Punch," a zesty mix of all-time favorite Filipino summer fruits: mango, pineapple, avocado (butter pear), and banana as well as US peaches and berries, mixed to perfection by Wilma Fernandez Ventura, the same Filipina baker in the US who made “pan de sal ala Obama." [See: Obamania: Pinoy cooks up Obama pandesal in California] Ventura’s latest recipe honors the 30-year-old Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, the epitome of health and strength, who with his aggressive brawling styles, boasts of 37 knock-out fights that included his latest match with Hatton. She said the punch, without alcohol, would produce a slight kick from a dollop of yoghurt. Mango – the other Philippine pride— is rich in phytochemicals, vitamin C, polyphenols and carotenoids that help combat certain cancers. Fiber-rich pineapple on the other hand, is considered a weight-watcher’s best friend; avocado annihilates bad cholesterol; banana crushes renal calcium loss; and yoghurt wards off stomach ailments. Growing up in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, the 43-year-old entrepreneur emulated her parents enthusiasm for sports. "I was quite tomboyish. I love playing sports that tested my physical capabilities and one of them was boxing," Ventura told the Philippine Village Voice in a recent interview. After launching the drink on the eve of the now historic May 2 fight, Ventura made certain that fans would remain punch-drunk on Pacquiao. The Pacquiao Punch is available at 20 ounce cups for $3.75 at The Original Richard's Bakery located at Nordan Plaza, 3400 E. Eighth St., Suite 114, National City, CA. 91950, beside the popular Conching’s restaurant. Original Richard’s can be reached by phone at 619.472.1530 or by email at richardsbakery@yahoo.com. - MARK JOSEPH UBALDE, GMANews.TV