The Manny Pacquiao Foundation launched its “Manny Pacquiao Charity Marathon 2022” event last May 22, 2022, at the City Football Stadium in Tochigi, Japan, bringing a day of good fun for a worthy cause.
The marathon participants during the event were very fortunate to run with the multiple-time boxing champion himself, sharing good spirits all around.
The second part of the event features a stage with live performances featuring ‘luxurious guests’ per the event’s website.
These include several AKB48 members AKB48 members Chiba Erii, Yamauchi Mizuki, Asai Nanami, Mogi Shinobu, Inagaki Kaori and Sato Minami.
Shinozaki Ayana and Iwatate Saho were supposed to be part of the lineup, but due to their exposure to COVID-19, they have been replaced with Taguchi Manaka and Yamane Suzuha at the last minute.
MNL48’s Amy Isidto and Coleen Trinidad joined their Japanese sisters in performing during the event. Jan Elaurza and Sheki Arzaga were supposed to be included in the Philippine idol group’s roster of performers, but they were not permitted due to Japan’s travel rulings regarding specific vaccines.
MNL48's Coleen Trinidad and Amy Isidto posed alongside AKB48's Chiba Erii, Yamauchi Mizuki, Asai Nanami, Mogi Shinobu, Inagaki Kaori, Sato Minami, Taguchi Manaka, and Yamane Suzuha minutes after they performed during the Manny Pacquiao Charity Marathon in Tochigi, Japan last May 22. (Photo from MNL48's Twitter Page)
In a Kumu live, Arzaga confirmed that she and Elaurza, who were vaccinated with Sinovac, are not allowed to travel for the event because Japan required them to undergo a 7-day quarantine period upon entering.
During the event, AKB48 performed “LOVE Shugyou,” “Oogoe Diamond,” “Flying Get,” “Moto Kare Desu,” and a medley of “Koisuru Fortune Cookie” and “Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie” along with Isidto and Trinidad.
Aside from AKB48 and MNL48 representatives, Golden Bomber’s Kiryuin Sho, Cyberjapan Dancers, and The Brow Beat, who sang the theme song, “Bakufu,” are also present at the event.
Marathon participants each received a limited edition t-shirt, while awards were given out for the first, second, and third placers by gender in each category.
Proceeds from the charity event will be used by the Manny Pacquiao Foundation towards establishing schools for children who are going through difficult circumstances in the Philippines.