Thousands of Filipinos rose to their feet as singer Melanie Calumpad a.k.a. Kyla sings the Philippine National Anthem to open the boxing fight between Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera last October 6, 2007 at Mandalay Bay Resort Las Vegas.
A Mexican singer in a black gown sang the national anthem of the Republic of Mexico.
Kyla wore a Filipiniana with the country's colors. The RnB (rhythm and blues) Princess was chosen by Solar Sports and Pacquiao to sing the Philippine National Anthem.
"Honestly, I am very much pressured and flattered at the same time because I really did not expect that I would be chosen to sing the Philippine National Anthem in this big sports event," Kyla said in an earlier interview.
Kyla sought the help of her former mentor Raffy Amaranto, who taught her how to sing the anthem the proper way.
The 26-year old singer is one of the judges in GMA's Coke: Ride to Fame and a mainstay of SOP.She is also preparing to host a new talent show after her successful stint in QTV 11's Pop Star Kids.
Kyla had performed with international artists such as Fra Lippo ippi, Ronan Keating, British boy-band Blue, Malaysian R&B singer Ferhad, Malaysian hip-hop duo Too Phat, and Keith Martin.
Holding the WBO Championship Belt at Kyla's right is Bacolod City Mayor Evelio "Bing" Leonardia.
Pacquiao who won against Mexican champion Marco Antonio Barrera in their last Sunday's rematch dubbed as "Will to Win II" in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, USA, was greeted with a warm welcome by people in Manila led by no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
From the airport, he proceeded to the Department of Environment Office where he met his "adopted father" - Secretary Lito Atienza. From DENR, he then moved to Malacañang Palace where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo handed him the cake prepared by the cooks in the palace.
The Filipino boxing hero then guested at “SIS”, one of GMA 7's morning shows, to answer all questions left unanswered prior to the fight night. Before the program ended, Pacquiao thanked those who had supported him before, during, and after his fight.
(Article by Jay Fermin, Photo by Romeo Balboa, MUST Photographer)