CAC executives led by Chairman, Jose Ch. Alvarez (2nd from L), and CAC President, Ginia R. Domingo (rightmost), were all smiles as they welcomed Head Coach Manny Pacquiao. PBA Commissioner, Atty. Angelico “Chito” Salud and Team Kia’s manager, Eric Pineda, were also on-hand to witness the historic announcement.

History on the hard court was made as Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, welcomed Congressman Manny Pacquiao as Team Kia Head Coach.

During a Press Conference held last June 9, 2014 at the CAC Headquarters in Makati, CAC formally announced to members of the media the sports icon’s new role.

Chairman Jose Ch. Alvarez, CAC Chairman and Governor of the province of Palawan, introduced his good friend, Manny Pacquiao as a man of many facets– “an 8-division world boxing champion, congressman, philanthropist, family man, and now, Head Coach of Team Kia.”

The all-out support of the media in the coverage of this new development moved CAC President, Ginia R. Domingo, to feel; “grateful for the level of enthusiasm and interest that the media have shown to Team Kia as a new Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team. She added, “we are looking forward to a great partnership with Asia’s first pay-for-play professional league, the PBA. And now, we are doubly thrilled to have Congressman Manny Pacquiao at the helm of our team.”

PBA Commissioner, Atty. Angelico “Chito” Salud, welcomed the entry of the “people’s champ” into the league describing Pacquiao “as the embodiment of the highest degree of excellence and sportsmanship.”

Donning his new Kia cap and jacket, Head Coach Manny started by thanking God for his talents which are adequate for this big responsibility bestowed on him. Then he thanked the CAC executives, PBA Commissioner Salud, and the fans for their trust and support.

“As you all know, basketball holds a special place in my heart. While boxing is my pride and joy, my bread and butter, basketball is my other passion. I promise you my 100 percent as I embark on this new and challenging chapter in my life. Manny Pacquiao is not going to let you down.”

The media were curious about his capacity to head a professional basketball team on top of his other commitments. Being the humble and genial legend he is, Head Coach Manny had these words to say. “We all have 24 hours in a day and I believe it’s simply a matter of self-discipline and time management.”

Pacquiao ended by saying; “the happiness that basketball gives me is similar to what I get from boxing, it brings out my competitive spirit.”

The love for basketball and the PBA have made a mark in the Filipino culture and psyche, and with Pacquiao and Team Kia’s involvement with the sport, this deeply embedded affection can be even greater.

With Team Kia now under Head Coach Manny’s leadership, the public can definitely expect more surprises from the Kia brand when the team suits up for the PBA’s 40th season.