Feature Story: Gospel Singer Don Moen sings praises about boxer Manny Pacquiao
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 07 Nov 2012
Gospel songwriter and performer, Don Moen is known for his popular Praise and Worship songs. The prolific singer-songwriter who penned some of Contemporary Christian?s best-selling songs is also reciting words of praise on the Philippines? most popular athlete, Manny Pacquiao.
"I love Manny Pacquiao. We?ve met a couple of years ago in the Philippines,? Moen told painter and artist Rodolfo ?Jun? Aquino who visited the singer last October 27th when Moen performed a concert at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California.
Moen told Aquino how happy he was when he learned of the spiritual changes in the life of the famous boxer. He expressed how he himself felt ?blessed? when God transformed Pacquiao?s life.
?You know Jun, I was so blessed how God change Manny, I remember Heavyweight fighter Evander Holyfield when he accepted God as his savior. He did not hide his deep Christian faith from the public. In fact, he was proud of it just like Manny Pacquiao,? Moen conveyed to Aquino.
Aquino, who happens to be a personal painter of the boxer, described how happy Moen was when they were talking about Pacquiao.
Aquino also narrated that Moen was pleased when he heard that Pacquiao distributed thousands of bible at the Araneta Coliseum a couple of months ago. Moen will be visiting the Philippines this week, where he will be performing in three separate concerts starting November 8.
"I love the Philippines and I am going there next Tuesday for a three day concert, in Araneta Coliseum and in two provinces where I have never been before,? Moen mentioned to Aquino.
Aquino who presented Moen a painting as a gift was elated by the painter?s gesture. He thanked him and also thanked the many Filipinos who have supported his music and work.
?He said Wow! This is perfect for my music room in Tennessee,? Aquino quoted the singer who was surprised when he gifted him the painting.
?Everywhere I travel around the world I have friends in the Philippines who would visit me, thank you for your prayers and thank you for your support,? Moen told Aquino.
And as they were about to part, Aquino requested that Moen signed a painting of him of Pacquiao so he can hand it down to the famous boxer.
?Instead of just signing it, Moen said, can I write a message for him here?" Aquino narrated.
Moen wrote these words using a silver Sharpie on Aquino?s painting.
?Dear Manny, God Bless you always! God will also make a way for you! Your friend, Don Moen.?
And as they parted ways, Aquino asked Moen if he was open in performing a concert with Pacquiao in the future, of which the singer replied, ?Amen to that. God will make a way and I will be very glad to sing with him. Maybe after his fight with Marquez, we can plan about it.?
Moen then handed Aquino his cell number and told him to give that to Pacquiao.
Aquino visited Pacquiao last week and gave him the painting that Moen signed and the singer?s newest album. He waited for the boxer to finish his morning jog and exercises in a Los Angeles park last week and then approached the boxer after.
?Good Morning Manny, I brought a signed painting and a CD from Don Moen and he told me to give this to you. Here is his personal cell number too,? Aquino told Pacquiao as he handed the painting which surprised the boxer.
?I saw his (Pacquiao) face brighten up and he asked me, where is he?? Aquino depicted. He then told the boxer of his meeting with Moen and how the singer-songwriter is pleased of his newfound faith.
?Ah si Don Moen, magaling yan! (Ah, Dan Moen, he is good.) Pacquiao told Aquino as he read Moen?s message in the painting. Pacquiao then sang one of Don Moen?s signature songs as he cools down after his rigid morning routine.
?Be it unto me
According to your Word
According to your promises.
I can stand secure
Carve upon my heart,
The truth that sets me free.
According to your Word O Lord
Be it unto me...? sang the multi titled boxer.
Pacquiao surprised the members of his team and the crowd gathered around the boxer in the park with his action but the famous athlete just kept on singing.
?Heto pa favorite kong song niya.? (Here is another favorite song of mine of him.)
?God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see...?
The boxer continued his singing as he walked towards his Palazzo apartment. And this time he wasn?t alone. His team hummed with him as they make their way home.
?He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way?..He will make a way!?
Top photo: Pacquiao reads Moen's message after his morning jog at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Painter Jun Aquino (L) poses with Don Moen.
Photos by Jhay Otamias.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com for any reactions to this piece.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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