ANOTHER icon brings Pinoy pride to the world stage as Madame Tussauds Hong Kong announced its addition of a new Filipino wax figure, the boxing champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

“I’m very honored that they chose me,” said Pacquiao, whose 41st birthday fell on the same day the project was announced.

“Masaya ako na maitataas ko muli ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa ganitong paraan (I’m happy that I’ll be able to bring honor to the country again in this manner). Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has many personalities including my fellow athletes and I’m excited to be among them,” he added.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong senior marketing manager BoBo Yu shared her excitement to have Pacquaio as another Filipino wax figure in their roster of icons.

“The Philippines continues to be one of our strongest markets and having Manny Pacquaio, who is known globally for his achievements in sports, is an honor for us. He is one personality that the attraction has been wanting to have and we cannot wait for the Filipino fans to see the figure in 2020,” said Yu.

It took six hours to measure the boxer for his wax figure. However, Pacquiao stayed in good spirits throughout the afternoon, patiently cooperating with the team from UK to make sure they got every detail right while having fun with the staff on site.

“It was a new experience for me,” shared Pacquiao. “Ganito pala ka-detalye gumawa ng wax figure kaya mas na appreciate ko yung mga staff (I didn’t realize how much detail goes into making a wax figure. I appreciate their staff more now),” he added.

Pacquiao was also equally thrilled to share this news with his family. “Mas naging proud ako na maging dad nila (I became more proud to be their dad). I can’t wait to bring them to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong to see my wax figure. I’m excited to see how it will look like and to share it with my Filipino fans,” said Pacquiao.

The wax figure is set to be unveiled in 2020. (PR)