Fil-Am Singer to Perform Philippine National Anthem at Pacquiao-Mayweather Fight



Filipino-American singer Gail Banawis from New York City has been chosen by Manny Pacquiao to sing the Philippine National Anthem on May 2 ‘Pacquiao vs Mayweather‘ bout in Las Vegas.

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The 19-year-old Bronx native will be performing ‘Lupang Hinirang’ accompanied by The Word Chorale, a chorus composed of pastors.

“I’d always ask my mom ‘Oh mommy can I sing?'”, Banawis said in an interview with NBC News, recalling how as a youth she’d watch Pacquaio fights as part of family tradition. “But now it’s coming true.”

“Not many people knew about the Philippines until Pacquiao came along, so having to sing for any of his fights honestly is such a great blessing, especially this fight, the Mayweather fight,” she added. “Its a big event in history.”

Meanwhile , actor and singer Jamie Foxx is slated to sing the United States national anthem.

Watch Gail Banawis sings “Let It Go” at Billy Crawford Live In Concert with K Brosas. (The Town Hall, Times Square)