The Animal in Manila experience.

WWE Superstar Batista: One proud Filipino.
(Photo by: Roy Afable)

I know I should've done this post weeks ago but it doesn't matter. I'm doin' it anyway. Honestly, it's not my first time to get upclose and personal with WWE Superstar Batista. I've met him way back in 2006. It was also his first of his 3 visits here in the Philippines. I was actually lucky enough to get his autograph on his 1st visit here. I had my issue of FLEX magazine signed by him. He was the cover boy in that mag which I got at a very cheap price. It was a good swag indeed. I even got a quick photo op with during his autograph signing at the time. The only reason I got an opportunity to meet him 3 years ago is that the event was sponsored by a pizza company and I had to buy a box of pizza worth 800 php. It was well worth it though. I ate the pizza when I got home.

March 2, 2009 was the day he returned to his Filipino roots. I marked that on my calendar as soon as I got confirmation from Jack TV via email. That was also the same day I'd get to meet Dave Batista for the 2nd time. Many thanks to the Jack TV peeps for the opportunity of meeting the one and only Batista. I joined their contest and I was one of the lucky few to meet him on that day.

It was technically a meet and greet event at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Pasig but only 10 out of the 50 chosen promo winners were the fortunate ones to really MEET Batista. The rest of the winners (including yours truly) got a group photo-op with the WWE Superstar. We weren't allowed to get his autograph. The 10 others were the ones who were able to have a solo pic with him and have whatever stuff they have signed by him. The group shot was still good though.

I know it sucks but it's all good. I already got his autograph and picture with him 3 years ago and that is already something. Besides, getting a Jack TV goodie back (comes with a WWE Batista shirt and 2 posters) is just one of the perks of being a promo winner and a bonafide WWE fan. It would've been better of course if he pre-signed one of the 2 posters in our goodie bag but what heck, it doesn't matter. The dope Batista shirt was an awesome swag anyway. I even met one the most respected sports broadcasters in the Philippines, Mr. Chino Trinidad. It was the second time I've met him. The last time I spoke/met him was about 10 years ago or something. Yeah it was that long. Chatted with him a bit then had my picture taken with him before he left the hotel's lobby.

Group photo of the promo winners with WWE Superstar Batista.

Jack TV even interviewed me after the event. I know I'm not that comfortable being filmed and interviewed on camera by anyone but since the cable network approached me nicely, I was cool with it. Despite being camera shy and all. I had to wear my sunglasses before the interview. I didn't to look wasted on camera. Thank goodness. During the interview, I said some things that, lets' just say, it didn't turn out the I way wanted. No, I didn't say any profane words, it's just some of them were pretty much out of place all due to lack of sleep and didn't lunch before going there. Had to email Jack TV to edit my interview as soon as I got home for good measure.

The interview was for the "Animal in Manila 2" 30 minute special. It was aired last night, March 29 at 7 pm. I only told a few people about it as I didn't want to be embarrassed. It was actually funny seeing myself on TV. I really didn't want to see myself on TV but it really got me curious that's why I checked it out. My interview was edited real good all thanks to Jack TV. It turned out really good and I didn't expect it to be more than that, in a good way that is. I was just smiling the whole time. It was a weird experience seeing myself on TV but all in all, it's simply cool. Haha!! I hope I get to have a copy of that Batista special.

The next day, I went to his mall appearance late in the afternoon. It was also the last day of his visit here in the country. He was interviewed by Jack TV host Dylan, answered a few questions, gave away some free posters to the crowd then he left the building; show's over. The fans were happy.

Thanks again to Jack TV for the rare opportunity to meet WWE Superstar Batista and that goodie bag which was really dope. I'm already hanging one of the posters in my room. Thanks for bringing him back here in the Philippines. He's one classy guy and is not afraid to tell the world that he's proud to be Filipino. Hope the big fella comes back here. He's hoping to join the Smackdown Superstars coming here on July 10. Don't worry Batista, every Filipino here is praying you come back and perform for us here again. Trust me, we're all keeping our fingers crossed.

It was a great experience indeed. Can't wait for July 10. Wrestlemania 25 is coming up next week. I'ma be watching that one for sure. I forgot to tell y'all that I'm a hardcore WWE fan. Well, now you know. I'm just saying.