NOT A FEW film fans were SURprised to learn some days ago that Manny Pacquiao?s ?Wapakman? fantasy-superhero flick wasn?t one of the frontrunners in this season?s Metro Film Festival. In fact, theater tallies had it that the movie was bringing up the rear in terms of box-office grosses.

?Wapakman? was expected to do better, because Manny is definitely one of the most popular stellar personalities around, thanks to his international boxing triumphs. Unfortunately, that popularity hasn?t translated into success at the tills for his action-fantasy starrer. From boxing to the box office is too big a leap for the sports star turned movie luminary, it appears. What seems to have gone awry?

Having watched some of Manny?s TV sitcom performances, we can affirm the fact that, as an actor, his work leaves a lot to be desired. He may be great in the boxing ring, but in front of the TV and film cameras, he?s an awkward albeit eager amateur. Like his mom, who?s now also a show biz star, Manny loves to perform, but performing doesn't love him back.

Another major factor could be the fact that this year?s MMFF entries star an inordinate number of big and more tested luminaries, like Bong Revilla in ?Panday? and Vic Sotto in ?Ang Darling Kong Aswang.?

Since, like ?Wapakman,? those movies have strong fantasy elements, it looks like viewers went more for experience than the efforts of Pacquiao in the same genre, to make sure that they would get their money?s worth.

Also relevant is the presence of Manny?s rumored squeeze, Krista Ranillo, in ?Wapakman.? Before the festival opened, some people felt that Krista could be a draw, since viewers would be curious to see what the gossip and rumors were all about.

But, the movie?s poor showing at the tills suggests that Krista?s participation could have had a negative effect with viewers who disapproved of Manny?s reported fling, possibly expressing their disapproval by staying away from the movie.

Sadly for Manny, his film?s less than successful MMFF stint has even cast doubts on his drawing power as a novice politician. Yes, he?s popular with the masses, but does he have what it takes to become a good legislator? Clearly, he will have to work harder to convince voters in the province of Sarangani that he can.

What about Manny Pacquiao as a recording artist? Since he also enjoys singing, he would love to come up with a hit album. The good news is that, in that less investment-intensive field, he could fare better, especially in the novelty song department. ?Well, at least that?s a sliver of silver lining on Manny?s dim show biz horizon this season.

Scandals

Lessons Pacquiao can learn for his downbeat show biz experience? First, boxing is one thing and the box office is another, so he shouldn?t presume that one can automatically be mined for the other. Second, scandals, if handled badly, can be poison at the tills.

Third, viewers expect their sports heroes to be more heroic than their show biz counterparts. And fourth, when a wife and children are involved, watch the fury of public opinion fly?against you.