Eight-division world champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquaio is set to inspire the world in a different light as the highly anticipated sports drama movie event of the year titled “Kid Kulafu” shares his story not as a sports icon but as a young boy who knocked out life’s challenges.

“This is the untold story of our People’s Champ–way before the fame, fortune, championships and even prior wearing boxing gloves,” said Paul Soriano, the director of the biographical film presented by ABS-CBN, Star Cinema, and Ten17 Productions. “It is not about his career as a professional boxer but an in-depth look into his early years, from his birth up to his teenage life.”

According to Direk Paul, “Kid Kulafu” has been three years in the making with two years dedicated for extensive research about the childhood of the People’s Champ.

“Viewers will discover in the film how hard life was for Manny as a kid in General Santos City. They will get to know a young boy who had nothing but attitude, passion, and fighting spirit to face every challenge head on and knock it out one by one,” shared Direk Paul.

The director added that what inspired him more to do the movie was when he got to know more Manny through a series of conversations which happened within the two-year research spent for the biographical film.

As Manny shared to Direk Paul, “All the pain and the knock outs I experienced in boxing were just physical pain. But you know what’s more painful? It’s the fact that you have nothing to eat, no home where you can rest, and having a broken family. And I endured all those when I was young.”

Like Direk Paul, former child actor and “Kid Kulafu” lead star Buboy Villar feels honored to be part of the world champion’s biopic.

“I knew that there were a lot who auditioned for the role that’s why I was so happy when I was chosen. Because I’m really a big fan of Pacquiao,” said Buboy who underwent serious boxing training in preparation for the film.

“Because of ‘Kid Kulafu’ I realized that Sir Manny can be a huge source of inspiration to kids of today. He’s hardworking, determined to rise above poverty, and has high respect for his parents and family,” shared Buboy. “When Sir Manny stepped into amateur boxing, his goal was not to win. He wanted to help provide meals to his family and make his parents proud of him.”

Buboy assured moviegoers that there are still a lot that the world don’t know about Pacman. He quipped, “Before he became a world champion, he was Kid Kulafu who was filled fueled by passion and faith.”

“Kid Kulafu” was shot in select locations in Saranggani and General Santos City where Manny spent his childhood and teen years.

Portraying Manny’s parents Dionisia and Rosalio are award-winning actors Alessandra de Rossi and Alex Medina. Also part of the cast are Cesar Montano, Khalil Ramos and Igi Boy Flores. “Kid Kulafu” is written by Froilan Medina and under creative consultant Amor Olaguer and fight director Erwin Tagle.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Store has released a collection of Kid Kulafu movie merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies, and bags. The items may be bought at the ABS-CBN Store in The Loop located at the ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City and online via www.abs-cbnstore.com. It will also be made available in selected cinema lobbies during the film’s theatrical release and in the following Elorde Gyms: Elorde Gilmore, Elorde Katipunan 1 and Elorde Maceda.

Don’t miss the biggest sports drama movie of the year, “Kid Kulafu,” to hit cinemas nationwide on April 15 (Wednesday).

For more information and latest updates about “Kid Kulafu” and other Star Cinema movies, simply visit StarCinema.com.ph, Facebook.com/StarCinema and Twitter.com/StarCinema.