With only a few days left before she takes centerstage at Manny Pacquiao’s anticipated boxing bout against Oscar de la Joya at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 7, singer-actress Karylle is busy wrapping up commitments here in the country.

Last night, November 26, Karylle attended the 21^st Awit Awards held at the Eastwood Central Plaza in Libis, Quezon City, to participate in the tribute given to this year’s Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Award recipient, Lea Salonga.

Minutes before the performance, Karylle expressed her thoughts on the Pacquiao-Dela Joya match, where she will sing the Philippine national anthem for a global audience.

“It’s a very big honor for me to do this,” said Karylle. “Number one, siyempre, I’m so proud na nakilala ko si Manny Pacquiao. Alam mo na nakakausap mo siya, na tinatanong niya ako nagpi-prepare ba ako, ‘yong mga ganung bagay, ipinagmamalaki ko ‘yan sa mga kaibigan ko. I’m very honored that he picked me.”

The event is even more special for Karylle by the fact that the sport means a lot to her family. Karylle’s grandfather, Carlos Padilla Jr., was a ring referee whose career took off after officiating the $20-million world heavyweight championship match between legendary boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. The mammoth boxing event called Thrilla in Manila was hosted by the Philippines at the Araneta Coliseum on October 1, 1975.

“This is something that connects me with my grandfather. ‘Yong great grandfather ko naman, isa siyang Olympic boxer. So, kahit papaano, I may not be on the ring like them or referee, but I’m gonna be there to sing,” Karylle said.

FEELING MUCH BETTER. It is no secret that Karylle still nurses a broken heart following the collapse of her relationship with actor Dingdong Dantes. Karylle cited the upcoming boxing match as a big help in diverting her attention away from whatever emotions she’s experiencing.