MANILA, Philippines - Arnel Pineda, the Filipino  frontman of rock band Journey, is excited to sing the Philippine national anthem before a potentially sold-out crowd in the March 13 bout between Pinoy boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and Ghanaian challenger Joshua Clottey.

Pineda arrived in Dallas, Texas less than 2 days before the Pacquiao-Clottey fight. The Pinoy singer said it was his first time to be billeted at the Gaylord Texan Hotel despite visiting Texas several times.

He said he is thankful that he will finally be able to sing in a Pacquiao fight after missing out on the opportunity several times.

Pineda, who was introduced over the phone to Pacquiao by common friends, was present during the boxer's birthday party in General Santos City last December.

Pineda is currently part of ABS-CBN's weekly variety show "ASAP XV."

Aside from singing in the Pacquiao-Clottey bout, Pineda is also set to fly back to US this coming April to record the latest album of Journey