Overwhelming welcome for Filipinos’ champ
MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Filipinos gathered to welcome the world-record holder, Manny Pacquiao himself, the golden-belted champion, was home again.
Due to the overwhelming victory and also the epic seven-title hold, President Macapagal-Arroyo crowned Pacquiao’s homecoming by conferring on him the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu, one of the highest honors given by Malacañang to civilians and one usually awarded to statesmen.
Ms Arroyo even expanded on Pacquiao’s popular title of Pambansang Kamao (National Fist) by referring to him in a ceremony at the Quirino Grandstand at Manila’s Rizal Park as “Pangmundong Kamao (Fist of the World).”
It was five days after Pacquiao brought the country its biggest ring glory by destroying Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in 12 rounds to win the World Boxing Organization welterweight title—his seventh world crown in seven boxing divisions.
Asked about the rumors that their marriage (with his wife Jinkee) was in trouble, the champ said that everything was fine in the Pacquiao family. “Walang problema (No problem),” he said in an interview over GMA 7.
Talking with the media, Pacquiao joked about a possible fight with former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. “If the time is right, the time is right. Weather-weather lang ’yan,” he said in a play on Mayweather’s name.
Pacquiao said he would pursue his plan to run for Congress, either as a representative of Sarangani province or through a party-list that would push for sports development. “Yes, definitely (I’m running),” he said.
They prayed at the historic Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) in Manila, before attending a victory party in the Mall of Asia (MOA) later.
The Mall Atrium of MOA overflowed with jostling people with Pacquiao and Jinkee, in a long floral dress, walking on a red carpet up a stage, their hands locked together.. When Pacquiao began to sing, they jumped with joy. Most of them waved yellow, blue, and red flaglets.
He sang at least six songs, including his own “Lahing Pilipino” and the song “Born for You” dedicated for one woman—his wife Jinkee.
Photo and news via Inquirer
