Philippines, 09 May 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


DONAIRE ECSTATIC OVER MEETNG WITH PRESIDENT ARROYO


PhilBoxing.com


Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire was ecstatic over his meeting with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at Malacanang on Tuesday afternoon saying it was “an overwhelming feeling. It was indescribable. The moment I walked up the stairs and she was up there and when I looked it was a moment when I couldn’t even look at her face. It was a great honor.”

Donaire, the IBF/IBO flyweight champion who won the titles with a sensational fifth round knockout over previously undefeated Vic Darchnyan and IBF minimum weight champion Florante “The Little Manny Pacquiao” Condes were accompanied in the courtesy call at the presidential palace by Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain who told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that President Arroyo was “impressed with Donaire. He is such a nice young man.”

Hours after the meeting with President Arroyo, Donaire was still gushing over the experience stressing that “it was overwhelming. Words cant describe my feelings.”

He said it was something special “to be there and be recognized by the President who gave us support and recognition. I’m speechless.”

The newest ring sensation who was born in Talibon, Bohol and lived for several years with his family in General Santos City was also joined at Malacanang by Mayor Pedro Acharon. Donaire said his emotional meeting with his 96 year old grandfather was “an awesome, awesome experience. It was something that I’ll never surpass.“

Donaire said he had three motorcades in Tagbilaran City where he was hosted by popular Mayor and sportsman Dan Neri Lim, in Talibon by Mayor Item and in GenSan by Mayor Acharon. He said “each and everyone was so hospitable and their greeting was heartfelt. The people were incredible in their support and it was such a great feeling. I felt like a rock star, the way they looked at me and screamed.”

Donaire revealed that growing up he had his “share of a tough life, poverty. But it helped me out to be strong and know where I came from and be humble because I am blessed. I was able to go to the US and follow my dreams and become a world champion. I look back to all the people that supported me and all I can do is appreciate all those people who cared and supported me.”

During dinner at the Kamayan restaurant along EDSA, fans flocked to the young, smiling world champion for authographs and photos and even a few kisses on the cheek while the singing group was thrilled when Donaire sang some Visayan and modern English songs that had the diners listening intently promptlng Donaire to say, “I just like to have fun. If I can do it (sing) I’ll do it. If I cant then I wont try to do it. I felt confident. I was having fun and just the experience of it all is an incredible feeling.”

Donaire and Condes were given cash incentives by the President and they welcomed her kindness and had no complaints at all. However, a couple of boxing people questioned why two legitimate world champions were given only P100.000 each while Youth champion Bernabe Concepcion who was accompanied to the palace by Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao after he won the title in the US, was given P500,000.

One longtime boxing man said “it doesn’t seem fair. These are two legitimate world champions and Condes beat a veteran champion while Donaire defeated an unbeaten champion and won not one but two titles.”


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Press Conference Notes: San Diego Favorite Emanuel Navarrete Set to Reignite Mexico-Philippines Rivalry against Charly Suarez
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • SALITA PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. LANI DANIELS SATURDAY, JULY 26 * LITTLE CAESARS ARENA
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • Unbeaten Anthony Velazquez pitched shutout at home in Springfield
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • TYSON FURY VOTED THE MOST ENTERTAINING BOXER IN THE WORLD, ACCORDING TO BRITISH FANS
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • Undefeated super middleweight contender Darius Fulghum preparing to ‘Make a big splash’ vs. Bek Melikuziev
    , Fri, 09 May 2025
  • OKC Routs Denver; 149-106, Ties Series; Semis Series in East Remain Topsy-turvy as Boston Goes Down 0-2 With 91-90 Loss to NY
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 08 May 2025
  • SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Thu, 08 May 2025
  • WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
    , Thu, 08 May 2025
  • GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 08 May 2025
  • Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 07 May 2025
  • JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
    , Wed, 07 May 2025
  • CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Wed, 07 May 2025
  • Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
    , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
    , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
    , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
    , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
    , Tue, 06 May 2025
  • Monster Dynamite: Inoue Crushes Cardenas in Eight
    , Mon, 05 May 2025
  • "THE MONSTER" SURVIVES EARLY SCARE, DESTROYS CARDENAS IN THRILLING WAR TO RETAIN UNDISPUTED CROWN
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 05 May 2025
  • Dana White to Promote Canelo vs. Crawford: UFC Boss Set to Elevate Superfight to Historic Levels
    By T. Chin-Te, , Mon, 05 May 2025
  • Bata Reyes impressed with upcoming young players during exhibition in Libis
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 05 May 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.