THE nation let out another rousing welcome to Manny Pacquiao Friday morning, a fitting gift to the boxing hero whose pair of fists electrified every Filipino from Aparri to Jolo.
As soon as Pacquiao, his wife Jinky and other members of his party arrived on board a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 6 a.m., there was no stopping the Filipino from celebrating.
The hero has returned home.
A mass at the Quiapo Church, a courtesy call at the Manila City Hall, and a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malaca?ang highlighted the morning affair with Pacquiao’s arrival.
Pacquiao who scored a sensational third-round knockout victory over Mexican Erik Morales just recently in Las Vegas, was met by his mother, father and two sons, Manila Mayor Joselito “Lito” Atienza and other Manila City Government officials at the airport.
Pacquiao is an adopted son of Manila.
From the airport, Pacquiao proceeded to the Manila Hotel to freshen up and then headed to Quiapo for the 8 a.m. mass.
From the church, the Filipino boxer and his group proceeded to the Manila City Hall for a courtesy call and a press conference.
From the Manila City Hall, Pacquiao headed to Malaca?ang to pay a courtesy call on the President. At the Palace, confetti rained and cheers reverberated in the air as Mrs. Arroyo led a welcome ceremony on the boxing champ.
“Mabuhay ka Manny Pacquiao (Long live Manny Pacquiao). You are our champion for life,” Arroyo told Pacquiao. Fans took advantage of the opportunity by taking photos of Pacquiao, while others waved miniature Philippine flags during the ceremony.
Vice President Noli de Castro was also on hand to welcome Pacquiao.
A motorcade was scheduled to be held later in the day and on Friday evening, a victory party for Pacquiao will be held at the Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate, Manila.
Another hero’s welcome awaits Pacquao as soon as he returns in his hometown General Santos City days from now. (With Sunnex)
