MANILA, Philippines ? Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has arrived at the Malaca?ang Palace and formally received Proclamation 1764 ? which declares this day, May 11, as a national day of celebration ? from President Arroyo herself.
According to reports, the pound-for-pound king was welcomed by Mrs. Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo ? who both sported jackets handed to them as a personal gift by Pacquiao himself.
Several cabinet officials, led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, were also present at the Palace.
As of this posting, Pacquiao is having a conversation with the President regarding his triumph over Ricky Hatton last May 3.
Reports added that the General Santos City-based southpaw has just received a special cake baked by Palace chefs, something the boxer regularly gets whenever he visits Malaca?ang after each fight. The cake reportedly flashed the words “Pound-for-Pound King,” and featured a championship belt and a boxing glove design.
Pacquiao and his entourage started a motorcade early this morning, passing through several key thoroughfares in Manila.
