IT MIGHT have rained on Manny Pacquiao’s parade yesterday, but the motorcade went on. And though it was shortened owing to the inclement weather, the affair was long in the way of affection showered on the boxing idol.
Pacquiao, overwhelmed by the huge reception he received from adoring fans, grabbed the opportunity to add a political color to the reception by calling on fellow Filipinos to unite in the midst of the grave problems facing the nation.
“Sana kung paano ninyo ako sinuporta noong laban ko, suportahan natin si Madam President at sama-sama natin harapin ang problema ng bansa,” said Pacquiao, a known supporter of President Arroyo.
Pacquiao’s victory over Mexican Hector Velazquez came at a time the country is deeply divided by the impeachment proceedings in Congress and calls for the President to resign.
Yesterday, Pacquiao made known where he stood as he urged Filipinos to rally around the Chief Executive.
The popular boxer is expected to call on the President when she arrives from New York on Sunday.
As early as 9 a.m., people from all walks of life poured into the streets of Manila despite a downpour to get a glimpse of their conquering hero.
Despite the rain, employees and visitors at the Manila City Hall gave Pacquiao a warm welcome.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, who fetched Pacquiao at the airport, was tickled pink when the General Santos City native gifted him his fiery boxing trunks.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa inyong panalangin,” said Pacquiao, who readily agreed to join the motorcade aboard Ali Atienza’s SUV.
“Naligo talaga ang tao sa ulan para lamang makita si Manny,” said Ali, the mayor’s son who heads the Manila Sports Council.
Clad in his trademark long-sleeved No Fear shirt, Pacquiao was joined on top of the vehicle by the Atienzas and several new members of the boxer’s entourage, who joined Pacquiao in the 16-hour flight on board Philippine Airlines from LAX.
Thousands lined up the streets to get a glimpse of Pacquiao.
“Nag-absent ako para makita lang siya,” said Rizaldo Alcoba, a student at Guerrero High School.
Alfredo Manio, a resident of Paco, said: “Nagaalala nga ako na baka magkasakit. Pero kailangan makita ko siya. He makes me proud as a Filipino.”
Pacquiao is expected to be mobbed some more as he wil spend the next four days at the Manila Hotel where he is expected to greet well-wishers.
Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee, meanwhile, anticipating the Palace reception, had to go to their BF Homes-Para?aque residence to get “some clothes for the meeting with the President.”
This was not the first time a parade was held in Pacquiao’s honor, having been given the same kind of treatment following his victories posted on hostile ground.
But a week after his arrival, Pacquiao will be away for three to four days as he has promised friend Wakee Salud that he will be at ringside when hopeful Heriberto Gejon goes after the World Boxing Association minimum weight crown on Sept. 25 in Yokohama, Japan.
Pacquiao is booked to engage Erik Morales in a rematch on Jan. 21, 2006.
Morales dealt Pacquiao a heartbreaking defeat earlier this year.
