MANNY PACQUIAO, Brian Viloria, and Rey “Boom Boom Bautista” – the 1-2-3 punch of Philippine boxing – will come face to face with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo tomorrow when they call on the President at the Malaca?ang Palace.
The three boxers will be accompanied by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza who will lead Manilans in a motorcade starting 9 a.m. at the Manila City Hall.
The ceremonies will not end at Malaca?ang as the trio will be honored in a VIP dinner dubbed as “Tagumpay” Tribute to the Champions at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom in Ortigas.
The trilogy of tributes will start at 7 p.m. featuring musical numbers from the country’s hottest bands and solo performers and video clips of the recent fights of the three boxing heroes.
The President is expected to give inspirational message and present special citations to the three champions.
Mayor Atienza will deliver the opening remarks and present the tribute to Pacquiao.
Pacquiao starred in the Sept. 11 world boxing event called “Double Trouble” where he demolished rugged Mexican Hector Velazquez in six rounds.
Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano will present the tribute to Bautista while Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson will do the honor to Viloria. The Hawaiibased fighter traces his roots in Ilocos Sur.
Bautista and Viloria both scored sensational knockout victories in the under cards of Pacquiao’s big night.
The 19-year-old Bautista stopped Felix Flores in the third round to stay undefeated in 16 bouts.
Viloria, aptly called the “Hawaiian Punch,” crowned himself as the new World Boxing Council light flyweight king after knocking out champion Eric Ortiz in the first round. The prized fighter brought here by Solar Sports is still unscathed in 19 outings.
