Boxing idol Manny Pacquiao had empanada shaped like gloves for breakfast at Malaca?ang on Friday.
Pacquiao called on President Arroyo right after he arrived at Manila?s international airport.
The delicacy, aptly named Pacquiao empanada, was the concoction of the Palace chef, Babes Austria.
The President said she had breakfast prepared for Pacquiao knowing he did not have a chance to have a proper meal in the plane. The empanadas were served with egg.
She thanked Pacquiao for doing the country proud by beating the Mexican Erik Morales in the super-featherweight bout in Las Vegas, Nevada, last Saturday.
After the snack Pacquiao posed for pictures with Palace employees, among then another chef, Dick Franco, who prepared the dough for the Pacquiao empanada.
In a brief statement Pacquiao exhorted Filipinos to remain united even if he does not have a fight.
He told the President he is looking forward to at least a week of rest in his hometown, General Santos City.
In an interview on ABS-CBN?s Magandang Umaga Bayan, Pacquiao dismissed rumors that Malaca?ang had tapped him to be its front man in promoting amendments to the Constitution.
His skills are meant only for boxing and not politics, he stressed. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Pacquiao also told the President he wanted to help retired boxers. Bunye said Pacquiao informed the President about the help he has been giving to former champion Rolando Navarette, who squandered his fame and money after years of triumph in the ring.
Mrs. Arroyo suggested that Pacquiao course his assistance to Navarette through the government?s livelihood training program run by the Department of Trade and Industry.
