Thousands lined the streets of Manila and Quezon City on Friday to cheer boxing hero Manny Pacquiao on his triumphant return after defeating his Mexican nemesis Erik Morales.
Pacquiao stopped Morales with a flurry of punches in the 10th round of their 12-round World Boxing Council super-featherweight title eliminator at Las Vegas on Saturday to avenge his defeat 10 months ago.
On Friday Pacquiao waved to fans from a truck decked with Philippine flags and sporting two large red boxing gloves as his motorcade left Malaca?ang, where he was received by President Arroyo.
Confetti rained down as the motorcade inched its way through Manila?s old financial center, while admirers waving small Philippine flags by the roadside chanted his name. A banner on another truck read, ?The victory of Pacquiao is the victory of the Filipino.?
Pacquiao, who flew back to Manila from Los Angeles Friday with his wife, Jinky, was met at the airport by his two sons and mother. He was mobbed at the airport by fans who sought his autograph and posed for pictures with him.
?Now, my happiness is complete,? he said, alluding to the family reunion after months of separation while he trained in the United States.
Pacquiao?s victory over Morales came as a much needed morale booster for his nation following months of political conflict that saw mounting calls for Mrs. Arroyo to resign over allegations that she cheated to win the 2004 election.
Feuding political factions briefly put aside their differences as Filipinos rejoiced over Pacquiao?s triumph.
A street party at the Manila bayside boulevard Friday night celebrated Pacquiao?s homecoming.
Pacquiao, 27, is trying to extend his fame from the ring to the recording studio. Before his fight, he released a music CD that included the song, ?This Fight Is for You,? which is being played by radio stations nationwide.
He has also starred in two Pilipino action movies and has endorsed a number of local products, from socks to a herbal food supplement.
As early as 3 a.m., throngs of Pacquiao?s fans were already clustered outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
His mother, Dionisia, and two children, Michael Stephen and Emmanuel Jr., were there to welcome Pacquiao. They had not seen him for two months since he left for the United States in December to train and prepare for his fight with Morales.
Employees of the Manila International Airport Authority reported to work early just to get a glimpse of their idol.
Also with Pacquiao on the flight to Manila was Jimrex Jaca, the Filipino boxer who knocked out Geronimo Hernandez in the first round of an undercard bout.
When the plane touched down, Mayor Lito Atienza and Rep. Miles Roces went to fetch Pacquiao.
When Pacquiao emerged at 6 a.m., pandemonium broke loose as photographers and TV cameramen swarmed toward him.
?Thank you for all your support,? he said.
Police escorted Pacquiao to the Hyatt Hotel and Casino on Roxas Boulevard, where he and his family are lodged.
