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Philippines, 25 Nov 2024 |
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GMA leads hero?s welcome for Pacquiao PhilBoxing.com Thu, 11 Oct 2007 President Arroyo will lead today a hero?s welcome for Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao following his victory against Mexican opponent Marco Antonio Barrera last weekend. Malaca?ang has prepared a grand celebration for Pacquiao, who arrives in Manila early this morning from Los Angeles, California. Environment Secretary Jose "Lito" Atienza Jr. will fetch Pacquiao, who is arriving onboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR 103, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 4 a.m. today. But Atienza said there will be no motorcade for Pacquiao this time as he will ride a private car going to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) central office along Visayas Ave. in Quezon City so as not to give political color to the event. Thousands of employees, fans, and friends are expected to gather and meet the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight champion at 8:30 a.m. at the DENR office. From Quezon City, Atienza will accompany Pacquiao to Malaca?ang Palace at 10 a.m. for a separate courtesy call on President Arroyo who will present a special cake for the boxing champ. "It has been a tradition that during his series of victories he goes to the (Manila) city hall and we have to go around the city. I?m not doing that as a mayor. He always saw me before and after the fight, win or lose. He?s going to the DENR simply because of our (personal) relationship," Atienza said in an interview. Vice President Noli de Castro, Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson and former Rep. Miles Roces are expected to join the welcome party for Pacquiao in the Palace. After the courtesy call on the President, a short program paying tribute to Pacquiao will be held at the Kalayaan Grounds inside the Palace. The President earlier congratulated Pacquiao for his "well-deserved victory" against Barrera. She said Pacquiao has buoyed anew the nation?s spirit "with his excellent fighting form and indomitable spirit." "Our ?Pambansang Kamao? is the Philippines? gift to the world of boxing. We join all Filipinos in celebrating his well-deserved victory," she said in a statement, shortly after Pacquiao defeated Barrera via unanimous decision in a 12-round bout in Las Vegas, Nevada last Sunday. With his win, Pacquiao retained his WBC International Super Featherweight title. (With a report by Genalyn Kabiling )  |
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