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Philippines, 19 Mar 2026 |
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Pacquiao Receives Mayoral Award By Johnny M. Pecayo PhilBoxing.com Mon, 09 Mar 2009  LOS ANGELES, CA -- The sweltering heat of the noontime sun on Saturday, March 7, did not deter the loyal fans of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao who swarmed the SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans) building on the Temple corridor along the historic Filipinotown here just to have a glimpse of their idol and hero. Not to be outdone are members of the mainstream media, that includes the Los Angeles Times, television stations and the local ethnic media, with most members of the Filipino American media present for the important coverage of the awarding ceremonies, led by the newly re-elected Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa. Prior to the main event of the day, Mayor Villaraigosa and the People's Champ Manny Pacquiao, proceeded to Temple Street infront of the SIPA building, along with Council President Eric Garcetti and Joel Jacinto, to dedicate a tree in the greening effort of the City of Los Angeles, as part of the "Day of Service" to the community. In the presence of city officials and his constituents, Mayor Villaraigosa told the huge crowd that, "it was indeed a significant and historic moment to perform this "Day of Service" in the presence of the world's best boxer, whose legions of friends and fans abound and grow every day, that include those in England, where Pacquiao had recently been to, when he met with his May 2 opponent Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton. Like sweet petals of a flower that attract the bees, Manny Pacquiao and Mayor Villaraigosa were followed closely from the Temple Street all the way to the rear side of the SIPA compound, where a fabricated stage was put up just for this purpose. Mayor Villaraigosa went up onstage first, leaving Manny behind, standing beside this writer. Without any formal introduction, the Mayor greeted the audience in Pilipino: "Magandang Tanghali sa inyong lahat" (Good day, everyone) which greetings receive wild applause from the huge crowd who braved the heat of the sun so they could witness the making of history in the already "historic" Filipinotown. Pandemonium broke loose just as soon as Mayor Villaraigosa calls Manny Pacquiao to go up onstage, but the presence of many LAPD officers contained the situation orderly and peacefully. "We have with us today, the Philippines' Ambassador of Goodwill, the world's best boxer in his category, the People's Champion, Manny Pacquiao," Mayor Villaraigosa, in high pitch, introduces Manny, and the crowd roared once more. Manny was given a VIP treatment by no less than the Chief Executive of the City, manifesting a warm reception for Manny, with all the trimmings of a well respected man in the field of boxing. Top photo: MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA in a face-to-face with Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao. -- MUST PHOTO BY ROMEO BALBOA.  ASSEMBLYMEMBER Ted Lieu (3rd from left), presents March 7 at SIPA a Special Certificate of Recognition to Manny Pacquiao for his outstanding accomplishments in boxing, earning four different belts in succession, as the world champion. -- MUST PHOTO BY ROMEO BALBOA.  MANNY PACQUIAO (seated, 2nd from right) listens to the message from Joel Jacinto (standing, 2nd from right). Seated at left is Amy Almirol. -- MUST PHOTO BY ROMEO BALBOA  ON BOARD his Mercedes Benz sportscar, Manny Pacquiao is all set to drive out of the SIPA compound after the whole morning event. -- MUST PHOTO Then came Manny who acknowledges the Mayor's accolades. He thanked the Mayor, then related his own experience in tree-planting in General Santos City in Southern Philippines, its own style in green revolution. Joel Jacinto, Executive Director of SIPA made a special announcement, followed by the Mayor's presentation of a special Mayoral award in the form of a huge Certificate of Recognition, duly framed. After the presentation of award, Manny Pacquiao drove out of the SIPA compound in his new black Mercedes Benz sports car which he purchased from the Mercedes Benz dealership in Beverlh Hills. Note: Johnny M. Pecayo is the publisher and editor-in-chief of the MANILA-U.S. TIMES, which has been in circulation in Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada for over 15 years. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Johnny M. Pecayo.  |
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