Another grand hero’s welcome for Manny Pacquiao in GenSan

GENERAL Santos City -- ? Another grand hero’s welcome awaits Manny Pacquiao upon his arrival here from the US according to City Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. “Win or loss, meron man talaga kaming inihahahandang hero’s welcome for him,” said Acharon, who watched the fight on satellite TV at his house together with his family.

“We are really very proud of Manny, who has not only given honor to Gensan but to the whole Filipino people. He is also now really the Mexican Destroyer,” Acharon said.

It was a holiday at the city as almost everyone including the tricycle and jeepney drivers took a break to watch the fight on TV. The main city streets along Magsaysay, Pioneer, Quirino and Acharon were almost empty. “Sobra pa sa holiday, parang Holy Week, walang tao at sasakyan sa daan,” said Acharon, who later attended the burial of the father of businessman and supporter

Marfin Tan.

SPECIAL MASS FOR PACQUIAO'S VICTORY Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s family headed by his mother Dionesia and brother Bobby were very happy and thankful to all the supporters including the media.

“Pero, una sa lahat, nagpapasalamat kami sa Panginoon Diyos,” they said. Dionesia, who prayed three times a day before the

fight, said she will offer a special thanksgiving mass. “Excited na kaming makita si Manny sa pag-uwi niya,” Dionesia said.

Pacquiao’s pretty niece Cheryl Joy Onding, who was at the side of Dionesia, prepared the food and snacks to the visitors including the Task Force GenSan. The members of the media, both local and national were also here at the Pacquiao’s residence in Barangay Labangal. Network rivals ABS-CBN and GMA both put up their separate crews to interview Pacquiao’s family.

The news of Pacquiao’s victory, however, was first heard on the radio from a report made by Congressman Monico Puentebella live from Las Vegas through Bombo Radyo.

While the fight was still about to start on the TV, it was already being reported on the radio in the 8th round.