LAS VEGAS ? The scene Friday night, the eve of the biggest fight of his career, was nothing out of the ordinary.
Sumptuous dishes were being passed around as if a birthday was being celebrated and talk was loud and vibrant with the person on the head table holding court.
But the fellow, who was cracking jokes and telling stories while gorging on steamed white rice and a variety of viands and fruit was Manny Pacquiao, not some dude whose itinerary Saturday includes a trip to the outlet mall.
Less than 24 hours before facing Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand, Pacquiao was busy entertaining guests in his 60th level suite at Delano, obviously unmindful of what lies ahead.
Pacquiao had just attended a Bible study and only got back to his hotel at around 8:30 p.m. following the official weighin in the afternoon.
But Pacquiao didn?t look at all tired as he engaged his guests in a lively conversation over local politics in his hometown of General Santos City in the Philippines.
A reporter within earshot asked him about the staredown with the intense-looking Mayweather at the weighin and Pacquiao flashed a wide grin.
?I felt nothing (during the staredown),? said Pacquiao, his eyes lighting up, as if he?d been reminded of an unforgettable incident in the past.
Before the scribe could follow it up, Pacquiao turned his attention back to his dinner mates and there was laughter all around once more, something that has been the norm the last few days here.
Countless personages from the Philippines have dropped by to say hi and hello, including former Philippine president and current Manila mayor Joseph Estrada and son Jude.
Other VIP visitors include senators Nancy Binay and Sonny Angara, former House Speaker Joe de Venecia and wife Gina, opposition spokesman Toby Tiangco and several politicians from the Philippines.
The world of entertainment was also represented with Cesar Montano and Richard Gutierrez leading the roster of well-wishers.
As the night wore on, Pacquiao excused himself and retreated to the comfort of his lavish room and the crowd began to clear, giving the Filipino pride some privacy and the opportunity to recharge his batteries for the daunting task ahead. (Nick Gionco)
