UNBELIEVABLE but true. Of all the people who surrounded Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in Malaca?ang during his arrival Thursday, only Bacolod Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia was left out in the acknowledgement.
Pacquiao who won against Mexican champion Marco Antonio Barrera in their last Sunday’s rematch dubbed as “Will to Win” in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, USA, was greeted with a warm welcome by people in Manila led by no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
From the airport, he proceeded to the Department of Environment Office where he met his “adopted father” – Secretary Lito Atienza.
From DENR, he then moved to Malaca?ang Palace where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo handed him the cake prepared by the cooks in the palace.
The Filipino boxing hero then guested at ?SIS?, one of GMA 7’s morning shows, to answer all questions left unanswered prior to the fight night.
Before the program ended, Pacquiao thanked those who had supported him before, during, and after his fight.
First and foremost, he expressed his deep gratitude for God’s blessing that according to him was the greatest gift he had received in his life.
Next, he thanked his family who backed him and will be beside him all throughout his life.
He also thanked President Arroyo and her family for their all-out-support to him, his bosom friend Rex Wacky Salud for lending them a boxing gym during his training in Cebu, and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.
He, likewise, commended the full support of the GMA Network management and lastly, Atienza.
But contrary to the expectations of the entire City of Bacolod, Pacquiao, an ?adopted son? of Bacolod, failed to acknowledge the services of Mayor Leonardia who was his official belt lifter in the ring during the Sunday’s fight.
Leonardia can’t be reached for comment as of press time Thursday night, but he’s arriving in Bacolod Friday.
