It was an early Christmas for Manny Pacquiao?s family, friends and fans in General Santos City yesterday.
Pacquiao distributed thousands of gift packs to those who visited his home to celebrate his 26th birthday. Fans of all ages were treated to bags that contained three kilos of rice, canned goods and noodles.
The consensus world featherweight boxing champion also gave cash to the needy.
Showing a big heart, Pacquiao welcomed his well-wishers with open arms and generously shared his blessings. His wife Jinkee and their children Emmanuel Jr., 4, and Michael Stephen, 3, received the multitude of guests in their sprawling bungalow in the heart of the city. The gift-giving started in the morning and went on for hours.
Last night, Pacquiao hosted a party at the Family Resort and Country Homes where there was an abundance of food and drinks. A roasted calf was the most popular item on the buffet table.
Pacquiao?s business manager Rod Nazario and associate Gerry Garcia flew in from Manila last Thursday to attend the festivities. Nazario came with two fight contracts for Pacquiao to sign. The first was for the return bout against Juan Manuel Marquez in Reno or Las Vegas on Feb. 26 and the second was for Erik Morales, tentatively on July 30, in Las Vegas. Both fights will bring a combined purse of $2.65 Million.
On the eve of his birthday, Pacquiao was feted in a late afternoon motorcade around the city. He rode in an open-top white van as hundreds of fans lined up the streets to wave to their hero. The motorcade wound up at the City Hall where Mayor Pedro Acharon welcomed the national hero. A press conference was later held in Mayor Acharon?s office where Pacquiao confirmed his appointment with Marquez.
“The motorcade was Manny?s way of spreading the news that General Santos City is safe,” said journalist Ronnie Nathanielsz who witnessed the drive. “The bombing that took place in the public market was an isolated case involving some quarreling vendors. Manny thought of the motorcade to deliver the message that all is well in the city.”
Before the motorcade, Pacquiao took his Manila guests, including some 20 Games and Amusements Board employees, to a tour of his farms in the city outskirts. His five-hectare farm in Saranggani is where he has planted mango trees and is breeding hundreds of fighting cocks. He has another farm for roosters near his home.
Pacquiao has two homes in the city. His five-door apartment building is under construction.
Driving in his red Ford Expedition, Pacquiao told his visitors he?s not worried about Marquez. The Mexican is now deep in training.
“Mabuti nga nagumpisa na siyang mag-train para sa akin,” said Pacquiao. “At least, pagtamaan ko ng aking kaliwa, hindi basta-basta tutumba. Sana tumagal na kaunti para mabugbog kong sarado.”
Pacquiao will spend the holidays here. Trainer Freddie Roach has asked Pacquiao to report for work at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles early January.
After Pacquiao disposed of Fahsan 3-K Battery in Taguig last Saturday, Roach said he preferred the hard-hitting southpaw to start training for Pacquiao the day after Christmas.
“Marquez will be more prepared for Manny in the rematch so we?ve got to be ready for war,” said Roach. “My gym is open on Christmas Day. I work long hours so it?s no problem if Manny decides to start working out the day after Christmas.”
But Pacquiao bargained for the first week of January.
Roach said the first thing he will do with Pacquiao is to review the tape of the fight against Marquez last May. Then, he said he will figure out a strategy to make sure of the outcome in the rematch.
A tactic that Roach is considering will involve Pacquiao using the right hand more than usual. Pacquiao practiced the right against Fahsan but it was still his left that produced the knockout.
“Marquez is smart,” said Roach. “He?ll be ready for the left so Manny must work on his right to keep Marquez guessing.”
Last Wednesday, Pacquiao was in Davao playing and coaching his Pacman team in a basketball tournament at the El Rio Vista subdivision. He organized and sponsored the tournament which carries a P50,000 prize for the winner.
The Pacman team is in the semifinals but lost to Holy Cross the other day. Pacquiao, as playing coach, saw action for only a few minutes “to loosen up.” He couldn?t believe his team blew a 20-point lead only to lose down the stretch. Obviously, Pacquiao doesn?t like losing. He?s not used to it.
