Filipino ring superstar Manny Pacquiao arrived to a hero?s welcome in Cebu yesterday, bringing along with him a news that is music to the ears of the entire Cebuano community.
Pacquiao confirmed he has accepted the invitation of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza to play the role of chieftain Lapu-Lapu in the re-enactment of the historic ?Kadaugan sa Mactan? on April 27.
?It?s a big honor for me to play the role of Lapu-Lapu. He is the epitome of the courage and big fighting heart of the Filipinos. I am humbled to play his role [in the Kadaugan sa Mactan],? said Pacquiao, himself a hero in the sports arena and touted as one of the greatest Filipino boxers of all time.
Pacquiao?s beloved half Jinkee will also act as Lapu-Lapu?s wife Princess Bulakna in the annual celebration depicting the victory of Cebuanos led by Lapu-Lapu against the Spaniards in the famous battle of Mactan Island in 1521. Famous Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan died in that epic battle.
The ?Kadaugan sa Mactan? is a tribute to the flaming courage and unity of the people of Mactan, who fought and successfully resisted Spanish attempt to colonize the island almost five centuries ago. For that, Lapu-Lapu etched his name in stone as the Philippines? first national hero.
Upon his arrival at almost 5:00 in the afternoon at the Mactan International Airport, Pacquiao was swarmed by a circus of adoring fans. After signing autographs and posing for photo opportunities, Pacman was whisked away at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel in Mactan where he will be staying for two days together with his wife Jinkee and three children.
Pacquiao said he would have loved to extend his stay in Cebu, but his kids have to go to school so as he at the Notre Dame University in his hometown General Santos City where he is taking up business management.
?I would like to thank all the Cebuanos for their constant support to me. Though I?m fighting miles away from home, I know they?re praying for my victory. The Cebuanos are very close to my heart and I hope they will never waver in suppporting me,? said Pacquiao.
To formally convey his gratitude to the Cebuanos, Pacquiao will pay a courtesy call on Cebu Province Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia at 4 pm at the Provincial Capitol. He will accord Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osme?a the same courtesy an hour later at the City Hall.
This is Pacquiao?s first Cebu trip since he pulled a hairline split decision over Mexico?s Juan Manuel Marquez to snatch the WBC super featherweight title last March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Thus, Pacman made history as the first Asian boxer to win three world titles in different weight divisions. He once reigned as the WBC flyweight and IBF super bantamweight champion.
If he is to decide, Pacquiao wants to fight next WBC lightweight champion David Diaz. He is also amenable to a third match with Marquez if ?the price is right.?
Pacquiao further said a future fight against either Ricky Hatton or Oscar de la Hoya is highly possible.
