CEBU CITY, Philippines – They did not mind waiting for six hours just to catch a glimpse of the world boxing champ.
At least 500 people from Lapu-Lapu City gathered outside the arrival area of the Mactan Cebu International Airport at 10 a.m. on Sunday after they were told by their barangay (village) captains that Manny Pacquiao and his family were expected to arrive about that time.
He and his family arrived at 4:37 p.m., after changing his flight schedule thrice because he had to host a noontime television program in Manila.
?Andito ako para pasasalamatan ang lahat ng Cebuano na sumuporta sa akin. Masaya ako at andito sila para sa akin. Maraming salamat po (I am here to thank the Cebuanos who supported me. I am happy that they are here for me),? Pacquiao told reporters.
Pacquiao was fretted to a hero’s welcome by his fans who flocked to the airport after they learned that he would arrive Sunday.
The drum and bugle corps immediately played some music when Pacquiao emerged from the arrival area. Fans screamed his name while waving their flaglets. Some tried to get close to Pacquiao as he walked to a waiting Toyota Hi-Ace Grandia to shake his hands.
But the Philippine boxing idol was whisked to the van, which took them to Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa where Pacquiao and his family will stay for two days for a much-deserved break after dethroning Juan Manuel Marquez during the World Boxing Council super featherweight fight on March 16.
Felomena Tamsi, 60, said she left her work Sunday just to see Pacquiao as she had been a fan since the start of his boxing career.
She said she felt frustrated because she never had a chance to shake his hands or ask for his autograph even if Sunday was the second time she saw Pacquiao.
Gloria Gallo, 60, said she was thrilled seeing Pacquiao who, she said, looked better on person than on television.
She said his mustache added to his ?manly look.?
The fans came to the airport after they were told by their barangay captains that Pacquiao would arrive at 10 a.m. Sunday.
They flocked to the arrival area, hoping to see their idol.
But they were later told that Pacquiao would arrive at 1 p.m. The arrival was later moved to 1 p.m. and then later at 4 p.m.
The fans, however, stayed and waited.
Pacquiao, his wife Jinky, his three children and their nannies, finally arrived on board Philippine Airline flight 847.
They were welcomed by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza and the city tourism officials and staff at the VIP lounge of the airport.
Pacquiao told reporters that they came to Cebu to visit some friends and the Basilica del Sto. Ni?o in downtown Cebu City to thank the Holy Child Jesus for his victory over Marquez.
Jinky, who looked beautiful in an orange summer dress, explained that they had to change their flight schedule because her husband was one of hosts of SOP, a Sunday noontime variety show over GMA-7.
She said their visit here was a needed break for her husband from his busy schedule in Manila. From Cebu, the family will return to their hometown in General Santos City.
Pacquiao beat Marquez to grab the super featherweight title by way of a split decision on March 16 at the Events Center of the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
The former flyweight and featherweight champion became the first Asian to hold three world crowns in three different divisions.
In conquering Marquez, Pacquiao buttressed his reputation as the Mexican Assassin for defeating Erik Morales (twice in three bouts) and Marco Antonio Barrera (twice) and other top-notch Mexican fighters like Oscar Larios, Hector Velasquez and Jorge Solis.
Asked about his next fight, Pacquiao said he was bent on climbing to the lightweight division and challenge WBC lightweight champion David Diaz on June 28, also at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
?Hindi pa po namin napirmahan ang kontrata. Marami pa pong asikasuhin pero si Diaz na po ang susunod kong kalaban (We have not signed a contract. There are a lot of things needed to be done but Diaz will be my next opponent),? Pacquiao said.
If he wins in the fight, Pacquiao will join a very elite list of fighters to become a four-division champion.
Pacquiao said he was also open to a third fight with Marquez, whose camp sought a rematch after contesting the result.
?Kahit sampung beses pa kami maglaban ni Juan Manuel Marquez, wala talaga ako problema. Basta ang importante magkaayos lang sa usapan at mga kontrata (I don’t have any problem even if Juan Manuel Marquez and I would fight 10 times. What’s important is that the negotiations and the contracts are in order,? Pacquiao said.
He said that as a boxer, his job is to find fights.
Pacquiao said he will grace this Sunday’s big “Invasion” card at the Araneta Coliseum to support the Filipino fighters seeing action in the card against foreign opponents.
WBO bantam champ Gerry Pe?alosa will headline the card against mandatory challenger Ratanachai Sor Vorapin of Thailand.
Pacquiao also urged boxing champions Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista, AJ ?Bazooka? Banal and Michael Domingo to win their fights for the country.
?Manalo kayo ha. Knockoutin nyo kaagad. Mag-ingat kayo (Please win. You knockout your opponents immediately and be careful),? Pacquiao told the three fighters.
