General Santos City is in the thick of preparations to celebrate the 30th birthday of their native hero Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday. Several political, showbiz and sports personalities are expected to make their way to the country’s southern city to join the festivities.
Pacquiao?s staffers are busy dressing up the KCC Convention Center in Gensan where the party?s VIPs will be accepted.
The boxer?s event-executive said that, as of this posting, the party site is already 75 percent complete.
?Gusto naming matapos na ito ngayong gabi para bukas ang gagawin na lang ay paglalagay ng mga flowers, at mga pagkain,? said event-executive Paolo Sunglaw.
Sunglaw added that aside from Filipino delicacies, they will also include international cuisine in the party menu.
?International ang cuisine at siyempre ?di mawawala ang ipinagmamalaki ng Gensan, ang tuna. Nasa sampu ang hinanda para sa sashimi,? he said.
Pacquiao visitors
Among the political luminaries expected to attend Pacquiao?s party are President Arroyo, former Ilocos Sur and now Deputy National Security Adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson, and Environment Secretary Lito atienza.
Pacquiao also invited boxing stars former WBC lightweight champion David Diaz, former world champion Marco Antonio Barrera, WBA super featherweight king Edwin Valero, Ring Magazine lighweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, and 10-time world champion Oscar de la Hoya.
Of the five fighters, only Marquez and de la Hoya have not confirmed their attendance. Marquez figured in a highly disputed re-match with Pacquiao early this year, when he lost his WBC super featherweight crown. De la Hoya, meanwhile, went home to Puerto Rico to recover from his stinging loss to the Filipino.
Also reportedly set to visit Pacquiao are compatriots IBF/IBO flyweight title holder Nonito Donaire Jr., ex-world champion Brian Viloria and other notable Filipino champions, including WBO banamweight king Gerry Pe?alosa.
?Vegas style?
The main party will include a Las Vegas theme with gigantic playing cards bearing Pacquiao?s image. There will also be slot machines available for those who want to try their luck.
At the center of the venue, a boxing ring was assembled. This is where Pacquiao and his very important visitors will be sitting.
Since not all of his loyal fans can fit inside the KCC Convention Center, Pacquiao has reserved Gensan?s Oval Plaza where his regular supporters can hold their revelry.
Organizers bared that Pacquiao shelled out P1 million to launch his birthday bash.
The party is part of the continuing celebration after the boxer defeated his ?biggest? opponent in his stellar career.
Pacquiao demolished 10-time world champion Oscar de la Hoya via an eight-round TKO in their Dream Match on December 6.
His stunning victory is being widely celebrated in the Philippines. With a report from PhilBoxing.com and Dexter Ganibe, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN
