Not even a typhoon nor the influenza A(H1N1) virus scare could stop Manny Pacquiao from coming home to the Philippines.
Pacquiao’s Philippine Airlines flight PR 103 touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 at 6:20 a.m. Friday. He and his team left Los Angeles, California Wednesday night (Thursday in Manila).
With his wife, Jinkee, in hand and Environment Secretary Lito Atienza leading the way, Manny came down from the airport?s escalator donning an off white suit, black polo, off white vest and a fedora hat.
?Maraming salamat sa Panginoon… sa lahat ng nandito ngayon (Thank you very much to God and to everyone here),? said Pacquiao. ?Masayang-masaya [ako] na nakapagbigay ako ng karangalan sa bansa (I am very happy to have brought honor to our country).?
The Philippines was supposed to hold a “national day of celebration” upon Pacquiao’s return, but it was postponed by Malaca?ang, heeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) call to avoid parading the “People’s Champ” around the five districts of Metro Manila over fears of the possible spread of the deadly influenza virus in the capital region.
Pacquiao said he is not disappointed with the celebration’s postponement. ?Talagang masayang-masaya ako.? There are plans to push through with the motorcade on Monday.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao mentioned at the press briefing the presence of another Filipino boxing champion, WBC featherweight titlist Bernabe Concepcion.
Concepcion won in the undercard of the ?Battle of East and West? via unanimous decision in a six-round fight over Columbia?s Yogli Herrera.
Pacquiao, meantime, was also asked about his political plans during the press briefing but declined to answer any of the questions.
Hugs and kisses
Before facing media, Pacquiao was welcomed by his children, Jemuel, Michael and Princess. The Filipino boxing idol, who was asked by the health department to impose self-quarantine, rushed to the children and hugged and kissed them.
ABS-CBN?s Jenny Reyes reported that all his children were at the airport waiting for their father. But Pacquiao?s youngest, Queen Elizabeth, was not seen during the press briefing.
The media people waiting at the airport were not allowed by the Bureau of Quarantine to get near Pacquiao. Barriers were placed at the arrival area, separating Pacquiao from the press people by about one meter.
Aside from his children and relatives, no one was able to shake hands with or even get close to Pacquiao at the airport.
Angel Atutubo, NAIA assistant general manager, said they turned down several requests to meet Pacquiao at the airport.
Atutubo said Pacquiao and his entourage went through thermal scanners and quarantine screening before they were allowed to enter the Terminal 2’s executive lounge.
He said the procedure aims to ?avoid risk of contamination of the A(H1N1) virus. We know that the virus quickly spreads in congested areas.”
Mobbed
From the airport, Pacquiao and his group went straight to the Renaissance Hotel in Makati past 7 a.m.
The scene at the hotel, however, was different from the strict measures at the airport. Pacquiao was welcomed by well-wishers and the media at the hotel entrance.
A few steps into the hotel, Pacquiao was mobbed by waiting fans. Media people, including photojournalists, joined the mob.
Entertainment at the hotel was provided by the El Gobernador band from Bacoor, Cavite and the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe.
Pacquiao had breakfast and took a brief rest at the Director’s Suite.
After a quick rest at the hotel, Pacquiao was scheduled to hear a Thanksgiving Mass at the Black Nazarene Church in Quiapo, Manila.
The “Pambansang Kamao” will then visit Malaca?ang for a courtesy call to President Arroyo.
Pacquiao?s wife told ABS-CBN News that their family will immediately proceed to General Santos City.
She clarified that they will not undergo self-quarantine and just rest in Pacquiao?s hometown. With reports from Ron Gagalac, Ryan Chua and Jenny Reyes, ABS-CBN News
