FILIPINO boxing icon Manny Pacquiao came home to a hero’s welcome early Friday following a successful stint in the United States in his bid to forge a grudge rematch with Mexican Erik Morales early next year.
Pacquiao was met at the arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and Western Police District chief Pedro Bulaong at about 4:30 a.m.
Pacquiao and his wife Jinky then went straight to the Manila Hotel where he is now resting.
Atienza and other city officials will then honor Pacquiao, an adopted son of Manila, with a motorcade scheduled to start at 9:30 a. m. The welcome theme is Kampeon ng Maynila, Kampeon ng Bansa (Manila’s champion is the country’s champion).
Pacquiao stopped Mexican veteran Hector Velazquez in the sixth round of their super featherweight clash at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday.
