LOS ANGELES — There’s a Filipino convention up in Las Vegas this week.
But it’s no ordinary meeting. In fact, it’s not a working one. It’s a gathering of government officials, showbiz personalities and big-time businessmen coming over to watch Manny Pacquiao fight on Jan. 21.
First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, a big Pacquiao supporter, heads the list of Pinoy bigwigs who will troop to Sin City and watch the Filipino boxer slug it out with Mexico’s Erik Morales at the Thomas and Mack Center.
The First Gentleman was in Vegas when Pacquiao fought and lost to Morales last March at the MGM Grand. He was there, too, when Pacquiao knocked out Hector Velasquez last September at the Staples Center here.
Word got out Sunday that the First Gentleman is already in town. Whatever, he is expected to cheer on Pacquiao from ringside with his son Mikee and brother Iggy, a congressman from the south.
The Arroyos are carrying $500 tickets courtesy of Pacquiao.
Also coming over for the much-awaited 12-round rematch between two of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters are Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando and more than a dozen city mayors.
A group of congressmen led by Bacolod’s Monico Puentevella will be among the crowd, too, together with a couple of governors, including Tommy Joson of Nueva Ecija and Elrey Villafuerte from Bicol.
Then there’s the showbiz people like action stars Rudy Fernandez and Cesar Montano. They’ve been there, too, in some of Pacquiao’s recent fights. Actors Lito Lapid and Bong Revilla, who are also senators, will be there just the same.
It’s time to be seen in Vegas.
