MANILA, Philippines – Despite the sweltering heat inside Quiapo church, Manny Pacquiao arrived in a coat and tie, and right on time for the 9 a.m. thanksgiving Mass offered in gratitude for his latest victory in the ring.
Pacquiao came in a lone Sport-Utility Vehicle (SUV) escorted only by police motorcycles.
The vehicle stopped at Plaza Miranda, after which Pacquiao and his companions–former Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and son Ali Atienza–proceeded into the church on foot.
Supporters, surprisingly, did not come in droves as earlier expected, although the crowd immediately closed in and chanted ?Manny, Manny? the moment Pacquiao stepped out of his vehicle.
Regular church-goers described the turnout as the typical Quiapo crowd. Some surmised that not too many people were aware that Pacman would be visiting on Saturday (Nov. 20).
The mass went on uneventfully, aside from the few who noticed the antics of a couple of impersonators hamming it up outside the church.
?Manny Paksiw? and ?Freddie Root,? impersonators of the people?s champ and his winning coach, Freddie Roach, arrived in character, granting interviews to smirking members of the media, all the while assuming both Pacquiao and Roach?s accents.
After the mass, Pacquiao gave a short speech, pointing out to the crowd that he did not win because of his own skills, but because he had faith in the Lord.
He implored those listening to put God above all else, and love the Lord even more than one?s own family.
?Before, my ultimate dream was just to be champion in the Philippines. But look at me now. This is because I lifted it all up to the Lord. If you do the same, wonderful things will happen to you,? he said after the Mass.
Pacquiao refused to grant interviews to the media, but relented to the crowd who pounded on his car window as he was leaving the church.
After a few quick waves, and the famous big grin, the people?s champ drove away to Malaca?ang, where the president was waiting for his turn to shake the Pacman?s hand.
