GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Sarangani Representative Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao will be feted a hero’s welcome in his province on November 24 despite his recent controversial win over Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.
The grand hero’s welcome for Pacquiao would be in time for the opening of the province’s 9th MunaTo Festival, organizers said.
This year’s festival is set on November 24-27 with various activities lined up to showcase Sarangani’s “history, culture and resources.”
Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez announced last Sunday after the Pacquiao-Marquez fight that a hero’s welcome await the congressman on November 25.
But in a press release issued Thursday, the Provincial Information Office said the hero’s welcome for the internationally acclaimed boxing icon would be staged on November 24, the opening day of the MunaTo Festival.
The November 13 bout was the third fight between Pacquiao and Marquez; the first ending in a draw and the second leaving the Sarangani congressman a winner via a split decision.
Pacquiao narrowly escaped defeat in the close match, which many believed should have been won by Marquez. His “controversial” victory cost the Filipino ring icon his pound-for-pound ranking, with him only coming second to undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the ratings of sports websites ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
Pacquiao, however, is still in the top spot of the Ring Magazine’s ranking.
Meanwhile, organizers of the upcoming 9th MunaTo Festival said preparations are all set not just for the hero?s welcome for Pacquiao but for the extravaganza of “cultural events, exhibits, and crowd-drawing competitions guaranteed to stir excitement over this year’s celebration.”
MunaTo Festival is a celebration honoring the first people and leaders of Sarangani.
MunaTo was derived from the native vernacular meaning “unang tao” or “first people,” the early inhabitants of Sarangani who passed on a rich cultural heritage.
The term also refers to the makers of the 2000-year-old anthropomorphic burial jars discovered in Maitum that are now in the National Museum.
Larry Asparin, acting coordinator of the Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotion Center (STIPC), said “sounds and colors” with a festive mood would dominate the forthcoming MunaTo.
He expected a huge attendance this year compared to the previous celebrations because activities were properly screened to attract more people.
A considerable increase of tourists has been noted from the 16,080 in 2009 to 26,100 in 2010 as reported by the STIPC.
The Munato Festival celebrates the foundation anniversary of Sarangani, which was carved out of South Cotabato in 1992. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
