Manny Pacquiao almost missed his flight for Los Angeles Friday night because he hadn?t obtained his US visa at the close of office hours Friday . However, thanks to Chris Rowan Chief of the Non Immigrant Visa Division of the US Embassy and his deputy Anita Alegra who processed his papers as late as Friday afternoon Pacquiao?s handlers Moy Lainez and Gerry Garcia were able to rush to the airport with his visa at 8:00 p.m. in time for him to board the Philippine Airlines flight with promoter Murad Muhammad, chief second Lito Mondejar and Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez
Pacquiao?s business manager Rod Nazario was a worried man when, hours before they were supposed to leave for Los Angeles so Pacquiao could begin training immediately under the watchful eye of ?Trainer of the Year? Freddie Roach, they hadn?t received the passports and visas of Pacquiao, Mondejar and Fernandez. During lunch with Murad at the Kashmir restaurant on Padre Faura , Manila Standard was able to contact an official of the US Embassy who immediately sought the assistance of Rowan whose gracious help was commended as being ?beyond the call of duty.? Both Pacquiao and Nazario expressed their gratitude to the US Embassy officials for their kind assistance.
