BACOLOD CITY – Boxer Manny Pacquiao announced he would establish a second home here, impressed by the reception the residents gave him during his visit on Tuesday.
At a motorcade held for Pacquiao, the people of Bacolod turned out en masse. The motorcade was delayed because of heavy rain, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm. With classes suspended in the afternoon, students lined up both sides of the street to get a glimpse of the boxer. Many held placards proclaiming him as the champion and wave hastily prepared paper flags.
Obviously touched, Pacquiao promised to look around for a suitable residential lot and a place for a training camp for young boxers.
Local boxing enthusiasts welcomed the plan to build boxers’ training camp here. The city and the province, after all, have produced their fair share of boxing legends, among whom are Onyok Velasco and Joan Tipon.
“I’ve never seen this kind of reception,” said the 27-year-old champion. “Never seen a crowd as big and as enthusiastic as this, not even in my own hometown.”
Pacquiao is an adopted son of Bacolod. Mayor Evelio Leonardia has conferred him the honor. He also carried the Pacquiao’s championship belt during the champion’s last fight, with Oscar Larios at the Araneta Coliseum, an act that earned him criticism from some residents who said he diminished the stature of his office.
Leonardia good-naturedly brushed off the criticism, even accepted the offer to carry the same belt in the champion’s face-off with Mexican boxer Erik Morales this November in Las Vegas.
For his part, Pacquiao said he personally requested the mayor to hoist his belt in the Araneta fight for luck. In gratitude he promised to endorse the re-election bid of the mayor, saying he believed his “good intentions for his country and constituents.”
Pacquiao flew in to Bacolod right from the House of Representatives, where he was a personal guest of President Arroyo when she delivered her State of the Nation address. He was accompanied by Leonardia, along with his manager Rex Salud and trainer Bobby Fernandez.
After the motorcade, the boxer proceeded to the city hall, where the mayor presented him with the “Dungganon sa Bacolod Award,” one of the highest honors the city can give.
