DENR ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR PACMAN
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 11 Oct 2007
MANILA -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) headed by Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's long-time friend and supporter, Secretary Lito Atienza, is scheduled to host a heartwarming victory party today as it rolls out the red carpet to honor the homecoming boxing champion.
Fresh from his latest victory over Marco Antonio Barrera, the people's champ is scheduled to arrive at 4:00am at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) where he will be personally fetched by Secretary Atienza who watched Pacquiao defeat the Mexican fighter in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas last weekend.
At 8:30am, Pacquiao will pay a courtesy call on Secretary Atienza at the DENR Main Office along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City where thousands of employees, fans and friends are expected to meet and rain the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight Champion with colorful confetti.
This will be followed by a press conference that will be held at the Social Hall, Second Floor of the DENR Main Office.
At 10:00am, Secretary Atienza will bring Pacquiao to the Malaca?ang Palace for a separate courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The solid friendship of Pacquiao, an adopted son of Manila, and Atienza, who was a three-term Manila Mayor, dates back to the early training years of the people's champ at a boxing gym in Sampaloc.
It has been Pacquiao's practice to meet with Atienza before and after a big fight. Win or lose, Atienza leads a fitting tribute for Pacquiao "who continues to unite and bring pride to our nation, as well as provide an inspiration for Filipinos to be champions in their own fields."
It was only during the Atienza administration in Manila where the public had the chance to watch Pacquiao's fights for free, live with no commercial breaks in all of the city's sports complexes that were redeveloped under the successful Buhayin ang Maynila urban renewal program.
Top photo: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates after defeating Mexico's Marco Antonio Barrera last Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. AP Photo.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
What Profits JR Casimero Fighting Saul Sanchez?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 10 Oct 2024Camp Get Right Boxing Gym continuing Worcester’s rich boxing history
Thu, 10 Oct 2024PYCC at DNSC in Panabo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 10 Oct 2024Geraldo-Ponteras in rematch on Oct. 14
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 10 Oct 2024MANSION SPORTS HANOI OPEN | VAN BOENING EYES FOR HIS FIRST HANOI OPEN TITLE
Thu, 10 Oct 2024Reynaldo Gempero Jr. rules Davao Open chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 09 Oct 2024Fresh Productions presents ‘Taínos Vs. Aztecas’ on November 9 in Bayamón: the return of Subriel Matías!
Wed, 09 Oct 2024Robert Guerrero III Remains Undefeated with Second-Round Knockout in San Antonio
Wed, 09 Oct 2024Training Camp Notes – Undefeated Featherweight Carlos Delon Castro Ready for Puerto Rican Debut
Wed, 09 Oct 2024PFF supports Football Starts at Home
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 09 Oct 2024Catterall Out For Affirmation, Prograis Seeking Redemption
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 09 Oct 2024Bivol vs Beterbiev: Fight Analysis
By Ralph Rimpell, Tue, 08 Oct 2024Kingsley Ibeh vs. Jack May Battle for WBC Latino Silver Heavyweight title
Tue, 08 Oct 2024The Past Week in Action 7 October 2024: Alimkhanuly Stops Mikhailovich in Sydney; Ball Halts Rios in Liverpool
By Eric Armit, Tue, 08 Oct 2024Joepher "El Gwapito" Montaño Drops, Stops Shiva, Becomes The New UBO Titlist in Highland Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 08 Oct 2024