GRATEFUL PACQUIAO HEADS TO A GRAND CEBU WELCOME TODAY
By Emmanuel B. Villaruel
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 14 Oct 2007
Cebu City -- Manny Pacquiao has already experienced the warm reception of the Cebuanos several times in the past.
Pacquiao will once again enjoy the unique brand of such Cebuano hospitality, this time in a more lavish manner as the proud Cebu community lays out the red carpet when the country's well-loved sports hero pays a visit tomorrow in the Queen City of the South, which undeniably plays a vital role in his one-sided demolition of Mexico's Marco Antonio Barerra over 12 rounds exactly a week ago.
Pacquiao, his wife Jinky and the rest of their entourage that include top Cebuano boxingman Rex "Wakee" Salud and longtime friend Luis "Chavit" Singson are expected to arrive at the Mactan International Airport at 8:30 this morning on board Singson's private jet.
The City officials headed by acting mayor Michael L. Rama, and councilors Sylvan "Jack" Jakosalem and Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba will lead dignitaries in welcoming the Pacman.
Pacquiao will then lead a motorcade straight to Basilica Minore del Sto. Ni?o to say a prayer. After which, Pacquiao will proceed to the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel to grace a press conference at the Del Sol room located at the hotel's fifth floor.
Cebu is indeed part of Pacquiao's success having held his extensive five-week training regimen for the Barrera rematch here at Salud's world-class RWS Gym.
"Manny is the best thing that has happened to our country in recent history. And he is even closer to the hearts of the Cebuanos now because he chose Cebu City as his training ground over the US, Manila or even his home of GenSan for his latest successful fight," said Jakosalem.
"The least we can do is welcome him in a way he deserves to be welcomed as a living hero of the Filipino people," said the city council's committee chairman on games, amusements, and professional sports.
A ticker-tape parade is expected in the afternoon as Pacquiao spearheads another caravan passing through the City's main thoroughfares leading to the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main Gym where he will grace the opening ceremonies of his 1st
MP Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament at 2:30 pm.
In the evening starting at 6 pm, the City government will tender a thanksgiving dinner/victory party for Pacquiao at the Victoria Ballroom of Parklane Hotel.
Various sectors of the society have been invited to grace the memorable affair and gave the Pacman a hearty cheers on his repeat success over Barrera.
Pacquiao will stay in Cebu only for a day as he is set to leave for General Santos City on Monday where another hero's Welcome await him.
Top photo: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (R) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao arrive at the presidential palace in Manila October 11, 2007. Pacquiao beat Mexican opponent Marco Antonio Barrera based on a unanimous decision last week. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (PHILIPPINES)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel B. Villaruel.
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