PACQUIAO GETS HERO?S WELCOME ALONG MOTORCADE ROUTE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 12 Dec 2008
Tens of thousands braved the inclement weather and didn?t mind the traffic gridlock as they lined the streets of major thoroughfares in Metro Manila to give all-time boxing greatl Manny Pacquiao the hero?s welcome he richly deserved for his smashing victory over ?The Golden Boy? Oscar De La Hoya in Las Vegas last Sunday, Manila Time.
The motorcade began at the Department of Natural Resources where Pacquiao paid a courtesy call on Secretary Lito Atienza who has been a longtime supporter of Pacquiao before he boarded an open flatbed truck for the motorcade that snaked through city streets with Atienza and his son, former Asian Taekwondo champion Ali Atienza and members of Team Pacquiao.
Pacquiao was unmindful of the light rain even as members of his convoy shielded themselves with umbrellas.
It was evident that Pacquiao who continued to smile and wave to his adoring countrymen enjoyed every moment of the motorcade. Office workers and school children rushed out excitedly to greet their boxing hero carrying banners while some even waved lanterns. Organizers of the motorcade added to the festive atmosphere by throwing confetti into the huge crowds that lined the route.
Motorists honked their horns, rolled down their windows to wave and chant ?idol?, ?hero? as they watched, unmindful of the traffic.
Pacquiao friend and confidant Rex ?Wakee? Salud informed us that Pacquiao planned to check on the construction of a seven-storey building on the site of the old, rundown L&M Gym where he used to train before and after he became world flyweight champion in the late afternoon.. Pacquiao bought the gym from Lito Mondejar, a member of the original Team Pacquiao who in the early years carried his belt into the ring but has in the last few fights has been muscled out by others.
Meantime Pacquiao?s hometown folk led by Mayor Pedro Acharon are preparing to give him a welcome fit for a conquering hero when he flies home on Friday morning.
Top photo: Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao (C, on vehicle) waves during a parade in his honour in Manila December 11, 2008. Pacquiao stunned 10-times world champion Oscar de la Hoya with an eighth-round TKO in their non-title fight in Las Vegas on December 6, 2008. REUTERS/John Javellana (PHILIPPINES).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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