GLITZ AND PAGEANTRY AT PACMAN'S BIRTHDAY BASH (WITH PHOTOS)
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 18 Dec 2008
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Foods, drinks, VIPs and world class entertainment freely flow during the 30th birthday celebration of the country's foremost athlete and the world's number boxer Manny Pacquiao at the KCC Convention Center here that saw Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Pacquiao's number one supporter, stayed beside the birthday celebrant throughout the 4-hour festivities.
1,500 exclusively invited guests packed the city's premier convention center that was converted into a Las Vegas style arena complete with slot machines and gambling tables to celebrate with the planet's most exciting fighter where last night he was both the Joker and the King of Hearts. Pacquiao, who looked splendid in a coat and tie, was ushered in to the floor by beautiful dancers as a veritable who's who in Philippine sports, entertainment and politics, made their entrances amidst shouts from the hundreds of locals who lined up the hallway leading to the entrance.
President Arroyo, DENR secretary Lito Atienza, national security adviser Chavit Singson, promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach, sat with Pacquiao at the presidential table located at a raised platform that was a replica of a boxing ring. Former world champion David Diaz of Chicago and reigning WBA super featherweight champion Edwin Valero of Venezuela were also present. The province's youthful governor, Miguel Domiguez, and the city's mayor, Pedro Acharon, hosted one of the most high profile event in southern Mindanao.
One of the most applauded performances of the evening was the surprise appearance of Arnel Pineda, the Filipino frontman of the legendary American rock band Journey who on its concert tour this year, performed in sellout audiences in Europe and the United States. Pineda, who performed with his old Filipino band The Zoo this night, sang three of the Journey's greatest hits, Don't Stop Believin, Open Arms and Faithfully and completely captivated the president, Pacquiao and Arum.
Top photo: Pacquiao (M) enters the hall with pomp at the KCC Convention Center in General Santos City to celebrate his 30th birthday.
L-R: DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, birthday celebrant Manny Pacquiao, promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach applaud after the singing of the Philippine national anthem to start the celebrations.
Sarangani Province governor Miguel Dominguez (2nd from left) and family at last night's celebration.
Pacquiao is both The Joker and The King of Hearts during his 30th birthday celebration.
Rock star Arnel Pineda rocked the house.
Pineda serenades the president, Pacquiao and Arum.
Pacquiao's mom Dionisia (L) in a dance number.
Photos by Dong Secuya.
Pacquiao's mother, Dionisia, stole the thunder from the star-studded cast when she performed a dance number that made everyone glued to the stage.
Other highlights was the performance of Filipina-Mexican rising star Jasmine Villegas and performances from a slew of talents of Philippine TV Network, GMA. Singer / composer Lito Camu capped the evening with Manny Pacquiao himself sang his Camu-composed signature song Para Sa Yo Ang Laban Na To (This Fight is for You) to close the night's celebration.
Meanwhile several streets were closed leading to GenSan Oval Plaza where a huge party with plenty of foods and drinks and with performing bands was organized by Pacquiao for people who could not be accommodated at KCC Convention Center.
Bob Arum, who engineered Pacquiao's recent rise to stardom, told reporters afterwards that "Pacquiao deserves all the accolades and praises and specially this night's celebation because of what he has done to the Philippines and the sport of boxing."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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