DOCTOR EMMANUEL PACQUIAO (WITH PHOTOS)
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 19 Feb 2009
CEBU CITY -- Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao received his Doctorate of Humanities (Honoris Causa) from Southwestern University of Cebu during the conferment rites ceremony held at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City Wednesday evening.
Pacquiao was cited by the SWU faculty not just for his accomplishments as a boxer but also for his humanitarian acts. Pacquiao has regularly been giving monetary aid to charities and to disaster and war victims.
The ceremony was very well organized and included the university faculty and students. It also featured the SWU Maritime regiment as honor guard and the SWU choir. Aside from the tribute speeches, Pacquiao was serenaded by the choir with his hit song ?Para sa yo and laban na to?. His wife Jinkee attended the ceremony.
During his acceptance speech, Pacquiao was visibly nervous and halting but like a true champion he recovered and finished strong.
The day was marred by unforseen delays that had the organizers and the audience sitting on pins and needles. But Pacquiao's star power made up for everything. He was mobbed by adoring fans, mostly SWU students, when he entered the hotel.
He now belongs to a club composed of Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Mike Tyson ? boxers with honorary doctorates.
Top photo: SWU Chairman Andrew Aznar (L) and SWU President Dr. Eldegario Gonzales (R) confer upon Emmanuel D. Pacquiao a doctorate degree on humanities (honoris causa) during a ceremony Wednesday evening at the grand ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.
The evening's honoree Emmanuel D. Pacquiao enters the hall in the midst of raise swords from SWU cadets lined up to welcome him.
Pacquiao's wife Jinkee (2nd from right) assisted the honoree during the conferment.
Pacquiao (C) receives the diploma, the medal and the doctorate uniform from SWU chairman Andrew Aznar (L) and SWU President Dr. Eldegario Gonzales.
Jinkee is all smiles during the ceremony. Beside her is Rex 'Wakee' Salud.
Dr. Pacquiao in his acceptance speech.
A cultural dance was performed after the conferment.
Dr. Pacquiao takes oath of allegiance as a SWU alumnus.
Dr. Emmanuel Pacquiao (C) rises after the conferment and is flanked by SWU chairman Andrew Aznar and SWU President Dr. Eldegario Gonzales.
Dr. Pacquiao (C) with SWU officials after the conferment.
Dr. Pacquiao (L) with long time buddy and childhood friend Buboy Fernandez.
The SWU choir which rendered Pacquiao signature song 'Para Sa Yo Ang Laban Na To' that completely disarmed the honoree.
Part of the enthusiastic crowd which filled up the grand ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.
Photos by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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