PACQUIAO TRACES ROOTS FROM PINAMUNGAJAN
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 28 Apr 2005
Even with his superstar status, vast fortune and marquee fame, reigning Ring Magazine featherweight king Manny Pacquiao yesterday showed his mortal and soft side as he made public his intention of one day knowing his roots while at the same time announcing that he is a true-blooded Cebuano as his father hails from Pinamungajan.
Pacquiao, who is here to witness Randy Suico defend his OPBF title against Thai Muangfahlek Kiatwichean, yesterday revealed in an interview that his father, Rosalio, comes from the quiet town located in the southwestern part of Cebu.
"Diha man gikan sa Pinamungajan ako papa. Daghan jud mi paryente diha. Sana magkakaroon din ako ng pagkakataong makilala ko ang mga kamag-anak ko dyan," Pacquiao told this writer during lunch yesterday at the upscale Ching Palance Restaurant.
Pacquiao, who also asked this writer to extend his regards to MannyPacquiao.ph owner Dong Secuya, said his father traveled to Mindanao to seek better life, and ended up meeting his mother Dionesia, who is herself a Visayan having come from Baybay, Leyte.
"Bisaya jud ako kaliwat oy. Liwat jud ko ni Lapu-Lapu," Pacquiao added, before making good his promise of visiting the Cebu Daily News and Inquirer offices where the boxing hero was mobbed by fans and admirers and took time to pose for photos.
Pacquiao had promised before his fight with Marco Antonio Barrera that if ever he would be in town, he would definitely visit Cebu Daily News, knowing that the paper had always done extensive reportage on his fights and career.
The 26-year-old lefty yesterday also asked if Secuya, who hosts the website bearing his name, hails from Cebu, and wondered if he could meet him at the Suico fight. When told there is a big chance, Pacquiao was ecstatic.
After visiting the CDN, Pacquiao then proceeded to the Cebu City Hall, where he was warmly welcomed by Mayor Tomas Osme?a and Vice-Mayor Mike Rama through the efforts of Councilor Sylvan "Jack" Jakosalem.
Osme?a then gave Pacquiao a copy of the coffee-table book "Postcards from Cebu," where the executive scribbled some notes calling Pacquiao "our true hero," and assuring him of his continued support.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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