PACQUIAO: ?2010 IS MEMORABLE YEAR FOR ME? (PHOTOS)
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 18 Dec 2010
GENERAL SANTOS ? There was no mention on what the boxing world wants know. In fact there was little talk about boxing at all when Philippine congressman and boxing's pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao celebrated his 32nd birthday at the KCC Mall here Friday night. Instead Pacquiao, during his brief speech, put emphasis on the challenges he faced and overcame in 2010 ? not against Clottey or Margarito whom he both faced and defeated during the year ? but in the political ring.
?Maraming nag-didiscourage sa akin. Hindi raw ako karapat-dapat. Hindi raw ako marunong magsalita? (?Many had discouraged me [to run for political office], They said I was not qualified. They said I don't know how to speak?), Pacquiao, resplendent in a beige suit, told the audience many of whom were holding political office as governors, mayors and congressmen. ?But I believed in myself. I took the challenged and with the grace of God, I was victorious. 2010 will go down as my most memorable year,? said the beaming boxing legend who won a seat in the Philippine congress during Philippines' May elections.
The birthday bash that went into early morning Saturday and attended by close to 2,000 people, was more like a gift-giving bonanza in the midst of non-stop food and entertainment by the country's top musicians, dancers and stand-up comedians. Pacquiao, who had been making the rounds in Sarangani during the week giving Christmas gifts, caused a continuous stream of groceries and appliances and motorcycles raffled off to the audience. Finally towards the end of the proceedings, Pacquiao raffled off a brand new car and a cool one million pesos in cash.
L-R: Michael Koncz, Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao, Jinkee, Lovee and Bob Arum.
Jinkee (L) welcomes Lovee and Bob and Juanma.
Pacquiao and Roach.
Jinkee says a few words to her husband.
Mommy D.
Manny sings with his MP Band.
Pacquiao with the winner of the brand new car.
Pacquiao gives 1 million pesos cash to the lucky winner.
Photos by Dong Secuya.
?Material things are not very important to me,? Pacquiao tells everyone. ?What is important to me is my relationship with you. I am honored by your coming here and for being my inspiration,? Pacquiao said, whose main guests seated on the presidential table were hall of fame promoter Bob Arum and wife Lovee, Puerto Rican star Juan Manuel Lopez and revered boxing trainer Freddie Roach whom he calls as the world's greatest coach inside and outside the ring.
In the end, everyone must have been satisfied attending the grandiose birthday party of the country's foremost historical figure in the present era and one of the world's greatest stories but many also were left hanging going home as an expected announcement of his next opponent in the boxing ring -- whether it is Sugar Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez or Andre Berto -- never came.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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