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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
2026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Beat Cavaliers 109-93 Behind Hart’s Postseason Career-High 26 in East Finals
By Reylan Loberternos, Fri, 22 May 2026Rep. Barzaga invited in Bakbakan sa Putatan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 May 2026Weights Set from San Jose: Amari Jones and Vincenzo Gualtieri Cleared for IBF Middleweight Eliminator
Fri, 22 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Gilgeous-Alexander Back to MVP Form as Thunder Top Spurs 122-113 in West Game 2
By Reylan Loberternos, Fri, 22 May 2026IBA flag raised at the peak of Mount Everest following historic ascent
Fri, 22 May 2026Jacamos fights for vacant WBC Youth World junior fly in South Africa on May 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 May 2026Lastimosa to fight for vacant PBF Youth light fly crown
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Adds Seven Wins on Day Four at 2026 Copa America
Fri, 22 May 2026Bohat fights for PBF Silver bantamweight crown
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 21 May 2026AGM Bernardino to hold chess simul in San Manuel, Tarlac
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 May 2026JONES VS. GUALTIERI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Thu, 21 May 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: From Madrid to Johannesburg – The Legacy of the WBC in South Africa
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 21 May 2026TYSON VS. MAYWEATHER EXHIBITION IS ON— TYSON BROKEN HAND PUSHES EVENT FROM SPRING TO FALL OF 2026
Thu, 21 May 2026Three Lions Promotions Building pro boxing back to Glory days in Metro Vancouver
Thu, 21 May 2026Jenn Perella shines, Bobby Laing stops Russ Kimber in 1st round
Thu, 21 May 2026