The Philippines' boxing hero Manny Pacquiao paid a "courtesy visit" to former President Joseph Estrada Saturday night at a restaurant in Edsa Shangri-la, Estrada's camp said in a statement.
 
Pacquiao and Estrada "sat for dinner and talked about boxing and politics." They were joined by Estrada's two sons in politics, Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito.
 
During the dinner, Estrada said that "Pacquiao is the saving grace of the Philippines."

"Pacquiao's guests from America responded by saying that Pacquiao is the saving grace of the boxing industry in the United States because the Pacman has revived interest in the sport, making the industry more lucrative than ever," according to the statement released by Estrada's spokesperson, Margaux Salcedo.
 
When asked by other guests about what political advice he could give the boxer, Estrada said Pacquiao should just continue what he is doing, which is going around and thanking people for their support.

Estrada cited the importance of gratitude or "pagtango ng utang na loob," and commended Pacquiao for remembering and thanking those who have supported him.

The statement said "Estrada himself is now going around the country thanking the Filipino masses who continued to support him even during his incarceration."

Estrada was detained at the Veterans Hospital for several weeks before being placed under house arrest in his rest house in Tanay, Rizal from 2001 to 2007.
 
Pacquiao reportedly talked about his discipline as an athlete, the exercise routine and the diet that he has to undergo in order to keep in shape.

Estrada responded, "You must sacrifice in order to achieve success."
 
Pacquiao first met Estrada when Estrada was president and Pacquiao was champion only in Asia.

It was the first time since then that the two have sat down together to talk, the statement said.