MANILA, Philippines – World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao said he is excited about attending President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Pacquiao, one of the new comers in Congress, is grateful for the reception given to him by his colleagues at the House of Representatives.

“Salamat naman at maganda ‘yung reception sa akin, ‘yung pagtanggap nila sa akin. Parang matagal ko na silang kakilala. Mababait ang taga-Congress,” he said.

(I’m thankful that they received me well. It feels like I’ve known them for a long time. The people in Congress are very kind).

He added that he is so excited about the SONA that he already had his Barong Tagalog all set.

“I feel excited especially I’m a newcomer,” he stated.

Although fight fans were disappointed that talks for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight collapsed again, the Filipino boxing icon remains unfazed.

Pacquiao said that he can make use of his time to fulfill his duties as congressman of Sarangani province.

“‘Di ko nalang mina-mind. ‘Yung gusto ko munang pagtuunan ng pansin, focus muna ako sa probinsya ko, magandang gagawin ko, livelihood program, magandang plano – focus muna ako doon,” he said.

(I don’t mind. I’d rather turn my focus on my province, my plans, my projects, the livelihood programs… I’d turn my focus there). -- With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News