MANILA, Philippines – Seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, who celebrated Christmas last year in the United States, chose to hold a simple Christmas celebration in his hometown, General Santos City.

According to Pacquiao, he feels that the Christmas spirit is stronger in the Philippines.

The “People’s Champ” dined with his family in the Noche Buena. He also hugged and played with his four children, Jimuel, Michael, Princess and Queen Elizabeth.

The fact that Pacquiao’s family was complete on Christmas Day is said to be enough reason for them to be happy.

Meantime, Pacquiao said his Christmas wish is for him to score more victories.

His planned March 13 fight against Floyd Mayweather, Jr., however, is in limbo because of a disagreement on the type of drug testing that will be used.

Pacquiao is also seeking a triumph in the May 2010 elections. He is running for the Sarangani Province congressional seat.

His wife, Jinkee, meanwhile, echoed the call of Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao for her son to retire from the sport.

Jinkee said she also wants Pacquiao to retire after the planned Mayweather fight. She stated that she wants the pound-for-pound king to be a businessman or actor.

Pacquiao’s father, Rosalio, noted that he has nothing more to ask for because the Filipino prized fighter has given him everything he needed. – With a report from Anne Santos, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN