Thousands of Pinoys arrive early at Dallas Cowboys stadium

DALLAS (1st UPDATE) - Thousands of Filipinos arrived early at the Dallas Cowboys stadium in Texas, USA to support their boxing hero, World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao.

Just like in his previous fights, Pacquiao's fans gave him resounding cheers of "Manny, Manny, Manny."

The mood was different at America's new and spanking largest stadium, with its giant HD screen where the fans can better see the action.

Some Filipinos said "it's the best ever venue" for a Pacquiao bout.

Arnel Pineda, the Pinoy vocalist of the American band, "Journey," also arrived early at the stadium, where he will sing the Philippine national anthem.

Among those seen at the stadium were KC Montero and House Speaker Prospero Nograles, but the Dallas Cowboys cheeleaders were the most eye-catching of them all.

On Saturday morning, Pacquiao, his wife Jinkee, team members and supporters heard mass in the morning of his fight date with Ghana’s Joshua Clottey Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in Texas.

The mass was held at the Gaylord Convention Center.

Manny and Jinkee were joined by coach Freddie Roach, fitness trainer Alex Ariza, assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.

More than 500 Filipinos from different parts of the United States attended the mass.

Pacquiao himself led the prayer offered for himself as well as for his Ghanaian opponent.

Mass presider Fr. Marlon, who flew in from New York, even blessed Pacquiao’s shorts, robe, socks and shoes. Even Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt was blessed.

After the mass, Pacquiao’s former foe, Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera asked the Filipino boxing icon to sign boxing gloves. Barrera is the sports anchor of ESPN for the Pacquiao-Clottey fight.

Pacquiao then proceeded to his room.

The pound-for-pound king did not seem nervous even if it was the day of his fight. Pacquiao even chatted with his friends.

Ring announcer Michael Buffer also entered Pacquiao’s room to have his gloves signed.

Pacquiao, meantime, ate the same meal for lunch—rice, tinolang manok, chicken kebab and beef.

In the afternoon, Pacquiao walked to warm up his body. He also took a long nap before proceeding to the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington for his “The Event” bout. – Report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

For a blow-by-blow report on the Pacquiao-Clottey fight, click here!