Friends join Pacquiao in pre-fight Mass
abs-cbnnews.com | 03/16/2008 9:01 AM
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Manny Pacquiao's suite at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, was jampacked Saturday morning, the day of his big rematch against Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.
Pacquiao's friends flew all the way from the Philippines and joined his US-based supporters during a Mass to pray for the Filipino ring icon's victory.
The boxer's politician-friends from Manila were also present, among them Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and showbiz promoter Annabelle Rama.
A Filipino priest, who is Pacquiao's friend from New York, flew all the way to Las Vegas to officiate the Mass as he did in all of the previous fights of the People's Champion.
Pacquiao's wife, Jinkee, meanwhile, stood beside her husband, offering the fight for the glory of God.
Pacquiao's equipment -- gloves, shorts, shoes and socks -- were also offered in prayer. The priest likewise blessed Diosdado Gabi, one of the Filipinos fighting in the Pacquiao-Marquez undercard.
Meanwhile, Filipino rapper Apl.d.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas is also in Las Vegas to cheer on Pacquiao.
Erik Morales, another Mexican fighter whom Pacquiao previsouly defeated, is also in town to watch the fight. Dyan Castillejo-Garcia, ABS-CBN News
