Hero's welcome for Pacquiao
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/20/2009 12:31 AM
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'Pacman' to be conferred Order of Sikatuna
MANILA - After his conquest of Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto last Sunday, new World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is set to arrive to a hero's welcome on Friday, with public interest in the People's Champ spiced by his alleged affair with sexy star Krista Ranillo.
Malacañang has organized a “hero’s welcome” for Pacquiao to be led by none other than the country’s chief executive, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The pound-for-pound king is due to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino Interrnational Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 at 3 a.m. onboard flight PR 103.
Following his arrival, Pacquiao will head straight to the New World Hotel for breakfast and a short rest.
Close friend and patron Jose 'Lito' Atienza, secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), is one of the head organizers of the grand welcome.
“Pagka-pahinga ni Manny, mag-sisimba muna kami sa Black Nazarene sa Quiapo bago tumulak ulit dito sa DENR for a presscon and lunch and then magsisimula na ‘yung motorcade,” said Atienza.
He said that unlike his past homecomings, Pacquiao requested for a shorter motorcade route this time. Atienza, however, pointed out that this is not because the boxer wanted to evade the media over his alleged affair with Ranillo.
“Alam ko, sabik na si Manny na makita ang mga supporters nya at sabik din ang tao na makita sya, pero ini-request ni Manny na ikilian ko ng konti yung motorcade para mas makapag-pahinga s'ya kasi maselan pa daw yung sugat n'ya sa tenga nya,” Atienza said.
From the DENR office in Quezon City, the motorcade will pass Quezon Avenue, España, Pritil, Moriones, Roxas Boulevard, Pedro Gil, Taft Avenue, Buendia, Ayala Avenue, and Makati Avenue.
In the afternoon, Pacquiao is expected to grace the “Parangal Kay Manny Pacquiao sa Luneta” organized by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Office of the President.
The event will be highlighted by President Arroyo’s conferment of the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Katangiang Ginto) on Pacquiao for having won an unprecedented seventh title in seven weight divisions, making him the greatest Filipino boxer of all time.
Arroyo has designated Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping as head of the official ceremonies.
As of posting time, Pacquiao had already left Los Angeles, California and is on his way back to Manila. Joining the flight is his family, including his wife Jinkee and his mother Mommy Dionisia. With reports from TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News; and Yvee Tadeo-Guevarra, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
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