Home is the King

CEBU - Manny Pacquiao received a grand welcome, showered with much love, adulation and adoration of the Filipinos as he arrived from Los Angeles, California before dawn yesterday, three days after a stunning eight-round disposal of Oscar de la Hoya in their fight at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

From the airport to his stops in Renaissance Hotel in Makati, Quiapo Church in Manila, Malacanang Palace and GMA-7 studios, Pacquiao was mobbed by fans and media, getting tremendous commendation for his feat validating his status as the best fighter in the world today.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred Pacquiao the title “Ambassador of Peace” as he paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive at the Malacanang Music Room at mid-morning.

Pacquiao had been accorded the Order of Sikatuna award in a previous victory.

Arroyo also presented Pacquiao with a cake in the shape of a red boxing glove with “World’s number one pound for pound boxer” written on it.

“It was a mismatch the other way around. You are not an underdog,” Arroyo told Pacquiao, referring to oddsmakers predictions of a De La Hoya victory.

Pacquiao, who was in a black long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans, told the President that some sportswriters apologized to him for underestimating him.

He said that with hard training, he knew that “God’s with me when I entered the ring.”

Pacquiao and his entourage including Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Deputy National Security Adviser Chavit Singson attended a Thanksgiving Mass in Quiapo Church before calling on the President.

Monsignor Clemente Ignacio officiated the Mass that started at past 8 a.m.

Ignacio believed God’s with Pacquiao during the fight, noting that the Filipino boxing hero doesn’t forget to pray before each fight.

In a speech after the Mass, Pacquiao recalled the concern of many people on his fight versus the taller and older De La Hoya.

“Sabi nila malaki ang problema ko, pero sabi ko malaki nga ang problema ko, pero may Panginoon naman na napakagaling (They told me I have a big problem. I told them I may have a problem but there’s God who’s much better),” said Pacquiao.

Boxing fans filled the church with a police team securing the place.

Radio reports said traffic was snarled along the southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard, near the church as fans lined the way to greet their idol, chanting his name as he passed by.

Vehicles could not get moving as many motorists also stopped to catch a glimpse of Pacquiao.

Pacquiao arrived via PAL flight PR 103 at around 4:30 p.m. in a beige suit. Among those who greeted him at the airport were his two sons Jimuel and Mike.

He and his party were ushered into the NAIA 2 Presidential Lounge where he gave a brief statement expressing his gratitude to all who supported him.

From the NAIA, he took a brief rest at the Renaissance Hotel before proceeding to the Quiapo Church.

He had a hectic schedule in his first day back in the country. From Malacanang, he went to the GMA studios in Quezon City where he’s the special guest in the TV program “Sis!”

A huge motorcade has been scheduled today.

The motorcade will start in the DENR office in Quezon City, then proceed to Manila, Pasay and Makati, and wind up at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.—Philippine Star News service/NLQ   (THE FREEMAN)