Paris showered with gifts in dinner with Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - Paris Hilton was showered with gifts and served the best steak in the house during a lovely and exclusive dinner hosted by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao for the Hollywood socialite last Tuesday.

“We gave her Team Pacquiao shirts, Chanel makeup and lipsticks, and Manny Pacquiao figurines,” Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of the fighting congressman, told The STAR in a text message yesterday.

More than 20 guests occupied three tables in one of Makati Shangri-La Hotel’s fine restaurants, and the comely visitor, a reality TV star and hotel heiress, had a wonderful time.

“Had so much fun last night,” said Paris in her Twitter account, which has a little over 4.5 million followers.

“Love this pic from tonight of me with Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao. What an amazing couple they are! Love them! :),” she added.

Jinkee herself looked so radiant and happy seated beside Paris during the course of the three-hour dinner that was also attended by the boxer’s closest friends.

Paris couldn’t help but notice what Jinkee was wearing.

“Jinkee looked so stunning tonight, she had the hottest Herve Leger dress on. Such a memorable evening! I feel lucky to have such special people in my life. Love Paris xoxo,” she wrote.

Paris, according to Pacquiao’s business manager, Erik Pineda, was a real charmer who always had her smile on.

“She really knows how it is to be a celebrity. She was always smiling. She is very charming,” said Pineda.

Paris gamely had her picture taken with the Pacquiaos and the other guests that included Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Rey Umali, celebrity cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicky Bello and daughter Cristalle, Jinkee’s twin sister, Jeanette, actor Paolo Contis, lawyer Franklin Gacal and Pineda, who came with wife Macy and their son, actor Enzo.

She posted her pictures with the Pacquiaos on her own website.

“I am loving the Philippines! Having the best time! Went to dinner with my friends Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao tonight. They had a dinner party for me and introduced me to all their lovely friends.

“We all had so much fun talking and laughing. The people in the Philippines are so warm, welcoming, genuine and sweet. The Pacquiaos are such a beautiful and amazing couple! Manny is such an incredible boxer and great friend,” Paris wrote.

The socialite arrived in the country last Sunday night and is scheduled to leave today.

Although she met the Pacquiaos, whom she befriended in the United States during the Shane Mosley fight last May, she did not have an opportunity to meet President Aquino, a certified bachelor.

“The President is concerned with matters of state,” Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

Paris should be at ringside when Pacquiao fights Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Nov. 12.

Pacquiao said Paris was supposed to pay the congressmen a visit at Batasan Pambansa, but a pictorial commitment got in the way.

Pineda said the Pacquiaos are thinking of entering into a joint venture with the Hollywood star, who is in the country to promote her luxury store and product line, and put up a high-end “Beach Club” in Manila.

“She is her own PR (public relations). She’s just so good with anything she says. Mabait (kind),” added Pineda.

The Pacquiaos, guests and the hotel heiress had a six-course dinner that included the appetizer, soup, tenderloin steak, fruits and pastries.

Pineda had no idea how much the dinner cost.

“Manny held on to the bill, and he paid for it, using his credit card,” he said.

The People’s Champ did not spend the people’s money on this.