Manny readies grandest bash

MANILA, Philippines - The stage is set for the year’s biggest party.

The who’s who in politics, sports and showbiz to converge today at the KCC Events and Convention Center in Gen. Santos City for Manny Pacquiao’s grand birthday bash.

It will be the boxer’s 31st birthday, and he’s throwing a party that is expected to be as big as the one he held in the same venue last year. The affair, which is strictly formal, begins at 7 p.m.

A thousand invites were printed and given away for the party that should last until the wee hours of the morning.

To spice up the event, Pacquiao has decided to raffle off a brand-new Toyota Vios among his guests. He said there are seven other major prizes to be given away but he’d rather keep them as a surprise.

Among those who were invited but have not confirmed their attendance as of yesterday were President Arroyo, Vice President Noli de Castro, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Prospero Nograles.

And from the world of showbiz, there’ll be a bevy of stars. Among the big names that were on the list are Kris Aquino and Willie Revillame, Bayani Agbayani, Dennis Padilla, Tirso Cruz III and many more.

Pacquiao’s latest opponent, Miguel Cotto, was invited as well, but the latest word was that he’s decided to skip the trip that might take him all of 40 hours to get there to Gen. Santos City from Puerto Rico.

The 28-seater private plane of former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, a very close friend and adviser of Pacquiao, is on standby to take some of the VIPs in and out of Gen. Santos City.

According to Pacquiao’s personal secretary, Lee Ann Omega, everything is set for the party, including security which will be handled by the city police under Sr. Supt. Marcelo Pintac.

A couple of big fights happening in the United States this weekend kept Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, and trainer, Freddie Roach, from coming to the same event that they graced last year.

But Arum, in a brief chat with The STAR yesterday morning, wished Pacquiao all the best as he turns another leaf.

“Manny deserves all the best because he’s the man of the people. He cares so much for the people,” said Arum, who was in Manila earlier this month to help seal Pacquiao’s next fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“And speaking as a boxing promoter he’s the best fighter I’ve ever seen. I wish him the happiest birthday,” said the legendary boxing promoter.