Baguio folks mob Team Pacman

BAGUIO, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao caused a work stoppage at the Baguio City Hall yesterday.

The boxing sensation, along with his coach Freddie Roach and members of Team Pacquiao, paid a courtesy call on Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. and was literally mobbed by cheering city hall employees who left their work just to have a glimpse of the Filipino champion.

By all indications, the excitement that started the moment Pacquiao arrived at the city hall before noon and until he left topped previous visits of VIPs and celebrities.

Pacquiao appeared so elated with the warm welcome and received a couple of mementos from the mayor – the city’s symbolic key, special centennial T-shirts, centennial mugs, and others.

Then hundreds upon hundreds of city hall employees tried to break into strict security arrangements, some fortunate enough to get Pacman’s signature and pictures with him. The others were just too glad to see him in person.

“I haven’t seen anyone visiting Baguio, even the President, who drew the attention like Pacquiao,” said Baguio contractor Brent Quangey, who himself broke into the security and managed to shake Roach’s hands.

“I did not shake hands with Pacquiao because I have colds. He might catch it,” he said.

“Hindi ugali ng taga-Baguio na dinudumog ang artista. Pero, iba ito (Baguio residents aren’t that excited over the movie stars but this is different),” said a resident.

Morning joggers at the Burnham Park Lake area have grown in numbers since Pacquiao arrived Monday for his roadwork.

Meanwhile, Roach dared Floyd Mayweather Jr., who came out of retirement to beat Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez in a one-sided fight last Saturday, to fight Pacquiao.

“It will be a difficult fight for us, but we have a gameplan,” Roach said.

However, a disagreement on the purse split may derail the dream showdown between two of the world’s best fighters.

“It all depends on the promoters. That’s how it is. How to get Mayweather into a contract, we do not know. But he’s the one who needs us, and it’s not us who need him.”

We can beat Mayweather,” Roach said.