Drizzle fails to stop fans from seeing Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - An undeterred legion of Manny Pacquiao fans in Manila braved a brief drizzle just to take a peek as the Filipino boxing champion, aboard his victory convoy, arrived in the area from Quezon City. GMA’s Flash Report said Pacquiao’s convoy – carrying the Filipino champ and 19 other people including Environment Secretary Jose “Lito" Atienza – had just plied Moriones Street in Tondo and is on its way to R10 and Zaragosa Street. A separate report from the radio said that while members of the convoy began taking out their umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain, Pacquiao still opted not to take shelter underneath the umbrellas. The team is expected to turn left to Del Pan, left to Kalaw, right to Taft Avenue, right to Pres. Quirino, left to Harrison, then straight to Pasay City. The motorcade will then turn right to Buendia, and make a U-turn to Makati City before going right again to Ayala Avenue. After that, Pacquiao’s team will have reached the atrium of the Pag-ibig Central, where the convoy is expected to break apart, GMA reporter Cesar Apolinario said. The television report said that in schools where Pacquiao’s convoy passed by, students stormed out of their classrooms bringing along banners and even lanterns to greet him. Meanwhile, Pacquiao was even seen making the sign of the cross as his team passed by a church. He was also joking around, laughing out loud, and waving to crowds, who were unrelenting in waving back. Egging the crowd were the motorcade organizers who were tossing confetti to the sea of supporters, even as drivers inside vehicles from both lanes of the streets also briefly stopped to give Pacquiao a wave. GenSan preparation Over at Pacquiao’s home city of General Santos City, local administrators have been working double time to finish up the victory motorcade created for their treasured boxer. GMA’s Flash Report said that local officials have decided to use a 22-feet truck – much bigger than the one used in Pacquiao's last visit to the city – because more personalities are expected to hop in the motorcade. As of Thursday morning, the motorcades roof and platform had already been installed and painted. Also, performers have been busy adding final touches to their dance numbers. Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr had already vowed to throw a “grand" welcome for part, in the hopes of making the boxing champion’s 30th birthday an unforgettable one. - GMANews.TV