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Security tight for Pacquiao's birthday party


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Authorities have beefed up security in this city for Wednesday's Las Vegas-style birthday bash of boxing icon Emmanuel "Pacman" D. Pacquiao. Showbiz stars and political bigwigs headed by the President are coming to this southern port city for Mr. Pacquiao’s 30th birthday, to the delight of the local hotel industry. The East Asia Royal Hotel, the premier hotel here, has been fully booked mainly by guests of the boxing hero, said Romeo Bartolome, manager of the 100-room facility. All the other smaller hotels and inns around the city are also fully booked, radio reports said. The lavish birthday party of Mr. Pacquiao will be held at the convention center of KCC Mall and strictly only for those with invitation. Some 1,500 top personalities from show business, politics and the boxing world have been invited to the gala night and 500 more have sought to be invited, organizers said. A boxing ring takes the center stage at KCC Mall, complete with slot machines and poker tables, organizers added. A separate birthday party for the general public will be held at the oval plaza, where the boxer’s invited show business personalities will perform, said Michael Bren Evangelio, an aide of Mr. Pacquiao, who instructed the preparation of 5,000 to 6,000 packed meals for the event. From the boxing world, those reportedly arriving are Bob Arum of Top Rank and Freddie Roach, Mr. Pacquiao’s promoter and coach, respectively. Mr. Pacquiao’s defeated opponents Marco Antonio Barrera and David Diaz will also attend the party, organizers said. The Filipino boxing superstar recently routed Oscar de la Hoya, called the "Golden Boy," in their "dream match" in Las Vegas. The Mexican-American boxing legend was invited to the birthday party but could not make it. Mr. Pacquiao arrived in the country to a rousing welcome, highlighted by a visit to Malacañang for an audience with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. General Santos Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. said police and military personnel have been instructed to intensify security measures to maintain peace and order. Mr. Acharon said the camp of Mr. Pacquiao took charge of all the security and logistical details in coordination with the Presidential Management Staff, sparing the city government of preparing for the event. — Romer S. Sarmiento, BusinessWorld
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