Pacquiao a great model of the country - Arroyo

SARANGANI, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded Thursday the Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao as a great model of the country following his recent conquest of Oscar de la Hoya in Las Vegas, a Malacañang statement said. “He showed the value of discipline because he defeated bigger and heavier De La Hoya," the President said in a radio interview at the residence of Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez. “They (observers) think that he even represents the Philippine economy to the strong economic countries in terms of big problems. He is a David to the world and so, he is really quite a symbol of our country," she added. The President also described the world’s best pound-for-pound boxing icon as a grand champion who brings tremendous pride to the nation with his “tenacity as a fighter and grace as a winner." Despite her grueling schedule last Tuesday, the President still found time to lead the long list of distinguished guests who reveled in the birthday-cum-victory party for Pacquiao who turned 30 just 10 days after forcing the retirement of De La Hoya after the 8th round of their scheduled 12-round fight in Las Vegas, Nevada last Dec. 6. “The victory of Manny is an additional boost in our celebration of Christmas," the President said. Clad in a black dress, the President arrived at exactly 7 p.m. as a huge crowd of Pacquiao admirers jammed the KCC Mall in downtown General Santos City. The President joined the birthday celebration of the boxing hero along with Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank and trainer Freddie Roach at the round presidential table that was placed atop a makeshift boxing ring in the middle of the ballroom. Pacquiao’s father Rosalio and mother Dionisia sat to the right of the President who stayed for more than three hours to revel with Pacquiao’s 2,000 guests and partook of the sumptuous dinner with a tab placed at P3.5 million. Organizers have sent invitations to 1,500 people but had to print 500 extra access cards for the other VIPs knocking on the doors of the mall’s jampacked ballroom. The birthday celebration opened with a call from Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee in Los Angeles. Jinkee is a month away from giving birth to the Pacquiaos’ fourth child. The crowd cheered and gave a standing ovation to internationally-known Arnel Pineda, a Filipino lead singer of the legendary American rock band Journey, when he sang the group's signature vocals – Don’t Stop Believin, Open Arms and Faithfully -- in front of the presidential table to the delight of President Arroyo and Pacquiao. Aling Dionisia stole the limelight from GMA-7 stars when she performed a swing dance number that kept the audience, including the President, riveted on the performer onstage. Others who came to celebrate with the country’s national pride include former world champion David Diaz of Chicago, reigning WBA superfeatherweight champion Edwin Valero of Venezuela and 1996 Atlanta Olympic silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok" Velasco. Governor Dominguez and General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon headed the list of local officials who attended the birthday bash. Another party was also held at the GenSan oval plaza, where plenty of food and drinks were also served while different local bands performed to entertain more than 5,000 fans. - GMANews.TV/OPS