Pacquiao makes triumphant return for nth time

Manny Pacquiao returns to the warm, loving embrace of his countrymen, almost a week after having the entire boxing world under the palm of his hands.

Victorious from engaging in a bloody war against resilient Puerto Rican warrior Miguel Cotto, Pacquiao returns to the country before day break Friday on board Philippine Airlines flight 103 following a 13-hour trip from Los Angeles.

People from all walks of life – from the powerful politician to the ordinary vendor – are expected to welcome the "Pacman" and celebrate with him the latest conquest of a career whose legend continues to grow.

The 30-year old boxing icon and current pound-for-pound king is fresh from a 12-round stoppage of Cotto, the well-built, two-time world champion, who, like Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton before him, also crumbled under Pacquiao’s speed and strength.

Fashioned out before a screaming crowd of 16,000 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the center of Las Vegas, Pacquiao’s sensational win allowed the General Santos City native to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship, his seventh title in seven different weight classes.

“Para sa inyo ito," said the former construction worker turned boxing superstar of his latest triumph.

Also expected to meet Pacquiao at the Centennial Terminal 2 airport are four of his children – Michael, Jemuel, Princess and Queen Elizabeth – who haven’t seen their warrior father from the time he began training two months ago for the fight with Cotto.



Prior to departing for Manila, Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s adviser, said they haven’t been furnished yet of the itinerary for Friday’s activity, except for a courtesy call with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza, who is a close friend and long-time supporter of the Filipino ring icon.

Koncz said Solar Sports’ Chief Operating Officer (COO) Peter Chanliong is the one in charge of the day-long program.

As of press time however, Solar Sports texted that “nothing is final yet. We’ll keep you posted."

Going by his previous arrival routine, Pacquiao usually holds a short press briefing upon his arrival, and will proceed to Renaissance Hotel in Makati to take a short rest and have breakfast with his family, relatives and close friends.

From there, the boxing superstar will hear mass at the Quiapo church, before going at the DENR office of Atienza, who then accompanies him at Malacanang for a courtesy call with the President, after which, follows the victory parade within the streets of the metropolis.

An advisory posted at Malacanang, however, shows no courtesy call at the Palace is scheduled. Instead, the motorcade will immediately be held shortly after Pacquiao visits the DENR premises in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.

President Arroyo is set to hold a tribute for Pacquiao at the Luneta Park at 4 p.m.

Koncz said Pacquiao will be going home to General Santos City Saturday, since “he has a lot of things to do there." – GMANews.TV