Manny Monday: Pacquiao returns to a hero’s welcome

(Updated 1:53 p.m.) Like a victorious general returning to ancient Rome, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao arrived to a hero’s welcome on Monday and shared his latest triumph with his cheering fans. At the same time, he hinted the possibility of finally calling it a day, in consideration of his mother's wish. The ring superstar, along with his wife Jinkee and his entourage, arrived on board Philippine Airlines flight 103 from Los Angeles at around 5:45 am, eight days since retaining his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown via a 12-round domination of tough Ghanaian challenger Joshua Clottey in Texas. "Masayang-masaya ako at nakabalik na ako sa Pilipinas at makakapiling uli ang mga anak ko. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng sumuporta at nagdasal para sa akin sa last fight ko (I am so happy to be back and be with my children again. I thank all those who supported and prayed for me during my last fight)," the champ said. Pacquiao’s children — Jemuel, Michael and Princess — led the welcome party for the 31-year-old fighter and his wife Jinkee at the NAIA Terminal 2, greeting their parents with a warm hug and kiss. Also present were his political ally Senator Manuel Villar Jr., former Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Deputy National Security Adviser Luis "Chavit" Singson. The "Pacman" is running for a congressional seat in Sarangani under Villar’s Nacionalista Party. Unlike his arrival from his last two gigs in the US, this one was practically free from controversies and issues. During his return from the Cotto fight last November, a reported spat with wife Jinkee spread like wildfire. Mr. and Mrs. Pacquiao eventually arrived hand in hand, kissing at least twice at the airport to dispel rumors. Last May, the AH1N1 (swine flu) scare nearly spoiled Pacquiao’s post-Ricky Hatton party, with the Department of Health advising the fighter to defer his return and undergo self-quarantine in the US first. The pound-for-pound king returned as scheduled, knocked out all worries about the deadly virus and went about his usual post-fight parade. With no marital or health issue hounding him this time, Pacquiao had all the time to focus on his boxing. Asked about Clottey, whom he failed to knock out, Pacquiao said: "Matibay din kaya nakatapos ng 12 rounds (He was also strong, so he finished the 12 rounds)." As to the much in-demand megabout with Floyd Mayweather Jr., Pacquiao said bring "Money May" on. "Open ako na lumaban sa kanya. Anytime, pwede ako, basta magkasundo (I am open to fighting him anytime as long as we agree on the fight terms)." Retirement considered The Pacquiao-Mayweather bout might also not materialize since his mother, Dionesia, has been begging him to hang up his gloves. "Pwedeng hindi na umabot doon sa Mayweather fight, pwedeng mag-announce na ako ng retirement, pag-uusapan pa namin ng pamilya (The fight with Mayweather might not come through, I might announce my retirement. The family still has to discuss it)," he said. With the elections looming, Pacquiao could not help but talk about politics, declaring his readiness to go on the campaign trail beginning March 26. "Handa na ako, bago pa man ako lumaban kay Clottey, nakahanda na ako sa kampanya. Anyway, March 26 pa naman ang start ng campaign, may ilang araw pa ako para makapiling ang mga anak ko bago mangampanya (I have prepared for my campaign even before I fought Clottey. The campaign period for local candidates won’t start until March 26, so I still have time to be with my kids)," he said. He also took the time out to bat for the party-list group Partido ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA), which he said aims to help Filipino athletes who have the potential to bring honor to the country, especially with his possible retirement on the horizon. From the airport, Pacquiao proceeded to the New World Hotel (formerly Renaissance Hotel) in Makati for breakfast and rest prior to a long list of activities for the day. Loaded day After a brief respite, the boxer started moving, visiting the San Andres residence of Atienza, a long-time friend, then motoring to the Quiapo Church to hear a thanksgiving mass. The next destination was Malacañang, where he paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his no. 1 fan, and shared moments with the First Family. From the Palace, the Pacquiao party proceeded with the motorcade amid the cheers from thousands of residents and office workers, who took time to catch a glimpse of their idol as he navigated the route from Plaza Miranda to the Paco and Sta. Ana markets. A mini concert dubbed "King of The Ring" was set Monday afternoon at the Mall of Asia, where Pacquiao would serenade his fans, together with his fellow Kapuso artists. — Olmin R. Leyba/NPA, GMANews.TV