Pacquiao gets rousing welcome after latest conquest

One week after battering Antonio Margarito for his eighth world title, Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny" Pacquiao returned to a hero’s welcome early Saturday. Pacquiao arrived aboard a Philippine Airlines flight at 6:19 a.m., and received loud applause at the arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 past 6:30 a.m. “Ang karangalan na ito ay di [lang] para sa pamilya ko o sa aking sarili kundi para sa ating lahat na mga Pilipino. Saan man sulok ng mundo tayo magpunta ikarangal nating lahat ang ating pagka-Pilipino (This honor is not only for me or my family but for all Filipinos. Wherever we go, we should be proud to be Filipinos)," he said in an arrival statement. He also hinted he is not yet through with boxing, saying he is inclined to return to the 140- to 147-pound weight class for his next bout. Pacquiao also belied speculations he did not want to tangle with African-American boxers. “Wala pang tsuma-challenge eh. Di tayo matatanghal na pound for pound king kung namimili tayo ng laban. Wala tayong pinipili na laban (No African American has challenged me yet. Otherwise I wouldn’t have earned the title pound-for-pound king if we are selective with our opponents)," he said. But he said his immediate priority will be to return to work on Monday as Sarangani congressman. “Monday, balik sa trabaho, maraming aasikasuhin. Tapos na ang laban ko (On Monday I will return to work as congressman. I have much work to take care of. My boxing match is over)," he said. A report by dzBB’s Allan Gatus said Pacquiao wore a coat and tie, and was with wife Jinkee, when they were welcomed by their family and well-wishers who included former Manila Mayor Jose Atienza Jr. Security was tight at the airport, whose personnel are on alert for passengers possibly carrying the bird flu virus and for possible terrorist attacks. “Congratulations Sir Manny, we are proud of you, we love you!" read one of the welcome banners prepared by well-wishers. After his arrival, Pacquiao proceeded to the New World Hotel in Makati City where he was to have breakfast with Vice President Jejomar Binay. He was scheduled to go to Quiapo Church for a thanksgiving mass he usually attends after a victory, and to Malacañang for a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III. Last Sunday, Pacquiao pummeled Margarito for the World Boxing Council’s super welterweight crown and made history as the first boxer to win titles in eight weight divisions. Pacquiao said he plans to spend Christmas with his family, saying he had been busy for most of the year. “Kailangan kasama ang lahat na pamilya ang mga anak ko; isang taon busy ako palagi at di ko sila nakakasama palagi kaya kailangan magkasama kami sa Pasko (I have to be with my family at Christmas. I have been busy most of the year so I have to make time for them)," he said. — LBG, GMANews.TV