Pacquiao arrives early for Palace courtesy call

Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao arrived in Malacañang early Saturday for his courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III. Government-run dzRB radio reported Pacquiao and his party arrived at the Palace's guest house before the 11 a.m. schedule. The boxer, who won the World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight crown after beating Antonio Margarito last week, wore a coat and tie, and was accompanied by his wife, Jinkee. During his audience with the president, Pacquiao gave Aquino a miniature replica of his WBC championship belt and an autographed black Pacquiao t-shirt. Aquino, wearing a barong with a yellow ribbon, thanked Pacquiao for the gifts and posed for photos with the couple. Earlier, Pacquiao attended a thanksgiving mass at nearby Quiapo Church, after a hearty breakfast and brief rest at the New World Hotel in Makati City. - TJD, GMANews.TV