Special Mass held for Pacquiao, Marquez at Manila Cathedral

A special Mass was held Sunday at the Manila Cathedral for Filipino boxing icon Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny" Pacquiao and Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez, who will face each other in the ring on November 12. Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo presided over the Mass that started shortly after 8:30 a.m., according to a report by radio dzBB’s Manny Vargas. But Pacquiao and his party had yet to arrive more than 10 minutes after the Mass started, the report added. In contrast, Marquez received an early tour of the historic Manila Cathedral after he and his party arrived early. Marquez wore denim pants and a purple shirt, the report added. Cathedral rector Msgr. Nestor Cerbo led officials in giving Marquez a tour of the historic structure. Security was tight at the Cathedral, which was packed with regular Sunday churchgoers. Pacquiao and Marquez held a face-off in Manila Saturday to promote their November 12 bout. The two are to leave abroad to promote the bout further before going into training. — LBG, GMA News