Sarangani readies hero's welcome for Pacquiao

A hero's welcome awaits Filipino boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao following his latest win over Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas Sunday [Manila time]. In Sarangani, Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez said they have started making preparations to welcome Pacquiao home, government-run dzRB radio reported. Dominguez indicated the welcome may coincide with the MunaTo Festival on November 25, the report added. The GoSarangani.com website said MunaTo is a cultural festival commemorating the “First people" of Sarangani province. "Sarangani was made into a separate province only in 1992, however, the findings of the anthropologic burial jars in Maitum proves community life as early as 500 BC. This is a festival that embraces the different Indigenous People of Sarangani and their heritage," it said. Pacquiao registered the latest victory in his storied boxing career with a win over Marquez in Las Vegas. It was the third meeting in the ring between Pacquiao and Marquez since 2004. Their first meeting ended up in a controversial draw, while the second ended in a split decision in favor of the General Santos City native. — RSJ, GMA News