Pacquiao leads VIP list at Palarong Pambansa

MANILA, Philippines - World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao leads the cast of invited VIPs to grace the opening of the 2008 Palarong Pambansa on April 20 at the newly-refurbished Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. In a statement issued on Friday, Mayor Edward Hagedorn said the 29-year-old Pacquiao's official role would be Puerto Princesa "Ambassador of Sports," a title given by the city council to recognize the boxing icon's contribution to the development of sports. "He is truly a national treasure," Hagedorn said. "His presence in the opening ceremonies will inspire our young and promising athletes to do better in the competition." Pacquiao, who wrested the WBC super featherweight title of Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in Las Vegas, Nevada last March 16, will be at the Palarong Pambansa opening ceremonies President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the guest of honor. A total of 17,000 guests – 8,000 of them athletes and coaches from 17 regions – will converged in this western part of the Philippines for the competition, one of the great sources of athletic talents in history. - GMANews.TV