Amidst chants of 'Manny, Manny', the People's Champ Manny Pacquiao waves to the crowd of fans as his motorcade passed by the streets of Manila this morning. The local boxing icon's reply to constant queries whether he will run for public office was: "I just want to celebrate. Let's not talk of politics, for now." (Richard Vinas)
By Joel Guinto
INQ7.net
Last updated 01:21pm (Mla time) 11/24/2006
(2nd UPDATE) CONFETTI rained on the Palace lawn and a mob of fans sent a television platform crashing down as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led a movie star welcome for boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in Malacañang on Friday.
Shrieks from fans that came from nearby San Miguel village and Palace employees almost drowned out Arroyo's welcome remarks, which blared from huge speakers near the makeshift stage in front of Kalayaan Hall.
"Mabuhay ka [Long live], Manny Pacquiao… You are our champion for life," Arroyo told Pacquiao.
Fans whipped out their camera phones and waved miniature Philippine flags as Pacquiao went up the stage.
Pacquiao beat Mexican Erik Morales in their third and final meeting in Las Vegas last Sunday. There are plans for Pacquiao to fight another Mexican boxer, Marco Antonio Barrera, in 2007.
"Take a rest, Manny, then, go back to practice," said a smiling Arroyo.
Pacquiao did not sing a song during the program as earlier announced, saying he was nursing a sore throat. Arroyo said: “You should rest your sore throat.”
Fans mobbed Pacquiao went down from the stage and walked to the Rizal Hall, causing a makeshift platform where government television news anchors were stationed to cave in. No one was reported injured.
Arroyo also presented Pacquiao with a fruitcake covered with white fondant icing and topped with chicken empanada shaped like a boxing glove.
Vice President Noli de Castro was also on hand to welcome Pacquiao, who was with his wife, Jinky, and mother, Dionisia.
Pacquiao was also with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, and the mayor's son, city councilor Ali Atienza, who is reportedly wooing the boxing champion to be his vice mayor when he runs for his father's seat in 2007.
Pacquiao will lead a motorcade around Manila later Friday and will attend a street party at the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard later in the evening
From Manila Bulletin:Pacquiao returns home to victory parade in Manila
MANILA (AP) -- Thousands of Filipinos poured onto the streets of Manila this morning to welcome home their boxing icon and the most popular son, Manny Pacquiao, who last week clinched his memorable win over Mexico's Erik Morales.
The 27-year-old -- who has become an inspiration for his rise from poverty -- was mobbed by thousands of fans as soon as his plane touched down from Las Vegas early Friday.
Streets were jammed, traffic had to be rerouted and TV and radio stations had only one story to tell: Pacquiao's homecoming.
Vendors were selling small Philippine flags and ``Pacman'' souvenirs, like towels with the boxer's image. Even police cars were adorned with his posters.
Pacquiao, who cemented his status as one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters, heard thanksgiving Mass at the Quiapo church in the heart of Manila, with fans watching his every step.
``Pacquiao legend -- the people's champion,'' read streamers near the church.
Wearing a black cowboy hat after emerging from the airport, Pacquiao seemed at ease with his celebrity status, smiling, patiently shaking hands and having his picture taken.
``I'm not tired. I'm happy because of the warm welcome,'' he said.
Morales won his first bout with Pacquiao in March 2005, stunning and bloodying him -- but Pacquiao battered Morales repeatedly last January.
And in less than nine minutes on Saturday in Las Vegas, Pacquiao fought one of the most entertaining three-round matches in recent years, trashing Morales in a knockout with 3 seconds left in the third round.
Pacquiao will fight again early next year, but it's too soon to say who he'll face.
In the meantime, he's busy outside the ring as well, with singing and endorsements