EFREN Peñaflorida brought honor to the country by winning the CNN Hero of the Year award. For his feat, he also earned US $100,000 which, at the prevailing exchange rate, is a little less than five million pesos.

To most of us, that’s a big amount but nothing compared to the one billion pesos that another Filipino hero, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao earned from his recent fight with Miguel Cotto. (more)

MALACAÑANG would respect the decision of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao to join the Nacionalista Party (NP) in pursuing his bid for Saranggani congressional seat if he decides to proceed with it.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, in an interview by Radyo ng Bayan, said as far as he knows nothing final has been reached about Pacquiao’s supposed plans to join Senator Manuel Villar’s party. (more)

THE president of HBO Sports said a fight between pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. “has to happen.”

Ross Greenburg, the head of HBO sports, told ESPN.com that the sport needs a Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao fight because of the growing clamor for it. (more)

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred Friday on boxing legend Manny Pacquiao a top national medal, the Order of Sikatuna, usually reserved for foreign diplomats and heads of state.

The pound-for-pound king will carry the rank of Datu. (more)

MANILA – Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR103 at 5:30 a.m. Friday.

He arrived in the country with his wife Jinkee and his entire Team Pacquiao. (more)