Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Home is the hero By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
FILIPINO boxing icon Manny Pacquiao arrived in the country Tuesday morning to a hero's welcome following yet another major sporting conquest abroad.
Pacquiao, clad in his trademark long-sleeved polo short, was welcomed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-2 by city officials and well-wishers led by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and simply acknowledged the cheers from the crowd gathered at the airport.
"Maraming salamat sa walang sawang pagsuporta at dasal ninyo (Thank you very much for your support and prayers)," Pacquiao told the crowd.
The Filipino boxer, who knocked out Jorge Solis of Mexico in the eight round just two days ago in San Antonio, Texas, was then whisked to the Manila Hotel to refresh.
Pacquiao later went out of the hotel to appear before a scheduled press conference at the Manila City Hall where he discussed on his decision to run for congress.
Pacquiao is facing another battle, this time in the political arena when he goes up against the incumbent Darlene Antonio-Custodio for the first congressional seat of South Cotabato in the May elections.
Custodio belongs to a clan who have never lost in an election for the past 20 years.
From the Manila City Hall, Pacquiao, accompanied by his wife Jinky, fellow boxer Bernabe Concepcion and Atienza paid a courtesy to President Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang.
The President presented Pacquiao and Bernabe with a cake shaped like a boxing glove and with a Philippine flag design.
"The people's champion has once again brought victory and pride to the nation. His physical strength is matched by tenacious will to uplift his countrymen with every win," Mrs. Arroyo said.
"We welcome him home as the people's idol, and this generation's shining light," the President added.
Arroyo said she and her family "is extremely touched by Manny's concern for the First Gentleman's state of health."
Pacquiao had said he plans to visit the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo at St. Luke's where he is recuperating after a successful open-heart surgery.
The First Gentleman is an avid supporter of Pacquiao.
A motorcade was then held in honor of the boxer who had brought glory to the country a number of times.
Pacquiao was welcome with fireworks and rained with confetti by residents in the streets where the motorcade passed.
Another hero's welcome awaits Pacquiao when he and his entourage arrives in his hometown General Santos City Wednesday.
