JEERED and taunted a week ago, Manny Pacquiao gets to feel the loving and warm embrace of his countrymen again as the boxing sensation arrives in Manila today fresh from one of the most important victories of his career.
Pacquiao, wife Jinkee, along with a couple of friends and relatives who make up his big entourage, are expected to be at the Terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport early in the morning following a long, 18-hour trip from Los Angeles, California on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 103.
The arrival of the 32-year-old champion came nine days after retaining his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez in a 12-round match clouded in controversy before a sell-out crowd at the Grand Garden Arena of the MGM Hotel in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao escaped with a majority decision in his third encounter with Marquez, an outcome met with a chorus of boos by the large Mexican crowd that outnumbered their Filipino counterparts.
The debatable result has led to talks about a possible fourth fight next year between two of boxing’s most bitter rivals.
But all this will have to take the backseat at the moment as Pacquiao takes a well deserved break from boxing and enjoy a hero’s welcome right on his homecoming.
Upon arrival, a short press conference will be held at the airport lounge, before Pacquiao and his group proceed at the Midas Hotel (formerly the Hyatt Hotel) for a sumptuous breakfast of danguit, beef tapa, angus beef, among others.
Not to be missed is the morning mass after breakfast at the Quiapo church, where Pacquiao has been an avid devotee.
Still tentative in the itinerary of the boxing superstar is a courtesy call on both President Aquino in Malacanang, and Mayor Alfredo Lim at the Manila City Hall.
Also hanging in the balance is the regular motorcade around the city, a fixture in every Pacquiao arrival.
Solar Sports, a long-time partner of the `Pacman’, will host a dinner at the Midas Hotel later on to celebrate Pacquiao’s latest victory.
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