Pacquiao Arrives at Palace, receives Proclamation 1764Philstar.com - Monday, May 11MANILA, Philippines – Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has arrived at the Malacañang Palace and formally received Proclamation 1764 — which declares this day, May 11, as a national day of celebration — from President Arroyo herself.
According to reports, the pound-for-pound king was welcomed by Mrs. Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo — who both sported jackets handed to them as a personal gift by Pacquiao himself.
Several cabinet officials, led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, were also present at the Palace.
As of this posting, Pacquiao is having a conversation with the President regarding his triumph over Ricky Hatton last May 3.
Reports added that the General Santos City-based southpaw has just received a special cake baked by Palace chefs, something the boxer regularly gets whenever he visits Malacañang after each fight. The cake reportedly flashed the words "Pound-for-Pound King," and featured a championship belt and a boxing glove design.
Pacquiao and his entourage started a motorcade early this morning, passing through several key thoroughfares in Manila. -
By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)
Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao (C) who demolished IBO light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton of Britain, waves to the crowds during his victory parade around Manila May 11, 2009 after he had knocked down an order by Philippines health officials to delay his return home due to the new H1N1 flu. At left is Bernabe Concepcion, a new WBO featherweight champion who beat Colombian boxer Yogli Herrera.
Philippine boxing champ Manny Pacquiao (C) arrives at Malacanang palace in Manila on May 11, 2009. Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of the Philippines capital May 11 to give a hero's welcome to local boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who destroyed Ricky Hatton on his way to a sixth world title.
Philippine boxing champ Manny Pacquiao (L) cuts the cake given by President Gloria Arroyo (R) at Malacanang palace in Manila on May 11, 2009. Arroyo played the part of a journalist, interviewing her guest about the Hatton fight for the benefit of the assembled Filipino officials, palace staff and members of Team Pacquiao.
Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao, center, waves as he arrives at Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philipipnes on Monday May 11, 2009. Pacquiao's stunning second-round knockout that dethroned IBO light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas on May 3 cemented the Filipino's image as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter and his massive popularity at home.