Pacquiao motorcade reaches Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Elementary students in Manila's Tondo district formed part of a "welcoming committee" for World Boxing Council super featherweight champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao in Manila's Tondo district Tuesday. Radio dzBB's Tuesday Niu reported that administrators of the Jose Rizal Elementary School allowed students a prolonged recess so they can get a glimpse of Pacquiao as his motorcade passed through the area. Pacquiao's motorcade, which kicked off at 9:55 a.m., reached Manila about 10:30 a.m. and passed through Tayuman and Pritil Streets in Tondo. Residents in Tondo went outside their homes to wave and cheer at Pacquiao, whose motorcade convoy included at least 20 vehicles. Pacquiao was seen surrounded by his security staff while riding at the back of a black Ford F-150 pickup, which was draped with Philippine flags. He wore a T-shirt while an aide held his championship belts. Employees reportedly rushed out of their offices to greet the Filipino boxing champ even as moving vehicles stopped their engines to get a closer look. A portion of España Avenue was also reportedly littered with confetti thrown as the boxing champion graced the area. From Lacson Street in España, Pacquiao's motorcade is expected to head over to Moriones then to Radial Road 10 (R-10) in Tondo, Manila. The group will then cross the Delpan Bridge to Roxas Boulevard before going to T.M. Kalaw Street and Taft Avenue in Ermita, Manila. Pacquiao's motorcade will also ply the Pablo Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz) Street in the city's Malate district before entering Pasay City through F.B. Harrison Street. Pacquiao will end his four-city motorcade in Makati City, where he will be gracing Buendia, Ayala, and Makati avenues. Pacquiao arrived early Monday, a week after dethroning Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez in a split decision. - with a report from Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV