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Our Pambansang Kamao Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao arrived this morning (October 11, 2007) at 5:30 a.m. on board Philippine Airlines flight PR-103.
Our Pambansang Kamao Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao arrived this morning (October 11, 2007) at 5:30 a.m. on board Philippine Airlines flight PR-103. After paying a courtesy call in Malacañang at 10 a.m., he headed straight to GMA Network for an intimate victory lunch. The event was hosted by Whammy duo Paolo Bediones and Rufa Mae Quinto, who, together with the GMA bosses and Team Pacquiao, gave the boxer their congratulations for another win against Marco Antonio Barrera. The much-anticipated rematch was held in Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada over the weekend (October 7, Philippine time). After the lunch, Pacquiao will be heading to the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) for another victory party. Overflowing with gratitude In one of the program’s opening speeches, GMA EVP and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr. expressed his gratitude for Pacquaio: “Maraming salamat sa karangalang idinulot mo, hindi lamang sa iyong mga Kapuso, kung hindi sa samabayanan. Congratulations, Manny, welcome home!” Soon after, the two hosts introduced the man of the hour, who was clad in a white polo and who looked well-rested after his exhilarating 12-round fight with Barrera over the weekend. “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyong lahat sa walang sawa na suporta. Kaya na rin po ako nagtagumpay dahil sa dasal ng mga Pilipino,” said a grateful Pacquiao. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng mga Kapuso; sa mga Pilipino. Ako’y masayang-masaya sa aming laban, lalo na’t walang gulo, walang debate-debate.” His next statement was applauded by everyone: “Ako’y natutuwa, at kahit araw-araw, magagawa kong maglaban para magkaisa ang sambayanang Pilipino. Ako po, hinihila ko pataas ang ating bansa. Sana naman sa mga taong hinihila pababa ang ating bansa, tulungan nila ako hilahin ito pataas.” He finished off with yet another round of thanks: “Maraming salamat rin sa mga government officials at celebrities na pumunta sa fight. Sa mga Pilipino, siguro 60-40 ang (pumunta) doon -- marami tayo! Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, God bless you!” According to a report in GMA News, Pacquiao’s next opponent will not be known until the middle of November, but his next fight has been set for March 2008. Another report in Philboxing.com stated that his handlers are looking forward to another fight in July and November 2008 as well. iGMA also gives you the opportunity to personally show Manny your support and admiration SOON via the iGMA Live Chat! All you have to do is register on igma.tv. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to tell your idol how much he makes you proud! More about Manny: Kapusong Kamao Debete with many Pacquiao! SOP Sobrang OJ for Manny The Pacman in Kung Ako Ikaw SOP Gallery Talk about Will to Win II in the iGMA Forum’s PACQUIAO vs. BARRERA thread!