'Pac-mom' wakes up early to pray for son's victory

Hours before Philippine boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao was to face Timothy Bradley Jr. in Las Vegas, his mother woke up before dawn Sunday to offer prayers for his victory. Pacquiao's mother Dionisia woke up at her General Santos City residence at 4 a.m. and headed for the altar to pray, radio dzBB reported. She then prepared to go to a nearby church to attend a morning Mass before going to the Pacquiao residence for more prayers. Mrs. Pacquiao has been noted to pray fervently before her son's bout, and even fainting on occasion. On Sunday morning (in Manila), Pacquiao was to slug it out with Bradley for the world welterweight championship. In the country, police expect a lull in criminality during the day as Filipinos keep their eyes and ears glued to TV and radio coverage of the bout. — LBG, GMA News