Manila to build statue for Pacquiao

Nothing less than accolades worthy of heroes sacrificing their lives in war. When he arrives from the United States before dawn Friday, Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will face a very long day with fans and an audience with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. As if echoing the image of movie boxing hero Rocky Balboa, Pacquiao will also be able to bask in the Manila Bay sunset beside a statue of his likeness in the coming days. The Manila City government announced its plans to build a statue of Pacquiao along the Baywalk promenade at Roxas Boulevard, and bared its preparations for total red carpet treatment on Friday for the "people's champ." Pacquiao, who defeated Mexican fighter Erik Morales in a sensational bout in Las Vegas last Sunday, is scheduled to arrive about 5:30 a.m. Friday on board Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR-103. Speaking in Filipino, Manila Mayor Jose "Lito" Atienza told GMA News that the statue was a fitting gesture for Manila's adopted son. "The statue we will build should serve as a reminder of the kind of man that Manny Pacquiao is. We will erect it along Roxas Boulevard," Atienza said. Not far from the proposed site is Luneta shrine, built in memory of the life and sacrifice of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. A few blocks away just outside Manila City Hall, meanwhile, is the Liwasang Bonifacio park where a statue of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio stands proud. Pacquiao's statue will be joining the images of other historic luminaries in Manila City, such as former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr, slain Antique Gov. Evelio Javier and former Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson. Incidentally, the statues of a mailman and a baker can also be seen along the Baywalk strip. Life imitates art? Pacquiao's mother, Dionesia, was elated over the gesture but nonetheless left it to the judgement of the Filipino people to decide if the statue was appropriate. "That's ok with me if Filipinos want to build a statue for my son. I'm happy that many people Manny so much," a smiling Dionisia said in Filipino. Hollywood actor Sylvester Stalone, who played lead actor in the award-winning "Rocky" movies, used statues of Rocky Balboa for three installments of the series. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, where one statue is currently located, served as the backdrop for Rocky's triumphant run from an underdog to a charismatic world champion of boxing. Atienza's camp has been reportedly wooing Pacquiao to run as vice mayor opposite Jose's son, Ali. Slow motorcade The mayor said that most of Pacquiao's time on Friday will be taken up by a "slow" motorcade in Manila's various districts. "The motorcade will be very slow. We'll likely miss lunch again," Atienza said in an interview on dzBB radio. He added that, "It's about time we really honor this man, who brought honor and pride to this country at the best time possible." Atienza also hinted Pacquiao may visit the small gymnasium in Manila where he trained during his early years. He said Pacquiao had bought that gym. The slow pace of the motorcade is meant to allow Pacquiao to shake hands and interact with well-wishers who are expected to line the streets of the city, Atienza said. On the other hand, he said that despite Friday's "long and slow" schedule, Pacquiao is "excited" to personally see his supporters. "He told me he is excited to come home to meet his supporters and thank them," he said. Presidential reception Radio station dzBB also reported that local Chinese Filipino traders have bought loads of confetti to shower on the motorcade when it passes Binondo and Escolta. Pacquiao's first itinerary Рafter a brief rest and breakfast Рis to go to the basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, where he will give thanks for his victory. He will then proceed to City Hall for what Atienza described as a "warm, warm, warm welcome in Manila" before going to Malaca̱ang for a courtesy call on President Arroyo. "After that, we go to the motorcade. We'll take the same route," Atienza said, referring to the route of the motorcade after Pacquiao's victory over Morales last July. In the evening, Solar Entertainment, which covered Pacquiao's bout last Sunday, will sponsor an extravaganza at the Rajah Soliman park in Malate starting 7 p.m.-GMANews.TV