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MANILA, Philippines—Boxing hero Manny Pacquiao arrived home to a king’s welcome on a cool Saturday morning, cheerful and gracious in his victorious homecoming.
The newly crowned World Boxing Council super-welterweight champion arrived at 6:19 a.m. aboard Philippine Airlines Flight 103 from Los Angeles, with his wife Jinkee and his entourage.
Representative Pacquiao of Sarangani was wearing a dark suit and striped tie as he received congratulations from an adoring throng of fans and well-wishers. A small army of media people flocked around him, taking notes of every word he said, taking photos and footages.
“This honor belongs not just to me and my family but to all Filipinos in all corners of the world,” he said at the arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 2.
His mother “Mommy Dionesia,” his children Michae, Jemuel, Princess and Queenie were also at the airport with other relatives to welcome their father.
Princess, 4, brought a hand-made card with a design of the Philippine flag with golden glitters to depict the sun and stars. The message inside read: “Welcome back, Daddy. Congratulations. The Best Fighter in the World. I love you. I miss you. Princess Pacquiao.”
On Sunday, the 32-year-old Pacquiao pummeled Antonio Margarito and secured a lopsided unanimous decision over the taller, heavier Mexican at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
With his latest triumph, the boxer earned for himself the distinction of being the only boxer in the world who had won titles in eight different weight classes.
On Monday, Pacquiao is expected to return to his day job — proposing bills and passing laws in the House of Representatives.
Asked about reports that he had presidential ambitions, Pacquiao said: “Right now, it’s not on my mind. Maybe that’s still far away. I will just concentrate on my work as a congressman.”
A banner prepared by the Manila International Airport Authority read, “Welcome Home Manny! ‘The fighter of the Decade’ We are proud of you!”
The night before, airport officials debated whether to include “Honorable” before Pacquiao’s name to reflect his congressman status. Apparently, they decided they didn’t want that to eclipse his achievement in the ring.
The PAL flight was delayed by more than an hour as the plane did a quick refuelling stop in Guam.
Security at the NAIA was typically tight with members of the media, who were issued passes required to cover the Pacquiao arrival. Two bomb-sniffing dogs were deployed at the arrival area and made to sniff out even the lectern where Pacquiao was to deliver his message.
His packed schedule
for the day includes a courtesy call with President Benigno Aquino III in Malacanang.
Manny’s NAIA arrival video
