Philippine Sports News and Updates

Manny Pacquiao was treated like a king on his 30th birthday as some of the country's and boxing world’s famous personalities paid a visit to greet the boxing hero in General Santos City.

Leading the long list of Pacquiao’s very important guests was no less than President Arroyo who led the blowing of the birthday cake at the main celebration at Gensan’s KCC Convention Center.

Also present were Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, knock-out artist Edwin Valero, erstwhile foe David Diaz, World Cup champion Harry Tañamor and singer-song writer Lito Camo.

Among the political luminaries who paid tribute to the Filipino boxer were Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza and Deputy National Security adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson who handed Pacquiao a “mysterious gift” in an envelope.

The celebrator’s childhood friend and trainer Buboy Fernandez was also present, looking dapper in his coat-and-tie.

Pacquiao said he is happy that his distinguished visitors enjoyed his party. This reflected his wish to make his countrymen happy even beyond his boxing years.

“Thirty years old na ko. Ang nais kong hilingin sa Panginoon ay sana makatulong ako sa mga kapwa ko tao. Kahit hindi lahat, basta kahit papaano makatulong ako,” he said.

Pacquiao’s church visit

Before kicking off the day’s celebration, the People’s Champ went to church to hear mass for his birthday.

Accompanied by his mother Dionesia, Pacquiao offered a prayer of gratitude for all the blessings that he received this 2008.

The fighter was not able to fight back his tears after hearing the priest that he has made the country proud not only because he beat Oscar de la Hoya but because he has shown gratitude to God immediately after scoring his win.

The priest was referring to Pacquiao gesture when he walked straight to his corner and prayed following de la Hoya’s surrender.

When asked about his tears, the Filipino replied: “Higit sa boxing, itong year na ito ay mas close talaga ako sa Panginoon.”

Excessive generosity

Pacquiao had closed several parts of Pendatun Avenue near Gensan’s Oval Plaza to cater to his loyal fans who did not make it into the KCC convention Center.

It was reported that he commissioned five catering services to handle the food distribution.

“Kahit sino bibigyan, first come, first serve,” he said.

Pacquiao said that never did he imagine in his younger years that he would be serving so much food to his fellow “kababayan”.

The boxer was even reminded about the concerns that he might lose all his wealth because of his generous acts.

Pacquiao merely shrugged and said: “Ay hindi. ‘Pag nasa Diyos ka, gagabayin ka niya sa tama.”

Hatton, 2009 and beyond

Arum said that negotiations are currently ongoing for a possible Pacquiao fight with Britain’s Ricky Hatton in May next year. The Top Rank promoter said the fight is likely to take place in Las Vegas on May 2.

He added that it is also possible that Pacquiao could face former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather also in 2009.

Pacquiao, however, reiterated his intention to hand in his gloves by the end of 2009.

“Kilala ko katawan ko… Ayaw ko na hintayin ko pa na masaktan ako,” he said.