Pacman’s victory party fit for a king

It was a party fit for a king, afterall, Manny Pacquiao deserves nothing less.

GMA Network organized a homecoming-cum-victory party for the hottest gloved gladiator in the world of professional boxing to date.

And what a bash it was!

The newly-crowned WBC Super Featherweight Champ was given a red carpet treatment all the way! From the airport through the lunch feast prepared for him, the word SPECIAL was indelibly stamped, albeit in invincible ink. Hehehe

As soon as he stepped down from his vehicle, confetti drizzled and was meted with a rousing reception. Pacquiao was welcomed by Wilma Galvante, GMA’s Senior Vice President for ETV together with Marivin Arayata, VP for ETV and Bang Arespacochaga, Sr. Manager for ETV.

Vibrant reds and solid blues graciously broken by the yellow hue greeted the guests and visitors from the Network Center grounds through the Executive Lounge where the party was recently held - it was Pinoy Pride screaming through and through.

The exciting play of colors used in the venue masterfully paid tribute to Pacquiao’s recent conquest, at the same time, silently toasted one’s nationalistic pride.

The triumvirate of Janice De Belen, Gelli De Belen and Carmina Villaroel also spent time with Manny as the late-morning show SIS also prepared a special live show for him.

No less than Executive Vice President and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr. warmly received Manny and wife Jinky in the presidential table. Duavit lauded the People’s Champ, whom he noted showed a lot of heart in his recent fight with Marquez.

Imbestigador host and 24 ORAS anchor Mike Enriquez also dropped by to congratulate the Pinoy Champion.

Paolo Bediones and Pauleen Luna hosted the event which was well-attended by sports and entertainment writers, editors and columnists.

The mood was relaxed and good food ran aplenty.

Talk ranged from a possible rematch with Marquez, to an upcoming fight with Diaz, to the new hairstyle that Manny now sports.

It’s a sign of change. Positive ones, the celebrated boxer intimated to the members of the media who attended the event. Pacquiao added that there will be no more late night-outs, no more vices as well.

It’s all about boxing and school, and of course, Pinoy Records – his regular weekly program with the Kapuso Network (which, by the way is faring well in the ratings game as well) every Saturday afternoon.

Watching from the sidelines, one can’t help but be held in awe on how far Manny has gone in his chosen profession. From the young man who first sought employment in a humble panaderia in Malabon to the icon that he is right now, Pacquiao has indeed been through a lot.

Right now, Manny holds the distinction of being the first and lone Asian with three boxing diadems in his name.

His WBC Super Featherweight crown which came at the expense of a full 12-round fight with Juan Miguel Marquez is the recent addition to his collection. Pacquiao also has the WBC Flyweight (112 lbs) and IBF Superbantamweight (IBF 122lbs) titles tucked under his belt.

Come mid-year, if talks are ripe and the last dotted line is signed, then Pinoys should get ready to bust their lungs anew when The Pacman moves on to the 135-pound category and face current WBC lightweight king David Diaz.

In the meantime, let’s raise our glass to Pacquiao as he gives us one of the best reasons why it’s great to be a Pinoy.

Cheers!