Pacquiao invited to attend Osmeña's birthday party

CEBU, Philippines – National figures and known personalities are expected to join Mayor Tomas Osmeña during the celebration of his 61st birthday on July 26.

World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, whom the mayor described as his idol, is among those who were invited to come.

“I’m not that kind of person who idolizes but I’m happy Pacquiao, who is my idol is attending,” Osmeña said.

After winning his 6th title in May against British boxer Ricky Hatton, Pacquiao was scheduled to come to Cebu City several times for the city to honor him on his feat but was never realized.

Aside from Pacquiao, Osmeña said he also expects national politicians including Senators Manuel Roxas, Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero to come to his birthday. Osmeña is inclined to support Roxas in his presidential bid in the May 2010 polls.

The mayor’s brother, former Senator Sergio Osmeña III, will also be in town as well as his close friends from Manila.

“There will also be an investiture for Margot as she becomes a senior citizen, a ‘chaleko’ or something, I will also sign her senior citizen card,” Osmeña joked. Margot will be celebrating her 60th birthday on July 25.

Osmeña said he will not make any major announcement or make a state of the city address on that day.

“It is gonna be a happy occasion. It’s a celebration to say ‘hi, I’m still alive.’ What better announcement I can give?” he said.

Also expected to attend the mayor’s birthday celebration are city councilors and barangay officials.

Osmeña said he chose to hold the party at SM City since it is cheaper although he would have preferred to spend it at the South Road Properties (SRP) if not for the weather.

The city had just signed a lease contract with SM for another parcel of lot at the North Reclamation Area (NRA). — Ferliza C. Contratista/WAB (THE FREEMAN)