Pacquiao in Cebu today to thank fans

Filipino ring superstar Manny Pacquiao will make his first Cebu visit today since his monumental triumph over Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez that crowned him as the new WBC super featherweight champion.

Cebuano topnotch promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, Pacquiao’s close associate and confidant, confirmed that Pacman will be coming over today but couldn’t reveal the exact time of his arrival.

“It’s a sure thing that Pacquiao will be coming over tomorrow (today), but we don’t know what time he will arrive because he still has to adjust with his other schedule,” said Salud.

Salud said Pacquiao will bring along with him his wife Jinkee and their three children. They will stay at the five-star Shangri-la Hotel in Mactan where Lapu-Lapu

City Mayor Arturo Radaza will hold talks with Pacquiao regarding their plan to invite Pacman to play the role as Lapu-Lapu in the re-enactment of “Kadaugan sa Mactan” on April 27.

On Monday, Salud said Pacquiao will pay a courtesy call on Cebu Province Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña.

Afterwhich, Pacquiao will grace a press conference at the Marriott Hotel arranged by Cebu City Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem.

“Cebu is one of places that Pacquiao really loves to visit being close to his heart. Pacquiao wants to personally thank all the Cebuanos for their all-out

support to him,” said Salud.

Last March 15, Pacquiao eked out a hairline split decision over Marquez at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Thus, Pacquiao made history as the first Asian boxer to win three world titles in different weight divisions. The General Santos City ring gladiator once reigned as the WBC flyweight and IBF super bantamweight champion.

Pacquiao’s immediate plan is to move up in the 140-pound division and challenge WBC lightweight titlist David Diaz.