Birthday boy Pacman pitches for Villar

GENERAL SANTOS CITY , Philippines  – More than a thousand came to celebrate Manny Pacquiao’s 31st birthday last night at the KCC Events and Convention Center here.

Among the guests was Sen. Manuel Villar, who was introduced by Pacquiao as “the upcoming president” of the Philippines.

It was not immediately known if the boxing champion would support the presidential bid of Villar, standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party. Pacquiao is not an NP member.

The venue of the birthday party, half the size of a football field, was packed by the time the greatest boxer of this generation showed up and sat at the head table with his wife Jinkee.

They were joined by the boxer’s mother Dionisia and his close friends, including Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Deputy National Security Adviser Luis Singson

On the main floor, where close to a hundred tables were set up, other big names in politics, sports and showbiz partied. Drinks flowed and food was in abundance.

Pacquiao came in his favorite outfit, the ’50s look – a striped suit and checkered pants while Jinkee, who celebrates her birthday in two weeks, was in an aquamarine dress.

The couple stayed close to each other at their table, smiling and waving at friends, who could only come so close as security had the area cordoned off.

Senate President Manny Villar, reportedly wooing Pacquiao to his Nacionalista Party, arrived from Manila on a private plane along with Ilocos Norte Rep. Bongbong Marcos.

Pacquiao, who will seek a congressional seat in nearby Saranggani province next year, took the microphone and thanked everyone for coming, most of whom traveled from Manila, Cebu, Davao and the nearby provinces.

“Thank you all for coming,” he said as he was joined onstage by Jinkee and their four children.

“Please enjoy the party,” added Pacquiao who was to raffle off a brand new Toyota Vios during the affair.

Bren Evangelio, Pacquiao’s personal secretary, said his boss shouldered the plane tickets and the hotel accommodation of his guests.

Among the guests were Health Secretary Francisco Duque, President Arroyo’s proxy; Finance Secretary Margaritio Teves; and actors Bayani Agbayani, Cesar Montano and Philip Salvador.

Evangelio said Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach had earlier sent word that they could not attend the birthday party.

Three days before Pacquiao’s birthday, arriving local and international tourists in General Santos City were heard complaining that all the premier hotels were fully booked.

The hotels had given priority to the boxing champion’s guests.

Police and the General Santos City Civil Service Security Unit were busy escorting and securing the safety of Pacquiao’s guests.

At Pacquiao’s birthday party, 30 roasted pigs or lechons, roast beef, tuna and various foods were served on a red-mantled table prepared by five well-known catering companies.

Laptops, digital cameras, motorcycles, cash and other gifts were raffled off aside from the Vios.

Guests were surprised when Pacquiao suddenly held his wife Jinkee’s hand and sang “Born for you” as the party’s highlight. — Rose Tamayo-Tesoro