Pacquiao leaves for NY to receive Game Changer Award

MANILA, Philippines - World boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao flew to New York City on Sunday night to receive the 2015 Asia Game Changer Award for his achievements as a philanthropist, world famous professional boxer and lawmaker at the United Nations on Oct. 13.

Pacquiao took Philippine Airlines flight PR 126 for New York via Vancouver, after holding a brief press conference near the boarding gate at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

He expressed gratitude for the award and thanked the organizers.

Pacquiao, however, refused to comment about his political plans or if he will run for senator in the 2016 elections.

“Wait until Friday and you will know everything you must know about my preparations for the 2016 election,” he added.

Suyin Liu Lee, executive director of Asia Society of the Philippines, later presented Pacquiao with a token gift of coco sugar and cupcakes after the press briefing.

Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) in a statement said, “It is a PAL tradition to carry the best of the Philippines to different parts of the globe. With humanitarian undertakings and legendary career, Manny Pacquiao is indeed the Philippines’ pride and represents the best of the country as PAL extends its warmest congratulations to the world boxing icon for being this year’s top Asia Game Changer,” PAL president Jaime Bautista said.