Tourism chiefs to fete Pacquiao in colorful rites

Another tribute awaits world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao when the first Sports Tourism and Travel Adventure show wrings down its curtains in colorful ceremonies today at the Clamshell 2 in Intramuros.

No less than Department of Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon will hand over a special prize to the country’s sports hero in the 4:30 p.m. affair for placing the Philippines in the world map with his recent ring exploits.

Pacquiao’s reward will be a "dream vacation showcase" for himself and his family, which Sports Tourism director Cynthia Carrion said "will be an experience that they will never forget."

"Pacquiao’s was the triumph of all Filipinos. His feat is a big boost to our tourism industry," added the head of the Philippine Convention and Travel Corporation, the DOT’s marketing arm, which set up the trade fair.

Serving as the appetizer to the event is a Celebrity Billiards match at 4 p.m. pitting Pacquiao against another world-class athlete in Efren "Bata" Reyes, and Secretary Gordon.

Also expected to be on hand to grace the occasion is Local Governments Secretary Joey Lina, Senator-sportsman Robert Jaworski, Rep. Imee Marcos-Manotoc and Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit.

The Manila Sports Council headed by Ali Atienza is hosting a Sports Celebrities and Fans Day from 2-4 p.m. serving as a prelude to the closing ceremonies.

The event will also act as an inspirational send-off for the members of the Philippine delegation bound for the 22nd Vietnam Southeast Asian Games.

Leading the list of those paying tribute to the Filipino campaigners are Asian Games gold medalist Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Pacquiao and Reyes, who will vie in four billiards events in the Vietnam city of Ho Chi Minh.

The winners of the various fun games and contests conducted during the three-week long exposition will receive their prizes from Secretary Gordon.

To be awarded are the winners in the adventure race, sports aerobics marathon, dart, chess, gymnastics, tables tennis, boat-making, 3-on-3 basketball, Physical Challenge, badminton and painting contests.

Citations will also be awarded to the Philippine Indigenous Games and Sports Association, Inc., Best Marketing Effort and Best Booth Design and Display.