First Gent doffs hat on Pacquiao

LOS ANGELES — First Gentleman Mike Arroyo was a picture of happiness Saturday night at the Staples Center.

After watching the Manny Pacquiao fight at ringside, the First Gentleman took his hat off to the gallant boxer who recorded a sixth-round knockout over Mexican Hector Velasquez.

"Congratulations kay Manny. Karangalan ng Pilipinas ‘yan kaya nandito tayo," he said as daughter Luli sat beside him, also looking happy with the big Pacquiao win.

They came to watch the fight along with Atty. Romulo Makalintal, a big boxing fan himself.

"Kanina parang mga 10 or 20 percent lang tayo dito kaya kailangan talaga i-cheer si Manny. Alang-alang yan sa Pilipinas. Ang kinakarga ni Manny ay yung Philippine flag.

"Ang kinakarga niya ay yung Pilipinas. Kaya salamat at congratulations sa kanya," said the First Gentleman.

While the Mexican gave Pacquiao a tough fight in the early rounds, Arroyo said he never doubted a Pacquiao victory.

"Alam ko kasing kayang-kaya ni Manny. At hindi siya kabado. Ang mukhang kabado ay yung kabila," he said.

The First Gentleman was scheduled to throw a victory party Saturday night in one of the restaurants in Burbank, which is just near the Hollywood area.