Manny gets hero’s welcome in GenSan

GEN. SAnTOS CITY — Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao was greeted by thousands of his fans, supporters and city officials led by City Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. when he arrived here yesterday from Manila.

"Thank you for your support and prayers for me to win against Mexican Hector Velasquez," said Pacquiao in Filipino during the hero’s welcome organized by the city government at the Oval Plaza gym.

Acharon lauded Pacquiao, who was accompanied by his wife Jinky, for bringing honors and joy not only to the city but the entire country.

"Once again, we congratulate Manny for bringing pride and honor to GenSan," said Acharon.

During the press conference, Pacquiao announced that he’s putting up the "Manny Pacquiao Sports Promotion" to train young potential fighters.

"I will look for fighters willing to train to be my successor," said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao said he’s happy to be back in Gen. Santos to be with his two kids.

The last time Pacquiao saw his two kids, Michael Stephen and Emmanuel Jr., was on the first week of August or before he left for the US to train for his recent fight.

"Kumpleto sila sa pasalubong — sapatos, damit at laruan (I have gifts for them ˆ shoes, clothes and toys)," said Pacquiao.

"Masaya din ako at nakita ko ang mga kababayan ko (I’m also happy to see my provincemates)," he said.

Pacquiao arrived in Manila from Los Angeles last Friday and stayed for three days at the Manila Hotel. He flew to Cebu Sunday evening and was back in Manila Monday afternoon.

He’s been toasted and feted everywhere he went over the past few days, leading a motorcade in Manila, and welcoming President Arroyo at the airport last Sunday. Pacquiao was supposed to meet the President in San Francisco last week. But the President was too busy with her functions during a United Nations meeting in New York.

Pacquiao will leave Friday morning to cheer on countryman Eriberto Gejon who will shoot for the WBA minimumweight crown against Japanese champion Yuyaka Niida in Yokohama on Sunday. —With report from Abac Cordero