Manny’s wishes for his Princess

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao celebrated the christening of his newly-born daughter Mary Divine Grace — whom he fondly calls Princess — on the day of his 28th birthday with hundreds of well-wishers in his hometown Sunday.

Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee said preparations for the day-long festivities, which included the blessing of the couple’s P40- million mansion on NLSA Road, took over a week.

"We’ve hardly slept the past few days," said a smiling Jinkee, still radiant despite the tiresome schedule. She was the gracious host at the baptismal reception in Rosewood Place where guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch.

Pacquiao played the role of a caring father during the 45-minute ceremony at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish Church on Laurel East Avenue. He carried Princess lovingly in his arms, fanned her, and proudly welcomed her to the Christian community.

Fr. Vic Supranes, a vicar assigned by Passionist parish priest Fr. Luis Fuentespina to preside in the rites, baptized Princess and 11 other babies in the church that was packed by relatives, friends and fans. There was no special treatment for Princess although Pacquiao’s family and godparents occupied half of the pews. Fr. Fuentespina said the parents, including the Pacquiaos, paid the usual P300 fee for the baptism.

When the Pacquiaos are in town, they attend Mass at the parish. Fr. Fuentespina said Pacquiao has donated P150,000 so far to the church.

Most of Princess’ 26 godparents attended the baptism. Arriving by private Lear jets that morning were San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang and businessman-sportsman Hermie Esguerra. Among the absentees were Kris Aquino-Yap, Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan and Willie Revillame who had prior commitments.

The other godparents, in order as they appeared in the baptismal invitation, were ABS-CBN chairman Gabby Lopez (who came with network executives Charo Santos-Concio and Monchet Olives), Jinkee’s twin sister Janet, Gov. Chavit Singson, Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, appliance store owner Joaquin Yuong (with wife Victoria), Benjie Lim, Tony Antonio, Thunder Energy Drink owner Jeffrey Mangali (who is chairman of the Palms Country Club basketball committee in Alabang), Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, Emily Uy, Ali Atienza, Angelie Reyes, actor Rudy Fernandez, Pacquiao’s chief of staff Jayke Joson (with wife Tricia), Rep. Miles Roces, lawyer Franklin (Jeng) Gacal, Solar Entertainment chairman Wilson Tieng (with Solar president William Tieng, chief operating officer Peter Chanliong and events organizer Rico Arce), Salvador Dumago, Mon Dizon, comedian Bayani Agbayani and movie producer Mommy Rose Flaminiano.

Pacquiao’s manager Shelly Finkel and trainer Freddie Roach flew in from the US. Roach, who planed in with best friend Billy King, said he may fly to Cebu today to confer with ALA boxing stable owner Tony Aldeguer on plans for a triple world title card early next year before leaving for home tomorrow. In line to fight for the championship in the soon-to-be-announced card are Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista, Z Gorres and Gerry Peñalosa who are all trained by Roach.

Finkel said it was a long flight from New York to this city after stopovers in Los Angeles and Manila.

"We came over to celebrate with Manny and his family, not to talk business," said Finkel. "It was my first experience to witness a Filipino baptism and it was great. I won’t be able to stay long because last Friday, the eight-day Jewish holiday called Hanukkah began. It’s the first time I’ll miss being with family for the holiday but I’ll catch up. Manny’s a special person and I wanted to come and wish him the best on his special day."

Pacquiao said his wishes for Princess are for her to grow up to be a kind and responsible person, to be respectful of others and to be God-fearing. Princess is the Pacquiaos’ third child after Emmanuel Jr. or Jimuel and Michael Stephen.

Pacquiao said his birthday wish is for the country to be united. And if it will take for him to use his fists to unite the fragmented nation, then he’ll just do it and continue boxing.

As for his next fight, Pacquiao begged off from disclosing what’s in the works. Facing Marco Antonio Barrera in a much-waited rematch is an option but Pacquiao said he’s not thinking about it at the moment. Things should clear up after Christmas, he added.

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Mayor Leonardia, who held up Pacquiao’s World Boxing Council international superfeatherweight title belt in the ring before the "Grand Finale" with Erik Morales last month, sent this message on the occasion of Princess’ baptism as a godfather:

"A daughter is what probably what Manny wanted to ‘complete’ his family. Indeed when it rains, it pours. Manny got his wish and the whole nation celebrates with the Pacquiao family. We wish Princess will grow to be a good daughter and a citizen who will follow her father’s footsteps in caring for the less fortunate ones. May she follow and lead by example the Manny Pacquiao virtues of hard work, determination and unwavering faith in the Almighty."