Pacman, Roach take Christmas break in Boracay

Boxer Manny Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach are spending Christmas in sunny Boracay.

Pacquiao stepped foot on the tropical paradise late Thursday afternoon with wife Jinkee, their three children, their “yayas” and a couple of bodyguards while Roach will fly in today with some friends.

It’s the first time for Pacquiao to see Boracay, and he quickly fell in love with the island. The Pacquiaos are staying in one of the villas at West Cove, a high-end resort owned by close friend Cris Aquino.

“I will relax,” said Pacquiao when asked how he intends to spend the next few days in Boracay. “My whole family is with me, and we want to know how Christmas is here in Boracay.”

Aquino, the gun enthusiast and perennial flag-bearer in Pacquiao fights in the US, said the boxer liked his place carved out of the lush, peaceful end of the world-famous island.

“He liked it so much he said he wants to become a Boracay resident,” said Aquino.

Yesterday, the Pacquiaos tested the crystal clearwaters and powdery white sand then feasted on seafood, including the boxer’s favorite, steamed lobster, for lunch.

It’s the first time, too, for Roach to be there. “I’ve heard a lot about it. So, I’ll be there,” said Roach last Wednesday during a press conference announcing the March 15 rematch between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Pacquiao said he intends to have lots of fun under the sun and probably look forward to his coming fight against Marquez, the WBC super-featherweight champion, in Las Vegas.

While Roach will fly back to the US before the New Year, Pacquiao wants to be in Los Angeles by Jan. 15 so he could begin his eight-week training for the Marquez bout.