NATION PREPARES ANOTHER HERO’S WELCOME FOR MANNY PACQUIAO TODAY

A traditional hero’s welcome awaits Pambansang Kamao Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao when he arrives today (Monday morning) on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 103 from Los Angeles, California.

The Filipino boxer, who barely stands at 5ft 6½ inches , is universally regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, is  successfully defended his WBO welterweight boxing title against Ghanaian challenger Joshua Clottey in Arlington, Texas last March 14.

Pacquiao, crowning himself world champion in seven weight classes will issue a short arrival statement at the PAL Centennial II terminal before proceeding to New World Hotel for breakfast and a brief rest will then pay his long-time benefactor, former Environment Secretary and Manila mayoral candidate Lito Atienza, a short visit in San Andres Bukid.

From there, Pacquiao will proceed to Quiapo Church for a thanksgiving Mass to be held at 9 a.m.

Pacquiao and his entourage next proceeds to Malacanang to pay a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

From the Palace, a motorcade starting at the historic Mendiola bridge and that will take Pacquiao around the streets of Manila, follows.

From Mendiola, the motorcade will pass through Legarda, Bustillos, Sampaloc Market, S.H. Loyola, Trabaho Market, Plaza Noli, Matimyas, Blumentritt, Dapiotan, Lacson, Yuseco, Raxabago, Juan Luna, Pritil, Moriones, R 10, Zaragoza, Delpan , Anda Circle, Cabildo , Victoria, Gen. Luna, Maria Orosa, T.M. Kalaw, Taft Avenue, Pedro Gil, Paco Market and Sta. Ana Market.

Pacquiao is also expected to hold a press conference launching the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta partylist, which he chairs, according to his chief of staff Jake Joson.

Like his previous motorcades after every bout, thousands of people are expected to wait along the route to greet and cheer the only boxer to hold seven crowns in as many divisions.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO