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Manny Pacquiao arrived at Malacanang today to pay a courtesy call to President Arroyo, minutes after attending a thanksgiving Mass at the Quiapo Church.

Accompanied by his entourage, Pacquiao recounted his match against Oscar de la Hoya to the President during their conversation. The meeting was held inside the Palace’s Music Room.

Also present during the courtesy call was Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Deputy National Security Adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson.

After their conversation, Mrs. Arroyo presented the traditional cake prepared by the Palace chefs. The cake was shaped like a red boxing glove and WBC belt.

Pacquiao arrived early this morning from Los Angeles, three days after his match against De la Hoya in Las Vegas. His two sons were at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 to welcome him. He then proceeded to the Renaissance Hotel for a quick rest and breakfast before proceed to

Ang ganda ng mga pinay!

Malacañang hailed yesterday the country’s boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao, for his victorious fight with the great Oscar de la Hoya, noting that his latest performance once again lifted the moral of the Filipinos amidst the economic downturn.

“The President and the Filipino people would like to extend our profound congratulations to Manny Pacquiao. His boxing fit is a testament to the spirit of the Filipino people – our resiliency and the strength to face the challenges that come our way,” a Palace statement said.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, like the rest of the Filipinos here and abroad, were rejoicing over the latest victory of Pacquiao, giving glory once more to the country. read full story

NO Filipino comes close to being called a global sports icon than Manny Pacquiao.

He has thrust the tiny Philippine archipelago into the world consciousness as he holds a planet of admirers inside his battle-scarred fists.

Because of his accomplishments inside the ring, Pacquiao has gained the hearts of his countrymen, captured the imagination of millions of his supporters and earned the respect of his peers.

In so doing, he redefined the term “world-class Filipino”.

Even after 52 professional bouts and four world championships, Pacquiao’s face-off with Oscar de la Hoya amps up that reputation.

The Dream Match celebrates Pacquiao’s meteoric rise coming out of the woodwork in General Santos and later, solidifying his stature as one of boxing’s most important names.

The Dream Match culminates Pacquiao’s journey, embarking on a professional career that began in obscure venues in Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, and Phuttamonthon (that’s in Thailand), and later on

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino veteran sports analyst on Monday said the historic win of boxing champion and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao against Oscar De La Hoya showed the heart of a Filipino.

In an interview on dzBB radio, Quinito Henson said that amid tall odds, Pacquiao showed that “a David can slay a Goliath.”

“Parang yung meron siyang challenge, mas lalo siyang susubok. Doon siya gumagaling, doon niya pinapakita sa mundo, na yes we can. (He takes on any challenge. He showed the world that yes, the Filipino can) He showed the heart of a champion, he showed the heart of a Filipino,” Henson said.

“Napakita niya that even if he’s an underdog, hindi siya titigil (He showed that even if he was the underdog, he will not give up),” Henson added.

The welterweight bout between Pacquiao – who went up in weight for

LAS VEGAS – For Manny Pacquiao there was a call from his president and the overwhelming gratitude of a country that finally has something to celebrate.

For Oscar De La Hoya there was a trip to the hospital and the grim reality that all fighters must eventually face.

One fighter is on the verge of becoming boxing’s next superstar. The other will have to be content with the fact that his bank account is fat even if his reputation is permanently soiled.

Pacquiao likely will go on to even greater things, with big fights and even bigger money still to come. Assuming he has any brain cells left after the beating he took Saturday night, De La Hoya will go on to a life as a businessman and forget any thoughts of returning to the ring.

“His close friends and family should tell him it’s over,” trainer Freddie