Manny Pacquiao on Monday arrived to a warm welcome in his hometown General Santos City, as the city celebrated his victory. He went straight to a prepared motorcade and made the rounds in the city along with his relatives and local officials.
Pacquiao’s parents, Rosalio and Dionisia, joined the motorcade, as they clutched their son’s championship belts during the entire grand welcome for Gen. Santos City’s pride. Also accompanying the celebrated Pacquiao family aboard the motorcade was South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio, who beat the Filipino boxer in the May 2004 mid-term elections.
Manny Pacquiao arrives at Hometown General Santos City
From the Department of Environment and Natural Resources offices in Quezon City, where Pacquiao lunched the motorcade, he rolled down España and Quezon Avenue and on down Morayta, Nicanor Reyes Street, Recto, Lacson Street and Taft Avenue before through the Makati business district.
The 10-vehicle convoy took just an hour to reach Makati. From there, Pacquiao got off the float and jumped into his car as the convoy drove on to Pasig. During the motorcade, Pacquiao cheerfully waved at people, hoisting his championship belts one at a time for them to see. The biggest crowd, in the hundreds, seemed to have gathered in Sampaloc, where people erupted into cheers.
There, motorists stopped, office workers took breaks from their work, and residents stepped out of their homes to applaud Pacquiao. Men shouted his name while teenage girls shrieked. Others applauded from office windows.
Manny Pacquiao Motorcade after Victory over David Diaz
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo named this morning reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao as the country's special envoy to the 2008 Beijing Olympics set next month in the Chinese capital. The President made the announcement during the Filipino boxing icon’s courtesy call in Malacañang hours after he arrived in Manila early this morning from the United States.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that “Pacman” will carry the Philippine flag in the Beijing Olympics.
"It’s also an honor to carry the Philippine flag at the Olympics,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao Courtesy Call Philippines President at Macañang Palace
After a 16-hour trip from Los Angeles on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 103, the boxing hero was back home to his three children who had not seen their father since May 12. Upon seeing his kids, Pacquiao immediately cradled his daughter and showered his sons with kisses to the excited applause of both members of the press and airport personnel.
“I thank all Filipinos who supported me and prayed for this victory. Don't worry, my hand is okay now,” Pacquiao said.
Aside from donating P3 million to the typhoon victims, Pacquiao said he was also planning a fund-raising concert for the victims as well as a telethon to generate more funds.
Manny Pacquiao arrives at Philippines Airport
Pinoy Records: Pacquiao arrives in the Philippines
Summary: Ed Picson thinks that by Manny's variety of punches and defense is what won the fight, and he was impressed Pacquiao's vast improvement. Ed attribute Manny's success to Pacquiao's training and newfound discipline. Ronnie Nathanielsz, on the other hand, said that the David Diaz bout was Pacquiao's best performance by far, a display of clinical execution at best. He also said that Manny retained his speed and power even while moving up in weight. Ronnie, a friend of Gabriel Flash Elorde, also states that Manny is the greatest Filipino boxer of all-time.
GMA News interviews Ed Tolentino
Summary: Ed Tolentino said that that jab, footwork, and sped is what clinch the win for Manny Pacquiao
The whole country was excited during the Pacquiao vs David Diaz fight, as houses, restaurants, malls, sport complex, and anywhere else that is capable of broadcasting the Manny Pacquiao vs David Diaz Result was filled with viewers. Pay per view subscription in local cable increased, as pay-per-view clients anticipated the much awaited fight. The demand was so high that people are willing to pay premium price just to see the fight. Global Destiny charged P800 and Skycable P1,500, was buzzing with customers. Living rooms, movie houses, public markets, and plazas across the country, was attuned to the radio and video broadcast of Pacquiao Diaz fight.
Just like in previous fights, virtually no crimes was reported during the fight, many streets were deserted, and even rebel groups watched the fight. There are more movie houses showing the fight than ever before.
The Lagao gymnasium with about 9,000-seating capacity was filled to the rafters. People from as far as South Cotabato and Sarangani came over just to watch the fight live.
In Cotabato City, Moro rebels took time out and found themselves in areas where the fight was shown. So did soldiers assigned in former battlefields in Central Mindanao. In Datu Odin Sinsuat, more than a dozen trucks hauled villagers to Cotabato City restaurants to watch the bout. In the two Lanao provinces, soldiers from the 103rd and 104th Brigades took a break to witness the fight on a wide-screen.
Even towns which are devastated by the recent typhoon, like the Iloilo town of Jaro and Molo set up widescreen.
Some office workers even find a way to watch the fight via the Internet, mobile phones, or AM radio.
At Manila’s Sports Complex, wide screen projectors had been set up, and was overflowing with viewers. When the winner was announced, it was pure pandemonium, the arena exploded with joyous victory.
Apparently, this TonyT guy has a web show called Gamblers Television. He is sponsored by “Rockstar” drink for the Saturday’s bout. He states that this is the best betting fight of the year. He assessed that Pacquiao comes in as a huge –450 favorite with the underdog Diaz bringing back +325. But most at Mandalay Bay give Pacquiao a -550 so there is a 100 points disparity in TonyT assessment.
TonyT of course bet on the underdog because he believes that Diaz's punches will have greater effect on Manny while the Filipinos puching power will be diminished against a stronger and heavier fighter. He predicted that fight sets up for a BIG PLAY on the underdog, and that Pacquiao is biting off a little more than he can chew at 135.
Here's a better analysis from a person who knows boxing:
"For Diaz to win he’ll need a miracle," boxing trainer Freddie Roach said.
Understanding Sports Betting
David Diaz +300 Manny Pacquiao -550
In example above, if you liked Pacquiao you would be risking $550 for every $100 you wanted to win. If you liked David Diaz you would get back $300 for every $100 wagered if Diaz won.
Gamblers Television: Manny Pacquiao vs. David Diaz
Meanwhile, David Diaz was emotional. Diaz choked and didn't finish his speech when he saw his father, Anselmo, at Wednesday’s press conference at the Media Center of the Mandalay Bay Resort. Anselmo, a Mexican immigrant from Chicago who doesn’t speak English up to now, raised 9 children that includes David.
In an earlier interview with the media, Manny Pacquiao said that he is dedicating his fight to the typhoon victims.
"I already sent one of my men to extend financial help," he said. Pacquaio, who expressed sadness from the incident, promised to give more help once he gets home. Some politicians, like Iloilo Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico (his province was the most devasted in the calamity), are urging Manny to use his fame to gather international donations.
In anticipation for the weight-in for Pacquiao vs Diaz fight, Manny jog and continued his workout at the University of Las Vegas track oval earlier than scheduled because of the scorching hot temperature of Las Vegas (38 degrees Celsius). His workout included abs exercises and stretching. "I dedicate this fight to typhoon victims," said Pacquiao. The Philippines was recently devastated by super typhoon Frank, damaging hundred of millions worth of properties, injuring thousands and killing hundreds in its wake.
The Pacman has been offered before to take a chartered plane, but the champ, as part of his superstitious good luck tradition, always pick the four-hour road travel towards Las Vegas. After a Santa Monica press luncheon where Manny did not have anything to eat and a four-hour, 400 miles road trip, the Pacman and his 15-vehicle convoy arrived Monday night at Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas. Diaz arrived later in the night by plane from Los Angeles.
Both fighters were welcomed by fans and media alike. Pacquiao and Diaz greet their fans, pose for pictures, and sign autographs. Afterwards, both fighters talk to the press and pose for photos for the upcoming Pacquiao vs Diaz fight.
In scorching hot Las Vegas (39 degrees Celsius), Manny gave his condolence to those who has been a victim of the typhoon Frank, which devastated parts of the Philippines a few days ago.
Pacquiao afterwards entered his two-room suite at the Mandalay Bay.
“I will try to win by KO,” Pacquiao said Sunday during an interview with sportswriters from Manila at his Palazzo apartment. He was cautious though, peppering his words with anything-can-happen stance. Despite his caution, the Pacman promised action-filled fight for the fans for the Pacquiao vs Diaz fight. Manny's hair is now fresh from the barber, his moustache visibly trimmed. Weighting at 139 lbs., he spent his morning jogging around La Brea park.
Monday Los Angeles Final Press Conference
Monday. Manny trains at Wild Card Gym with four rounds of sparring. During lunch time, he proceeded to Santa Monica pier for a joint press conference with Diaz. From there, he took a four-hour drive to Las Vegas.
Aired last Saturday, Jessica Soho, a respected journalist, presents a special episode that honors various Filipinos in America. It also included a short segment on the upcoming Pacquiao vs Diaz fight.
Jessica interviewed David Diaz, Freddie Roach, Ronnie Nathanielsz, and Manny Pacquiao, as well as Pacquiao fans. Short clip of Gabriel Flash Elorde vs Ortiz, as well as Pacquiao at Wild Card Gym is also shown.
(photo: michael josh) Because of the record high temperature in Los Angeles, Manny took a much needed morning break from workout last Friday. However, because the Pacquiao vs Diaz fight is near, he went on to train in the afternoon at the Wild Card Gym, and promises to jog Sunday morning.
Pacquiao's preparation for the upcoming Pacquiao vs Diaz bout is coming to a close. Manny's work load is lessen as his strength and conditioning workout is now lighter. His previous 10 rounds sparring against three boxers, last Tuesday, is reduced to eight rounds this Thursday. All in all, Pacquiao has sparred for 122 rounds. Manny's flu is now but all gone, with him looking fresh after all the sparring sessions and workouts by Alejandro Ariza.
The Pacman's last sparring day will be on Saturday, June 21st. Sunday is scheduled for preparing luggages and gears for the Monday trip to Las Vegas.
Jinkee Pacquiao arrived Wednesday night at the Los Angeles to give her support to the champ for the upcoming Pacquiao vs Diaz fight. Manny and his crew greeted Jinkee and her twin sister Janet at Los Angeles airport. Pacquiao 45 minutes later drove back to his apartment in Palazzo. Jinkee Pacquiao Arrived at Los Angeles Video
Manny Pacquiao has a new conditioning coach. He is the Colombian native Alejandro Ariza.
His resume is pretty impressive: a college degreee in kinesiology-the science of human movement, biochemistry and nutrition with a specialization in sports at the Health Science College of Medicine in Syracuse, New York. He worked as conditioning coach of Diego Coralles, Erik Morales and Angel Manfredy as well as UFC fighter Andrei Arlovsky.
Ariza has developed a program that is scientific, comprehensive, and cutting-edge. Now that Pacquiao is moving up to the 135-pound division, Ariza said he wants to make sure the added weight will add to his power and not slow him down.
Ariza said he studied Diaz’ style before formulating the program for the Pacquiao vs Diaz fight. Ariza said he monitors Pacquiao’s heart beat, both at rest and at work. He concludes that the Pacman is in phenomenal physical condition.
Strength and Conditioning Coach Alejandro Ariza Interview
(photo: michael josh) Manny Pacquiao spent Father's Day without his family. He said that even though he's lonely on that day, his family understand that part of his job is to go abroad. Manny spent the day visiting the church and afterwards resting.
Here's another follow-up, this time to the Manny Pacquiao vs David Diaz HBO Promo Video. This short TV ads is from GMA Network Channel 7 and Solar Sports and is aimed at the Philippines Market.
Manny Pacquiao trains with Buboy Fernandez at Gerry Peñalosa Gym, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.
Manny Pacquiao trained at the Mandaluyong Gym on the day that he leaves for his Los Angeles training. He is expected to fight David Diaz on June 28. The David Diaz vs Manny Pacquiao will be held at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas. Update: Excerpt of Pre-Flight Interview
"I will try to improve on my speed when I get to the Wild Card in Los Angeles," Pacquiao said when he worked out at a newly-opened gym owned by Gerry Peñalosa in Mandaluyong prior to his 10 p.m. flight to the US via Philippine Airlines.
Pacquiao said David Diaz "is someone not to be taken for granted because he has power and is determined to keep his title. Speed will play a big role for me in this fight"
...The 29-year-old current WBC super-feather king toyed with training assistant and long-time pal Buboy Fernandez during the punchmitt routine. Drenched in sweat and his arms weary from the heavy pounding from Pacquiao’s solid blows, Fernandez stepped out of the ring to tell Pacquiao that he’s had enough.
"Aren’t you a trainer of a world champion?" Pacquiao shouted at Fernandez as the crowd went wild at the boxer’s antics. "You act as though you are a trainer of a four-round fighter."
"I am not worried about not making the weight limit of 135 lbs or not being able to feel good at this weight class because I feel this would be just perfect for me, but, I don’t want to underestimate Diaz, I am just excited to get back on the ring once again," Pacquiao said.
Manny Pacquiao on Monday arrived to a warm welcome in his hometown General Santos City, as the city celebrated his victory. He went straight to a prepared motorcade and made the rounds in the city along with his relatives and local officials.
From the Department of Environment and Natural Resources offices in Quezon City, where Pacquiao lunched the motorcade, he rolled down España and Quezon Avenue and on down Morayta, Nicanor Reyes Street, Recto, Lacson Street and Taft Avenue before through the Makati business district.
After a 16-hour trip from Los Angeles on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 103, the boxing hero was back home to his three children who had not seen their father since May 12. Upon seeing his kids, Pacquiao immediately cradled his daughter and showered his sons with kisses to the excited applause of both members of the press and airport personnel.
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Manny Pacquiao trains with Buboy Fernandez at Gerry Peñalosa Gym, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.