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Huge throng greets arrival of Pacquiao, family at NAIA

By Conrado Ching and Pat C. Santos

11/21/2009

Pound-for-pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao was all smiles as he came out of the plane with wife Jinkee and mother Dionisia who arrived from Los Angeles, California around 5:30 a.m. yesterday on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 103.

In dark long sleeves, Pacquaio waved to the cheering crowd who almost went frantic after showing his diamond-studded welterweight belt he took from former WBO champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in a lopsided bout that ended in 12 round TKO.

He was happily greeted by his children, supporters and the media at the NAIA 2. He hugged and kissed his three children, Jimuel, Michael and Princess. His youngest child, Queen Elizabeth, was not there.

“I would like to thank all who supported me and who prayed for my victory,” Pacquiao said in Filipino during a short press conference at the arrival lobby.

Pacquaio said retiring is not yet on his mind and was thinking of having a long rest and vacation with his family.

The bandage from his right ear was already removed and but still swollen which he suffered after receiving blows from Cotto. There was a blood clot in his ear.

The newly crowned World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion said his team is still studying the prospect of clashing against former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. of the United States .

Asked if he is ready to face Mayweather, Pacquiao said he is willing to fight the American boxer.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao arrived at the Quiapo church yesterday to hear a Mass amid a huge crowd anxious to get glimpse of their idol.

The Mass was officiated by Fr. Alvin Fullon, vice vicar of Quiapo parish church.

During the Mass, Paqcuiao spoke at the podium where he inspired people of his newly won crown.

“Hindi lang akin ang korona na ito kundi alay ko sa lahat ng Pilipino, milyon milyong nagdarasal kaya’t duon ko kinuha ang lakas ko, kaya sa inyong lahat maraming salamat” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao was accompanied by wife Jinkee who was seen being held in the hand by her husband who guided her while walking with the crowd.

The couple who was also accompanied by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson arrived at the already jampacked Quiapo church at 8:25 a.m. yesterday to attend the Mass.

Pacquiao’s entourage went directly to the New World Hotel in Pasay City for their breakfast before proceeding to the Quiapo church.

The boxing champ then paid a visit to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources head office on Visayas Avenue in Quezon City before his motorcade as part of the “Hero’s Welcome” for Pacquiao.

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