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CEBU CITY, Philippines - Acting Mayor Michael Rama wants to give Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao a grand welcome worthy of the honor and glory that he has once again given to the Filipinos, when he comes to visit Cebu City.
Rama made the announcement after Pacquiao impressively defeated Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya via a technical knockout when he refused to fight the smaller Pacquiao after the eighth round at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Rama watched the fight dubbed the “Dream Match” via pay-per-view at the Parklane Hotel along the corner of Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Escario Street with Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem and other media personalities.
He said he talked with City Administrator Francisco Fernandez, Jakosalem, who chairs the Committee on Sports, and Councilor Raul Alcoseba about the grand welcome for Pacquiao.
“Manny is very close not just with the City Council, Mayor Tomas Osmeña, the Rama family, but also with all Cebuanos because he has been helping a lot of communities here in Cebu and most of us do not even know about it,” he said.
Fernandez said he was still communicating with Pacquiao's team for a possible visit to Cebu on December 19 in time for the city government's Christmas party.
He said Pacquiao would return to the Philippines on December 19 to fetch his children and bring them with him back to the United States on December 23 to join his wife Jinky who is eight months pregnant.
Osmeña, who is undergoing chemotherapy for a urinary bladder cancer at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, USA, was in high spirits when he learned of Pacquiao’s victory.
Fernandez said he and Osmeña exchanged several text messages because the mayor wanted to know the details of the fight since his hospital room had no television set.
“Pacquiao won his battle. You will win yours,” Fernandez told Osmeña, referring to his ailment. The mayor simply replied “yup.”
Most Cebu City councilors were excited watching the match.
A majority expected Pacquiao to knock out the bigger De la Hoya.
Councilor Gerardo Carillo, who watched the match at the Labangon Sports Complex, said that although most people bet against Pacquiao, he was sure that in their hearts, they were rooting for the Filipino champ.
“Miracles happen,” he said.
“Pacman jud ko!” Jakosalem said.
He said Pacquiao was simply too fast for De la Hoya. The Filipino pugilist confused the Golden Boy from the opening rounds until his trainer decided to throw in the towel, he added.
“At least we can say that our prayers were answered,” Jakosalem said.
Councilor Edgardo Labella said he admired Pacquiao because the boxing champ fought guts and determination.
“Only those who are not afraid to lose are going to win and he deserved to win. It was Pacquiao's heart which beat the odds. It's a victory of attitude over physical superiority,” he said.
But not all councilors were for Pacquiao.
Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias said that his bet was for De la Hoya because he was taller and had a reach advantage over the smaller Pacquiao.
He was dismayed when Pacquiao emerged the winner.
