CALIFORNIA, United States?The world?s best boxer wowed screaming and camera-shooting fans at AT&T Park in San Francisco as he threw the first ceremonial pitch at the San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres game in celebration of the annual Filipino Heritage Night Tuesday.

This year?s celebration of Filipino culture and history attracted some 11,000 people, more than twice the 4,000 who came last year, said event organizer Al Perez of the Filipino American Arts Exposition.

Among them were more than a dozen World War II veterans, who proudly stood in uniform. They were recognized for their heroism and contribution.

The festivity of music, dance, and food, also raised $50,000 for Filipino charities in San Francisco and the Philippines.

Ticket holders received a Manny Pacquiao bobble head, which Pacquiao didn?t even see until his press conference, two hours before he made his first public appearance on the pitcher?s mound.

Flanked by his trainer and event organizer, the world?s best ?pound for pound? boxer said he?s ready for the ?The Battle of East and West? fight against Great Britain?s Ricky ?The Hitman? Hatton on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Boxing organizer Bob Arum said seat tickets to the pay-per-view event are already sold out.

Pacquiao?s San Francisco stopover was a nice break from his training, as the left-handed fighter enjoyed a great game (Giants? grand slam win over Padres, 8-3), unusual warm Bay Area weather, a #1 Giants jersey gift, and of course, hoards of excited fans?Filipinos and non-Filipinos?following his every move.

Even Giants ace pitcher Tim Lincecum, who caught Pacquiao?s ball, was in a paparazzi mood, posing for the camera, his arm around the cordial and smiling Pacquiao. (Lincecum is half Filipino and 2008 recipient of the Cy Young award, an annual baseball award given to the best pitcher in the leagues.)

When asked during the press conference if Pacquiao will ever fight in San Francisco, Arum said he can?t speak for Pacquiao but acknowledged that there are other great Filipino fighters he would like to see compete here as well.

San Francisco gave a big and loud shout out to the Pac Man. His appearance not only delighted the thousands of adoring fans but also benefitted Filipinos who are less fortunate and in need.

And everyone?s silent prayer that night? May San Francisco Giants? winning streak follow Pacquiao to Vegas.