By Nikko Dizon
Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines–Boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao arrived Sunday morning in Manila, the Philippine Daily Inquirer has learned.
Pacquiao was on board Philippine Airlines (PAL) PR 103 from Los Angeles, California. The flight arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Centennial Terminal shortly before 6 a.m., various sources told the Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.
For unknown reasons, Pacquiao abandoned his US training for his October grudge match against Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera and decided to return to Manila.
He left for the US only last August 7 with his corner man, Restituto Fernandez.
Pacquiao’s Aug. 7 departure from Manila created a stir at the airport when he could not decide whether to take the flight to LA or not, some 30 minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure.
Inquirer sources also said Pacquiao likewise insisted with PAL that Fernandez, who had a standing economy ticket, should travel with him in the business class section.
According to Inquirer sources, Pacquiao called up PAL president Jaime Bautista to allow Fernandez on the flight.
Pacquiao’s confidante, Rex “Wakee” Salud, volunteered to be offloaded so that Fernandez could be accommodated.
Bautista told the Inquirer that it was “one of Manny’s friends” who called him up and not the boxer himself.
Bautista said that PAL allowed Salud to be offloaded because Fernandez was able to upgrade his seat to business class.
But Inquirer sources said that this was not usually allowed by any airline.
August 12th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Manny Pacquiao is behaving like a spoiled brat. His training is extremely important and now, he probably has vexed a lot of people including fans alike with his professional attitude. Whatever it is that is bugging him, it is not doing him good but a gargantuan harm. He should prudently listen to de la Hoya’s golden word:reform. And ASAP! With ego as big as ‘caldero’, Manny is headed to the pits of oblivion. It is annoying enough to delay training, it is much more irritating to hear he had more time for extra curriculars.
Everyone is looking at your moves, Manny. You are an icon but don’t be bullheaded to think you will last long in the boxing industry with a very bratty attitude. NO ONE IS INDISPENSABLE.
Think about it, if you have not lost your head–if ever you had one, anyway.
August 12th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
[...] Sports Aficionado : Pacquiao arrives in Manila after cutting short US training [...]