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 14th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Manny could have problems with his handlers in the US - vested interests, maybe, or it could be his family, etc. Whatever Manny and Roach’s plans are, I am just wondering why we are quick to judge them who has been bringing honors to our country. Relax lang tayo - there could be reasons for Manny to decide what he likes to do in preparation for the bout. Bros, do we really know the real reason that’s why we judge him like this? One blogger is right when he said Manny could be fed up with handlers who “leech” on his earnings, couldn’t he? Bakit pag may dinalang honor si Manny, masaya tayo? It’s his career he protects and I don’t think it’s right to nose on all his movements. Are we thinking of the reactions of other sportsmen upon reading these commentaries? It is a shame that we are putting down our own instead of inspiring him. Of course he has his flaws but I don’t think he’s not protecting his career and unless we know the real reason, we must not fully judge him by his actions. We don’t measure others - or else we will be measured for what we ourselves do. Pag nanalo na naman si Manny, “he was right! pag natalo: “sinasabi ko na nga ba eh!” Do we do that to all our up and coming boxers?
August 14th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
hay naku ang gaganda ng mga comments ninyo…sana tagalog nalang para baka sakaling maintindihan ni manny at magising siya. marami humanga sa mga laban ni manny at kahit manalo at matalo patuloy parin ang paghanga sa kanya dahil sa pinapakita niyang pag kababa ng loob… pero dahil sa mga pulitiko na gumagamit sa kasikatan niya.. walang idinulot na maganda… sana at may panahon pa manny at iwan ang luho at bisyo manny di mawawala at maibabalik ang hanga ng mga kababyan mo… sana huwag kang tumulad sa mga dating sumikat na boksingero na ngayon ay sira lahat ang buhay nila….huwag sanang sabihin ng mga na tao na “wala kang katulad manny” ang ganda na ng buhay mo sinira mu pa!
August 14th, 2007 at 2:40 am
Hey, hold your horses. There must be a valid reason why he returned to Manila. Let’s not judged him this early.
Read this –> http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Sports&p=49&type=2&sec=30&aid=20070813165
August 13th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
from the time pacman, allowed himself to be seduced by malacanang to run as congressman of gensan I lost my admiration to this man. Oh Boy, not all the time lady luck is on your side. It only takes one good job and your out in business. He dont have to look far, nandiyan lang sa gensan ang perfect example if fame goes to your head, rolando navarette.
August 13th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
All this distractions are designed for Pacman to loose his bout with Barrera on October.
Pacman will sour grape blame all the distractions and will ask a no holds barb Three peat Fight with Barrera for a final decision, Before the 3rd fight, Pacman will Fight a warm up card.
And we, specially me who pays big bucks for his fights are the losers.
Mani Mani lang yan !
WALA KANG KATULAD TALAGA MONEY
http://www.sports-couch.blogspot.com