Close encounter with
Manny Pacquiao

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - If ever proof was needed to prove that Manny Pacquiao takes his being an adopted son of Bacolod very seriously, it is the way he has been thoughtfully looking after us, even before we got here. As soon as we arrived in Los Angeles, somebody already called up saying that Manny was asking if Mayor Bing Leonardia and party were really arriving. While driving here Wednesday, he himself talked to Bing and asked him to come to his room as soon as we arrived. He is also staying at the Wynn Hotel where we are also billeted. But we arrived after 9 p.m., and his regulated bed time is 8 p.m. But Bing had breakfast with him yesterday.

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I didn't imagine the great interest people here have in this Pacquiao-Morales rematch. Everywhere you go, people ask about the fight. When we stopped to gas up on the way here, one of the customers in the store asked me "Coming for Pacquiao?" He appears to be very popular, we know of several Mexicans who are even rooting for him. One of them, a photo-enthusiast named Gilbert Ortiz, said he thinks Manny is "a beautiful man." He also said that if Manny wins, he'll visit the Philippines. "Call me Gil", he also said.

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Bing said he wanted to see the last workout of Pacquiao and he himself gave us the directions on how to get to the gym. But we lost our way and went too far, so we had to call Wakee Salud who was with him. To our surprise, Manny himself got the phone and repeated the instructions. A short time later somebody came to guide us to the place! We were amazed that he could still think of that. He behaved like a real kasimanwa.

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Security was tight at the entrance to the gym. But when those in charge inquired, they were told that the whole group - Bing, Boy Reyes, Leif Severino, Nono Mejica, Nonoy Cordova and myself could enter. It was the first time I have gone into such a place and looked around curiously. On one side, there were all kinds of exercise machines and the entire wall was covered with mirrors. All kinds of boxing gimmicks, bags, etc. were all over.

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A full sized boxing ring was on one end and where Pacquiao was sparring with someone. The mood was very light, a lot of laughing and joking went on. After the sparring, there was boxing of the suspended bag, lone sparring, all with a timer controlling the duration of each type of exercise. Sometimes, he would also be singing while moving, the song from his album, "Huwag kang matakot", and "Mapalad ka Kaibigan." The few people watching could not help being amused. I noticed, too, that even when just sparring, he would make the sign of the cross before starting.

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After about an hour and a half of the exercise, he lay flat on a mat on the floor and somebody exercised his arms and legs. Then he would do sit-ups and try to mash his feet, now and then breaking into his songs which were being played. We all left the place together but not until after we had a "class picture" in front of the ring with everyone. Outside the gym - more picture taking - with Pacquiao still calling for "Ang mga taga Bacolod," for yet another pose. Where can you find an adopted son like that? By the way he also said he's coming to Bacolod again soon. In the meantime, let us, being adopted siblings, pray for him today. Oh, and we're hearing mass at his suite this morning.*

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