Pacquiao arrives to warm welcome, vows to 'rise again'

December 12, 2012 6:21am

(Updated, 8:33 am) Despite a knockout defeat at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez three days earlier, Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao arrived home to a warm welcome early Wednesday morning.

Pacquiao and wife Jinkee arrived aboard a Philippine Airlines flight that touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) shortly after 6 a.m., radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported.

"Talagang ganoon ang buhay natin. We'll rise again," he said to loud cheers from the crowd shortly after arriving.

He also thanked Filipinos for their support despite his defeat at Marquez's hands, adding he had given Marquez his best.

"Nais kong pasalamatan ang pinakitang suporta ng ating mga kababayang Pilipino doon sa nakaraang laban ko. Ginawa natin lahat ng ating makakaya, hindi naman tayo nabugbog. Lamang tayo pero talagang ganoon ang boxing may disgrasya talaga," he said.


Pacquiao also explained that he had become emotional in a television interview earlier this week because he had learned many Filipinos wept upon his defeat.

He also said he could not bear to see his family hurt by his defeat.

"Napanood ko sa balita maraming umiyak. Gusto ko mapasaya lagi ang kababayan natin, ang ating mga fans. Nang nakita ko nagiyakan sila doon, naiyak din ako," he said.

He said he learned even his children, who did not cry on TV, went to their room and wept after their TV interview.

A smiling Pacquiao was given a garland of flowers but passed it on to Jinkee, the report said.

Well-wishers, including government officials, were at the airport since 5 a.m.to welcome Pacquiao.

Filipinos at the airport chanted Pacquiao's name shortly after his arrival. The well-wishers included Vice President Jejomar Binay, NAIA officials, and Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Singson, the report said.

A separate report on dzRH radio said those at the airport included former Manila Mayor Jose Atienza Jr., Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., and Sen. Gregorio Honasan II.

On the GMA News TV morning show 'Kape at Balita,' GMA Network chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon also gave a message for Pacquiao, saying, "This defeat was given by the Lord to show the whole world who he [Pacquiao] really is. Manny remains and will continue to be our champion."

Pacquiao has a busy schedule after his arrival Wednesday, including a concert at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, a report on GMA 7 program Unang Hirit said a hero's welcome is being prepared by Pacquiao's hometown of General Santos City.

Last Sunday, Pacquiao was defeated via knockout by Marquez in the sixth round of their non-title fight. But Pacquiao, who turns 34 on December 17, has so far ignored calls for him to retire. — DVM/AMD, GMA News