ILAGAN, ISABELA — Come hell or high water, there’s no way the People’s Champion and Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League founder Manny Pacquiao is going to miss the league’s season opener at The Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.
Knowing his morning flight was cancelled due to weather condition, the eight-division world boxing champion still found a way to be there on opening night on March 8 and got on board his fastest motorcycle to catch the unveiling of the league’s new season held at the beauteous 10,000-seater capacity that was packed to the rafters.
Pacquiao arrived at the time when the league had already paraded the muses, but immediately stole attention when the biggest star of the show stormed in and took the spotlight out from those gorgeous women up front.
Earlier, MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes guaranteed the attendance of Pacquiao during his opening speech while announcing the participation of 30 teams this season, including the return of the league’s several regular members like Cebu, Basilan and Pasig, and the addition of newest squad, Ilagan Isabela, which hosted the opener.
“Na-cancel po yung flight niya, pero sa kagustuhan niyang magpunta makasama kayo at makita itong maganda ninyong arena, nag-motor siya papunta dito and he’ll be here mamya lang,” said Duremdes.
True enough, Pacquiao was there before the opening rites wrapped up and went down to work – taking photo opportunities with city and provincial officials, celebrity guests, including veteran actor Tonton Gutierrez and wife, Glydel Mercado, throwing in giveaways to the fans and even had a heartfelt moment time with a disabled person who brought a digitized image of the boxing icon and founder of this nationwide basketball event embraced as a feeder of rising stars bound to play in the Philippine Basketball Association.
“Ginawa ko na lang from Manila, nag-motor ako papunta dito. Pasalamat po ako sa ating Panginooon at binigyan tayo ng malakas na pangangatawan. Sa lahat pa ng mga taga-Isabela, taga-Ilagan, welcome to the MPBL,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao’s great gesture were warmly appreciated by the Ilaguenos, making him more loved and adored.
Mayor Jay Diaz was truly moved by Pacquiao’s commitment not to miss the city’s hosting preparations and that somewhat inspired the Cowboys to put on a gallant show right on their debut game against the Sarangani squad, winning in convincing fashion, 74-54.
“He’s very humble. Pinilit pa rin niyang makapunta despite the challenging conditions,” said Mayor Diaz.
