Pacquiao visit highlights STAR day

MANILA, Philippines - It was near pandemonium the moment Manny Pacquiao stepped out of his black Hummer.

Work stopped and everybody cheered when the world’s No. 1 boxer dropped by The STAR office in Manila’s Port Area as what he described as “the country’s No. 1 newspaper” celebrated its 23rd anniversary yesterday.

The 30-year-old boxing icon was mobbed as he inched his way through the editorial section. People lined up along the hallways leading to the fourth floor of the building where a program and more fans awaited him.

It was his first visit to the newspaper’s main office since more than 12 years ago when he was still a rising star. That time he arrived in a Mitsubishi L300 van and left with a few copies of his fight photos.

Times have changed.

This time, he rode a Hummer, tailed by a couple of SUVs, police motorcycle escorts and bodyguards. He smiled as he stepped out amid loud cheers of “Man-ny! Man-ny!” in his long-sleeved shirt, black pants and leather shoes.

“I have come back to celebrate with you,” said Pacquiao, sharing the stage with The STAR editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte, president/CEO Miguel Belmonte, director Kevin Belmonte and executive vice president Grace Glory Go.

Everybody cheered as Pacquiao, ever smiling, spoke.

“I salute every editor, every writer, every worker, every leader at Philippine STAR. What you have are not just words but dedication to truth, convictions of integrity and passion for excellence,” he said in a prepared speech.

“Your words are coupled with action. The role you play is very important to the lives of every Filipino. And I’m happy to share this moment with you. Through your support I got to where I am now,” continued the boxer.

He mentioned the newspaper’s sports columnist Quinito Henson, who played emcee, as one of the very first, very few who believed in him.

“The ring became the breeding ground of my dreams. Boxing became the platform of my victories. And all along The Philippine STAR was there to chronicle my journey. I thank Quinito for seeing and believing in my potentials,” he said, calling The STAR his partner, too.

“I believe that all of us are partners in progress. We are partners in serving the Filipino people. And as partners, we have different roles to play. We are not here just to entertain but inspire. We are not here just to make people watch but make people act.”

Pacquiao, who stayed more than an hour, even borrowed words from Mother Teresa.

“You can do what I cannot do, I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things. That is the power of partnership,” he said in his speech.

“In closing, let me congratulate you for being the country’s number one newspaper. I greet you with all my heart on your 23rd anniversary. Mabuhay ang Philippine STAR,” he said.

“Parang SONA (It’s like the State of the Nation Address),” Pacquiao said, and the room burst into laughter.

Then he went back to the editorial section and stayed a while, signing autographs and having pictures taken with the employees. A few female fans got away with kisses on his cheek.

“Ang bango-bango mo, Manny (You smell so good),” said one giggling fan.

Through it all, he smiled, obviously enjoying himself.

“I’m happy when I make people happy,” he said.