Glitz and Pageantry at Pacman's Birthday Bash

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Foods, drinks, VIPs and world class entertainment freely flow during the 30th birthday celebration of the country's foremost athlete and the world's number boxer Manny Pacquiao at the KCC Convention Center here that saw Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Pacquiao's number one supporter, stayed beside the birthday celebrant throughout the 4-hour festivities.

1,500 exclusively invited guests packed the city's premier convention center that was converted into a Las Vegas style arena complete with slot machines and gambling tables to celebrate with the planet's most exciting fighter where last night he was both the Joker and the King of Hearts. Pacquiao, who looked splendid in a coat and tie, was ushered in to the floor by beautiful dancers as a veritable who's who in Philippine sports, entertainment and politics, made their entrances amidst shouts from the hundreds of locals who lined up the hallway leading to the entrance.

President Arroyo, DENR secretary Lito Atienza, national security adviser Chavit Singson, promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach, sat with Pacquiao at the presidential table located at a raised platform that was a replica of a boxing ring. Former world champion David Diaz of Chicago and reigning WBA super featherweight champion Edwin Valero of Venezuela were also present. The province's youthful governor, Miguel Domiguez, and the city's mayor, Pedro Acharon, hosted one of the most high profile event in southern Mindanao.

One of the most applauded performances of the evening was the surprise appearance of Arnel Pineda, the Filipino frontman of the legendary American rock band Journey who on its concert tour this year, performed in sellout audiences in Europe and the United States. Pineda, who performed with his old Filipino band The Zoo this night, sang three of the Journey's greatest hits, Don't Stop Believin, Open Arms and Faithfully and completely captivated the president, Pacquiao and Arum. By Dong Secuya PhilBoxing.com