By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin
General Santos City is buzzing with excitement once again as its most beloved son celebrates his 31st birthday on Wednesday with personalities from the world of politics, showbiz and sports gracing the evening affair that will be held at the KCC Convention Center.
As Manny Pacquiao turns another leaf, the city is rolling the red carpet for the nth time with the arrival of bigwigs from Manila and elsewhere but a notable absentee is Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, who had earlier expressed interest in taking the long flight to the country.
Owing to time constraints, Cotto is no longer arriving and he has sent word to Pacquiao assistant Joe Ramos via Team Cotto aide-de-camp Bryan Perez, that he wishes the Filipino fighter all the best in his special day.
“Maybe, some other time (Cotto will get to visit the Philippines),” said Perez. “Still, Miguel wishes Manny a happy birthday.”
Cotto has to travel nine hours by air from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to either Los Angeles or San Francisco, to catch a 16-hour flight to Manila, making it too hard on the popular Cotto and his companions.
Pacquiao and Cotto engaged in a bruising and bloody battle last month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and as soon as referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight, Cotto immediately went to Pacquiao’s corner and congratulated his conqueror.
Last year, there were several luminaries from boxing.
Attending last year’s celebrations were fighters David Diaz of the US, who Pacquiao had knocked out in June, and Edwin Valero of Venezuela, as well as Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach.
The guest of honor was President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was joined in the table by Pacquiao, Arum, Roach and Cabinet secretary and long-time Pacquiao supporter Lito Atienza.
Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, another avid admirer of Pacquiao, is flying to General Santos City on board his private plane.
From his home in Vigan, Singson’s plane will make a stopover in Manila to pick up other guests, then proceed to General Santos City.
Source: mb.com.ph
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