INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines—The Ateneo-La Salle rivalry took a backseat—albeit for only a few minutes.

When Filipino ring superstar Manny Pacquiao walked through the center court of the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, supporters of Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University were united in showering him with cheers.

Pacquiao, who made history by winning the World Boxing Council lightweight crown over David Diaz in Las Vegas last June 29, was extolled by the UAAP with an Award for Sports Excellence shortly before the Blue Eagles and Green Archers collided for the first time this season.

Presenting the glass trophy to Pacquiao was UAAP vice president Anton Montinola of Far Eastern University. The boxer also received a commemorative jacket from University of the Philippines president Emerlinda Roman.

Pacquiao wore the jacket then expressed his gratitude to the UAAP for the award.

“Thank you so much for your support,” he said, drawing another applause from the 22,008 in attendance.

Obviously aware of the intense rivalry, Pacquiao wished the De La Salle side of the coliseum “good luck,” then turned and pointed to the Ateneo section to wish them luck as well.

Also on center court during the short ceremony was telecommunications magnate Manny V. Pangilinan, who sat beside Pacquiao at the Ateneo gallery during the game. Pacquiao left at halftime.

The star-studded gallery also included NBA star Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards, who was at both the Eagles and Archers’ dugouts before the game. Arenas left during the second quarter.

Senators Manuel Roxas II and Richard Gordon, both Ateneo supporters, and US Ambassador Kristie Kenney were also among those spotted in the gallery.