INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines ? Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao got a Las Vegas-style welcome at the New World Hotel (former Renaissance Hotel) on Friday soon after he arrived from the airport.

With wife Jinky and the rest of his entourage, Pacquiao entered the hotel where confetti rained and guests and fans dashed to reach him.

But dozens of security guards stood to cover him from the hordes of people eager to see him up close.

Nine showgirls on stage danced to the tune of Latino songs. Hundreds of balloons fell on Pacquiao, who came from a historic fight with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto whom he beat for the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown and an unprecedented seventh title in as many divisions.

Unlike in the past, Pacquiao did not grant interviews to the media waiting at the hotel.

Monique Toda, director of communications, said hotel staff prepared Pacquiao's favorite dishes.

"A buffet of Filipino home-cooked dishes like danggit, hilabos na hipon, beef steak, sinigang na salmon, and other regular breakfast meals," Toda said.