Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines wears the champion’s belt after defeating Brandon Rios of the United States in their WBO international welterweight title fight in Macau. AP FILE PHOTO
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Unlike his previous lavish birthday parties, eight-division boxing champion and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao has decided to prepare a simple 35th birthday celebration Tuesday night.
There would be no motifs, parading boxing and showbiz personalities, and raffle prizes. This time, Pacquiao opted for a simple “Praise and Worship” service.
Pacquiao told reporters here that instead of spending his money for an elaborate birthday celebration, he gave it to the victims of supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan).
“Simple lang ang celebration ngayon. Sa halip na gastusin ko sa magarbong birthday party, idinonate ko na lang sa mga biktima ng bagyo sa Leyte at Eastern Samar (The celebration is simple this time around. Instead of spending on a lavish birthday party, I just donated money to the victims of the typhoon in Leyte and Eastern Samar),” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao, along with General Santos Mayor Ronnel Rivera, visited typhoon-ravaged areas last Nov. 30 to Dec. 3.
Pacquiao and Rivera slept inside a tent during an overnight stay in Guiuan town in Eastern Samar, where Yolanda made its first landfall.
Pacquiao brought 10 truckloads of relief goods aside from cash gifts he gave to some of the homeless disaster victims.
Rivera, likewise, donated P2 million to Tacloban City and P1.5 million to Ormoc City.
On Tuesday morning, Pacquiao spent time in feeding elementary pupils of Alegria Elementary School in Alabel town, Sarangani, before attending two separate Christmas parties of the Sarangani provincial government and Malungon town.
His birthday celebration has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the KCC Convention Center here.
More than 1,000 guests have been invited to the celebration.
Jonathan Tayoto, head of the Pacquiao Group of Companies, told reporters said the celebration would be filled with “praise and worship.”
Tayoto added that a moment has been set aside to allow Pacquiao to preach during the celebration.
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