MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao, one of the most notable Filipino athletes in the world, is expected to take part in the opening ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games slated on Nov. 30 at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Alan Peter Cayetano, House Speaker and chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), thinks it’s only right to include boxing’s only eight-division champion in the opening rites.
Cayetano, however, opted to play the cards close to his chest when asked about the extent Pacquiao’s involvement.
“Yes. I think that’s part of the surprise. But I can confirm to you that he has a role [in the opening ceremony],” Cayetano told reporters during the Team Philippines’ sendoff at the newly-refurbished Ninoy Aquino Stadium Wednesday night.
“He’s one of the most known Filipino sports Icon in the world so I think it will be selling the country short if we’re not going to include our ‘Pambansang Kamao.’”
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
According to reports, Pacquiao will be the one lighting the SEA Games cauldron.
If the plan pushes through, it won’t be the first time that the WBA welterweight champion will be participating in the country’s campaign in multi-sport meets.
Pacquiao was the Philippines’ flag-bearer in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.