Birthday Boy Boxer

Birthday Bash Ala Hollywood

Boxing champ and Sarangani Representative Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao celebrated his 33rd birthday with a major star-studded bash, Hollywood style with all the elements of showbiz glamor and kick.

The nearly 2,000 guests, among them celebrities, politicians, relatives and buddies in the trade, arrived in their best dresses and suits, packed the KCC Mall Convention Center, cheered on, and paid tribute to the legendary boxing icon tagged as the most famous Filipino.

Joy Isla, managing owner of Party Island refused to cite the cost of the event, but a Pacquiao family member claimed that about P5 million had been spent to orchestrate the event, excluding the car and P2 million that were raffled off for the guests.

83-year-old grandma, Cristina Dapigran, was given the chance to give her birthday message to the celebrant. After giving her greetings, Daprigan said in the vernacular: “I hope you will make good your promise to give me a house.” The boxer-turned-lawmaker responded with a big smile.

I hope the residents of Northern Mindanao, like Cagayan De oro and Iligan. could also request a new home from Pacquiao.

Dionisia, Pacquiao’s mom also appeared  and even sang two songs for her famous son. I think the songs were entitled “ Mo Money, No Problems” by Notorious B.I.G. and “Envy” by Nicki Minaj, and she dedicated it to the people of Northern Mindanao (joke).

Paquiao Jumped Five Ranks To Lieutenant Colonel

Paquiao, formerly a Master Sergeant, jumped five ranks to Lieutenant Colonel

The Palace on Monday dismissed criticism from the former head of the National Defense College that its promotion of boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao to lieutenant colonel went against established rules requiring any officer to be promoted to be a college graduate.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Pacquiao was entitled to the rank like other elected officials.

“It was because of his position as a congressman [that]... he is entitled to the rank of lieutenant colonel,” he said, citing an Armed Forces circular awarding the same position to senators, provincial governors and mayors of cities.