Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

LOS ANGELES – Manny Pacquiao certainly lives up to his nickname. Known as the Pride of the Philippines, he is recognized as the pound for pound king inside the ring but his contributions outside to the community are nobler.

Last weekend, Pacquiao was recognized for his charitable contributions.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villraigosa and Carson Mayor Jim Dear on separate days thanked Pacquiao for bringing the greater Filipino-American community together.

"Manny has shown that he is as much a champion inside the ring and outside of it as well," said Villaraigosa on Saturday during a celebration and tree planting ceremony at the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans headquarters in Historic Filipinotown.

"You know having a world champion boxer is quite spectacular for the city of Carson and we’re really delighted," added Dear during Pacquiao’s FilAm Celebrity Showdown basketball charity fundraiser in Carson. "I speak on behalf of all the people in the City of Carson with a great welcoming and greeting for Manny Pacquiao."

Indeed, fans welcomed, greeted and mobbed Pacquiao everywhere he went this past weekend. Fans armed with cell phone and digital cameras filled the streets in Historic Filipinotown on Saturday and the Veterans Gym in Carson on Sunday to see and celebrate Pacquiao.

"I was surprised that it was packed," said Valerie Gonzales, an assistant event coordinator for the Manny Pacquiao foundation. "There was a couple of Filipinos there that came from a different state. They told me they drove 22 hours just to see Manny. There were so many more Filipinos from all over southern California who came here."

Tree Ceremony

Pacquiao’s busy weekend started on Saturday where a tree was planted in front of SIPA in Historic Filipinotown in honor of the People’s Champ. It was a tree that symbolized and recognized Pacquiao’s accomplishments inside and outside the ring, said Villaraigosa.

"He’s a hero not just to the Filipino community but to all of Los Angeles and to all the fans here and across the world," said Villaraigosa. "He’s a true champion…we recognize he’s a busy man and the fact that he would take time out to participate in this tree planting, which is commemorative of the restoration of a community, it’s a real honor."