12/17/2008 | 06:32 PM
MANILA, Philippines — The world’s pound-for-pound king Emmanuel “Manny" Pacquiao on Wednesday shed tears upon hearing that God heard his prayers during a thanksgiving Mass held for his 30th birthday.
QTV’s Balitanghali’s JP Soriano reported that Pacquiao was unable to hold back his tears when the priest celebrating the Mass explained in his homily how Pacquiao’s victory made him cry.
“Pinipigilan kong maiyak. Naiyak ako kanina kasi totoo ‘yung mga sabi ng pari na hindi dahil sa magaling ako, nanalo ako hindi dahil sa masipag akong mag ensayo, nanalo ako dahil napakinggan ng mahal ng Panginoon yung dasal ko (I was trying to hold back my tears from falling. I cried because what the priest said was true. I did not win because I am a great fighter, not because I train hard. I won because God always listens to my prayer)," Pacquiao said after the Mass.
The prelate also thanked him for the honor he brought to the country.
The Mass was held at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish in Pacquiao’s hometown in General Santos City. During the Mass, he was accompanied by his mother - Aling Dionisia - and his supporters and well-wishers.
Right after the Mass, Pacquiao proceeded to Malungon, Sarangani to join his relatives and friends for lunch.
The report also said that it was "all systems" go for the grand birthday celebration Pacquiao.
The party would be held Wednesday evening at the convention center of KCC Mall – the largest in General Santos City.
About 1,500 people including President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Top Rank Promotions chief executive officer Bob Arum are expected to attend his “strictly invitational" Las Vegas themed birthday bash.
Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach and his defeated opponents Marco Antonio Barrera and David Diaz were also reportedly attending the celebration.
The Filipino boxing icon recently routed Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya in their much-touted "Dream Match" in Las Vegas last December 6. Dela Hoya was reportedly invited to the birthday party but could not make it. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV
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