It has been almost three weeks since new WBC World Lightweight Champion Manny Paquiao arrived in his hometown General Santos City to another Hero’s Welcome and  a few people have been asking about it.

As promised, I am posting some of the photos I took during that morning of July 7, 2008 when he arrived at the airport, during the motorcade and up until the victory dinner at night tendered by Mayor Jun Acharon and Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio, which I emceed with Ms. Gensan 1972, Cora Tito.  🙂

Since they are quite many, I am dividing the pictures into two sets, one set per post.  This is the first set, taken during the motorcade from the airport.

MSU High School Dancers at the GenSan International Airport

Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Dionisia Pacquiao while waiting for the champ at the VIP Area

City Tourism Officer Cora Tito (extreme left) & City Sports Development Officer Ernie Nanali (extreme right)

Manny alighting a PAL plane

Mayor Jun Acharon meets the champ
Manny with Congresswoman Darlene and Mayor Jun Acharon

Pacquiao’s Parents (Rogelio & Dionisia) at the motorcade float

Pacquiao with his parents, Congresswoman Darlene & Mayor Jun behind him
Passing by a jeepful of supporters at the airport road
A shot of the motorcade convoy at the airport road
Students from Fatima High school cheer for the passing champ

Residents of Uhaw, Barangay Fatima wave at Manny
Students at Calumpang Central School
Onlookers along the Calumpang Highway
Fishermen aboard their truck pass by the Pacman motorcade
Labangal High School students near Manny’s former residence
Passing by the old Silway Mosque
That’s Sarangani Rural Bank at the Pioneer Avenue-P.Acharon Blvd. junction
Queen Tuna Park (formerly Lion’s beach)

Passing in front of the Central Public Market along P. Acharon Blvd.
Entering Magsaysay Avenue & passing by this colorful bldg.

Still at Magsaysay Avenue, corner Bañas Street

School kids from South Elementary School run beside the float
The Marieta’s Barbecue Bldg.


Pioneer Avenue and the RCBC Building at the back

Turning left to Pendatun Avenue with Sydney Hotel in the background


Pendatun Avenue and the RD Plaza at the background

TO BE CONTINUED… More photos from the Presscon and the Victory Dinner… SOON!!!