THE “People’s Champ” and Sarangani Rep. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao left for New York on Sunday night to receive the prestigious 2015 Asia Game Changer Award for his outstanding achievements as a philanthropist, world-famous professional boxer and member of the House of Representatives.
The award would be granted at the United Nations on Wednesday.
Pacquiao was thankful for the award, especially to the Philippine organizers. He refused to comment on his political ambitions, the political party he would join, or the presidential candidate he will support.
It has been reported that the eight-time world champion will vie for a Senate seat in the 2016 general elections.
“Wait until Friday and you will know everything you must know about my preparation in the 2016 election,” said Pacquiao, who flew to the US on a Philippine Airlines (PAL) plane bound for New York via Vancouver.
Pacquiao received parting gifts from Suyin Liu Lee, executive director of Asia Society of the Philippines, assisted by Nadine Gutierrez following a brief press conference at the Naia Terminal 2.
“It is a PAL tradition to carry the best of the Philippines to different parts of the globe. With humanitarian undertakings and legendary career,” PAL President Jaime J. Bautista said in a statement.
“Manny Pacquiao is indeed the Philippines’s pride and represent the best of the country, as PAL extends its warmest congratulations to the world boxing icon for being this year’s top Asia Game Changer,” Bautista added.
PAL Flight PR 126 left the airport at 11:45 p.m. and is expected to land in New York at 7:30 a.m. (local time) the following day Monday.