Kapusong Manny Pacquaio Mobbed in Iloilo

Kudos to Manny Pacquiao for using his celebrity status to help people in need. Not a lot of Pinoy celebrities -- most of whom are self-absorbed -- lift a finger to help other people so it is refreshing to read news reports about Manny, like other human guardian angels, serving people he doesn't know.

A report from the Inquirer on Manny's visit to Iloilo:

ILOILO CITY—There’s nothing like the “Idol” to make one forget one’s woes.

The brief visit Thursday of Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao allowed thousands of flood-ravaged folk time out from the effects of the knockout punch dealt by Typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen).

He even interrupted a wedding to the delight of all.

Men and women, even the elderly and children, lined the streets of Jaro District, shouting “Manny!” and “Idol!” as they struggled to get a glimpse of Pacquiao, who had come to fulfill a promise.

Pacquiao, his wife Jinkee and their party arrived at the Iloilo airport in Cabatuan town at around 7:30 a.m. They were driven to the residence of Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, where they had breakfast with the prelate and city officials led by Mayor Jerry Treñas.

They then proceeded to the Jaro Cathedral, where they attended Mass preparatory to distributing around 500 food packs to typhoon victims with the assistance of Treñas and members of the Catholic Women’s League.

In his small way
Pacquiao said he had entrusted his donation to the Church, which identified the families eligible to receive relief goods. He said he would also visit other areas affected by the typhoon.

“I thank the people here for their continued support for me. In my own small way, I would like to extend my help to them. Please don’t forget to pray so that you can surpass this crisis,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net).