By Nick Giongco
Sen. Manny Pacquiao is going to light the flame that will mark the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Nov. 30 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Manny Pacquiao, second from right, with Kenneth Duremdes, rightmost, and lawyers Brando Viernesto and Bong Gacal presscon at Sofitel. (Nick Giongco)
Asked whether he will have the time to watch SEAG events from Nov. 30-Dec. 11, Pacquiao told the Bulletin on Tuesday that he will carry the torch that will light the flame of the country’s hosting.
World champion gymnast Carlos Yulo, women’s boxing champ Nethy Petecio, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, boxer Eumir Marcial and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe are going to alternately carry the Philippine flag during the parade.
Taking part in a multi-game sportsfest is nothing new to Pacquiao as a non-athlete.
In the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Pacquiao was the flag-carrier.
Pacquiao also runs the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and is the reigning World Boxing Association welterweight champion.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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