Pacquiao’s training boosts Baguio tourism potential

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The upcoming 4-week training of undisputed pound for pound king and 8-division titleholder Manny Pacquiao in this mountain resort city will serve as an added tourism come on for the country’s uncontested Summer Capital amidst the temporary setback in the overall tourism industry caused by the deadly hostage taking in Manila last Aug 23, Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said here Thursday.

Being the Pambansang Kamao and a well-loved boxer, the city mayor claimed wherever Pacquiao spends his training will be an added bonus in the promotion of his training venues, thus, the city government is thankful on the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion’s decision to hold the first phase of his training in Baguio for the second time in his decorated boxing career.

Last year, Pacquaio, together with his whole training team led by his American trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, held a 5-week rigid training in the city in preparation his title fight with former WBO welterweight champion Miguel Coto whom he dethroned.

Domogan disclosed the city government will provide the necessary security preparations for Pacquiao’s upcoming training once his training schedule will be finalized by his party the soonest.

Considering that Cordillerans are also avid fans of the pound for pound king and are peace-loving individuals, the local chief executive assured the Pacquiao camp that they will make sure that he will smoothly conduct his training in the city in the next four weeks so that he will be in top shape when he will face Mexican fighter Antonio Margarito for the vacant WBO super welterweight crown on November 14, 2010 in Dallas, Texas.

At the same time, Domogan added the local government is also considering declaring Pacquiao as an adopted son of Baguio but the same must be done in consultation with Pacquiao so that it will not appear that the local government is trying to curry favour.

Initially, Pacquiao and his training team will be arriving in the city over the weekend and he will reportedly start his rigid 4-week workout on September 20 in a still undisclosed training venue.

Domogan appealed to local residents and tourists to allow Pacquiao to concentrate in his training and not destruct his training regiment which will be their contribution for his success in his upcoming title fight in the United States.

He said the city is ready to welcome Pacquiao’s entourage and will be ready for their arrival anytime since the best is yet to come for the city as a training venue for world rated athletes, especially in the field of combative sports.

Domogan expressed his gratitude to Pacquiao, who is also the Sarangani Representative to the House of Representatives, for choosing the city as the venue for his training, citing that more tourists will be flocking to the city to have a glimpse of the welterweight champion’s training which will mean a big lift for the local tourism industry. – With a report from Kristynne Nalupa