Manny Pacquiao gives props to other Filipino athletes

Manny Pacquiao Hails Filipino Athletes

Manny Pacquiao is often regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer today but he has no problem sharing the limelight with other Filipino sports champions.

During the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA)-Coca-Cola Awards Night held last Saturday, Manny Pacquiao reminded everyone that the accomplishments of other athletes must be credited as much as his own exploits.

"There is so much to Philippine sports than boxing," said Pacquiao, who was the keynote speaker for the annual event honoring the country's best sportsmen and women.

Manny Pacquiao hailed the World 9-Ball Championship win of Francisco "Django" Bustamante and the gold medal win of Dennis Orcollo, Biboy Rivera and Rey Saludar during the 16th Asian Games. The four pool players were named as the 2010 Athletes of the Year by the sportswriters organizations.

"Thank you for bringing pride and honor to our country. Because of you, I have more reasons to say that I am proud to be a Filipino," Pacquiao said.

Lifetime achievement awards were given to international boxing referee Carlos Padilla Jr. and basketball coach Virgilio "Baby" Dalupan.

Billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes was inducted into the PSA Hall of Fame. Former FIDE president Florencio Campomanes was also given a posthumous induction the the Hall.

The PSA Presidential Achievement Award was given to the national football team the Azkals, whose team manager Dan Palami was awarded the Executive of the Year award.

The Athletes of the Year awards were given personally by boxing champion and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao, who took a break from his training for his upcoming fight against Shane Mosley.

Posted by Andre Monohan on Tuesday March 08 2011, 3:42 AM EST. Ref: MB. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0