Tuesday, March 25, 2008
THE CHAMPION'S MOTORCADE
It was a motorcade for the newly-crowned World Boxing Council superfeatherweight champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. It began at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) along the Elliptical Road in Quezon City and passed through Quezon Avenue, enroute to Manila, Pasay, and Makati.
Unfortunately, I chose the wrong spot -- at the Mabuhay Rotunda -- to shoot it. That area of Quezon Boulevard proved too wide and didn't have too many well-wishers; hence, the motorcade sped by at an astonishing speed. I was unable to take a variety of shots from where I was.
And those who chose to shoot from the street level didn't fare too well, either. They were blocked by the police escort vehicles that drove right along both sides of the Ford pick-up truck that carried the champion.
Much like the result of Pacquiao's fight -- that it was his Mexican opponent who supposedly deserved the win more so than he -- this motorcade was not without its share of controversy. During the press conference at the DENR before the start of the motorcade, Pacquiao reiterated that politics played no part in his refusal to accept Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim’s invitation to host the motorcade. Pacquiao said that the former Manila mayor, Lito Atienza, had invited him first.
Nonetheless, many people were happy that Pacquiao was not accompanied by any politician in this motorcade as was the case in previous occasions.
posted by Señor Enrique at 10:06 PM
2 Comments:
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ScroochChronicles said... Ay naku I was stuck in traffic along Visayas Avenue. We live like 5 minutes away from the DENR and I completely forgot that there was a parade for Pacquiao. Buti na lang I was able to make a u-turn and took Mindanao Ave. instead.
I was able to watch Pacquiao's motorcade 2 years ago. Swerte lang kasi my Dad was in the hospital (Capitol Med.) and it passed right in front. If it wasn't for the elevator operator I wouldn't have known. Syempre I was one of the miron's shouting "MANNY! MANNY! IDOL!"
One thing I noticed, he's small pala. Taong-tao...you know what I mean :D-
Señor Enrique said...
His motorcade last year in Manila was much better, I think. The pace was much slower and I was able to get some good shots.
Yes, many folks were shouting his name, Cookie :)
