Pacman works out, joins rally

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao was out on the road yesterday, in the morning flexing his muscles for his coming fight with Timothy Bradley, and in the afternoon joining a massive rally for presidential candidate Jejomar Binay.

Pacquiao arrived from General Santos City the other day, and wasted no time working out at the Elorde Gym in Makati City, making sure that preparations for his April 9 farewell fight are in place.

Yesterday, Pacquiao put on his running shoes, and at around eight in the morning jogged no less than four kilometers inside the highly secluded Forbes Park.

Pacquiao drew some attention from those who were out exercising, and some of them joined him briefly as the eight-division champion did his road work.

Then he shadow-boxed and did abdominal exercises.

Not done for the morning, the 37-year-old Pacquiao, who’s running for senator in the May 9 elections, trooped to the basketball court for some pick-up games.

His team was trailing, 27-21, when Pacquiao stepped on the floor, and hit a three-point shot, one of five he had during the game.

Pacquiao, according to a witness, also scored on a few layups, and capped his show with an amazing alley-oop, tossing the ball against the backboard and then laying it in himself mid-air.

Pacquiao’s team won, 60-55.

After resting in his Forbes Park mansion, Pacquiao left in the afternoon to join the political rally led by the Vice President, a party-mate of the boxing icon.

Yesterday marked the start of the campaign period for those seeking national positions, including Pacquiao.

Outside his residence, a bus bearing Pacquiao’s colorful image was already on standby, to be used in the campaign. A coaster of similar design is also on standby.

Both vehicles were loaned to Pacquiao by his close friend, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson. They carried the slogan “Tuloy ang Laban Para sa Bayan! Manny Pacquiao “Ang Tunay na Kamao Para sa Senado!”

Training, according to Pacquiao’s information officer, resumes today in the Makati Gym. On Feb. 14, Freddie Roach will arrive from the United States, in time for serious training that will start the following day in General Santos City.