MANILA, Philippines – No flu can scare off the Filipino boxing legend’s fans.

Giddy fans thronged around Manny Pacquiao when he checked in at the Renaissance Hotel in Makati City early Friday for a sumptuous meal and a brief rest.

Fans encircled him and took his autograph and pictures. And, no single person wore a flu mask.

It seemed everybody’s only concern was to get near him.

Filipino-American Lidia Sakay was ecstatic at the hotel lobby showing her friends photos of Pacquiao and her on the digital camera.

Asked if she was afraid of getting the virus, she said: “I don’t care. Anyway, we’ll be back in the US, where the virus is… after two weeks.”

Ali Atienza, son of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, said there was no point in having Pacquiao quarantined for five days.

“Others are too afraid of some things that have yet to hit us,” he said.

The Department of Health advised the Pacquiao team to stay longer in the US and warned the people welcoming the boxing champ against “beso-beso” (social kissing).

Atienza, who had watched all of Pacquiao’s bouts, said the boxing legend was fitter and stronger now.

“He’s obviously not sick,” he added.

Fans are more excited to see him because they are very proud of his victory, Atienza said.
“Siguro ‘yung iba naiinggit lang lalo na yung iba na gustong makalapit, hindi makalapit [Some were maybe envious especially those who wanted to get near Manny, but could not].”

Pacquiao feasted on a “pork-less” breakfast: hinalabos na hipon, tinolang manok, beef stew, beef medallion, and chicken kebab.