Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao's unannounced visit to Bohol Thursday was good while it lasted. Pacquiao was met at the Tagbilaran wharf past 11 am by Mayor Dan Lim who had been informed ahead of the trip. He took the 9 am Weesam fast craft trip from Cebu with wife Jinkee and children Emmanuel Jr., 8, Michael Stephen, 7, and Mary Divine Grace, 2. Also part of Pacquiao's 25-person entourage was promoter Wakee Salud and Michael Koncz. “It was supposed to be a private trip with his family,” Lim said. The mayor treated the pound-for-pound great to lunch at Miravilla Restaurant which is famous for its seafood.

Wearing a light-blue shirt and a white hat, Pacquiao feasted on a meal of crabs, prawns, native fried chicken, squid and lechon. Despite the short notice, a small crowd quickly gathered at the restaurant where Pacquiao stayed for more than an hour. He gamely posed with guests and restaurant workers who took advantage of the brief moment when he stood up. Koncz said Pacquiao will be leaving for New York Friday morning to receive the prestigious Boxer of the Year award from the Boxing Association of America at the Capitale Restaurant in downtown Manhattan. “He is receiving the award for the second year in a row,” Koncz told the Post in an ambush interview.
Lim revealed that Pacquiao originally intended to take a break with his family in Panglao but had to cut it short after he was prevailed upon to accept the award.“He wanted time for bonding with his family but he changed his mind due to the intercession of top government officials,” the mayor added. Lim did not comment when asked if he was referring to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. Pacquiao flew back to Manila from Tagbilaran at 5 pm that day via Philippine Airlines ending the nearly six-hour visit.

Michael Marley of the New York Boxing Examiner described Pacquiao as a “Reluctant Dragon” in his 8,506 mile trip from Manila to New York. Marley said it was the “arm-twisting” of aides Salud and Koncz that convinced Pacman to make the journey and undergo a 12-hour change so that he can receive the award. According to Marley, promoter Bob Arum was “quite pleased” to hear that Pacquiao has postponed his family vacation to join Freddie Roach who is also one of the night's top honoree.“Give Manny credit because not many people will fly 14 hours to eat some rubbery chicken,” Marley said. As this developed, Lim said he has invited the National Fist to consider investing in Boho. “I'm sure he is considering this invitation seriously because he is on the look-out for more investments,” the mayor said. If plans do not miscarry, the boxing hero will return to Bohol on Tuesday for longer vacation with his family.