Village head becomes instant millionaire at Pacquiao birthday bash

By Aquiles Zonio

Inquirer Mindanao

First Posted 18:32:00 12/18/2010

Filed Under: Pacquiao, Boxing, Celebrities, People, Parties

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—A village official from Sarangani became an instant millionaire while others received expensive gifts during the birthday celebration of boxer-turned-politician Manny Pacquaio here Friday night.

Elmer Alaiden, chairman of Domolok village in Alabel, Sarangani province, became the lucky visitor to the Pacquiao birthday bash held at the KCC Convention Center here when his name was drawn during the P1-million surprise give-away raffle.

It was Top Rank boss Bob Arum who picked Alaiden's name, after a fourth try, from hundreds of gate passes that served as raffle tickets.

Arum first drew the name of a guest who was not around. He then twice drew the names of Pacquiao’s relatives, who were not qualified for the jackpot, so he was asked to draw yet one more name, and this time, it was Alaiden’s.

The money that went to Alaiden came from Pacquiao and Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Singson.

Alaiden said he was overwhelmed by his luck and was still thinking of how to spend the money.

Aside from the surprise P1-million prize, the boxing pound-for-pound king also gave away one brand-new Toyota Vios, two motorcycles, two flat-screen television sets and grocery items to 60 winners.

Pacquiao also received a surprise gift from couple Warren and Sarah Manilay here.

It was a 1962 vintage motorcycle, adorned with printed images of Pacquiao and his vanquished ring opponents.

He also used his birthday speech to warn his staff, bodyguards and workers against being arrogant.

“I’ve been receiving negative reports about some of my men. I am asking you to treat everybody equally and with respect. Take it from me. I ask you to be humble,” Pacquiao, who now represents Sarangani in Congress, said in Filipino.

He said those working for him should quit if they cannot do what he asked of them.