MANILA, Philippines — Despite the far-flung location and their busy schedules, the high-profile friends of Manny Pacquiao from showbiz, politics and boxing still graced his 32nd birthday celebration last Friday, December 17.

Among the celebrities who flew to General Santos for the occassion were Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, Manny’s coach Freddie Roach, Puerto Rican boxer Juan Manuel Lopez, retired boxer Gerry Peñalosa, Gov. Luis Chavit Singson, San Juan Cong. JV Ejercito, and General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

Recall that Mayor Custodio was Manny’s rival for the congressional seat of South Cotabato’s first district in the 2007 elections, which the latter lost.

Renowned comedians Bayani Agbayani and Long Mejia hosted the event, while top musicians Side A and Erik Santos were personally chosen by Manny to sing during the party.

“It’s our first time performing for Manny's birthday kaya nakakatuwa. Sana sa susunod, kami naman ang pagbigyan at mag-guest siya sa concert namin,” members of the Side A band told abscbnnews.com on December 17.

“Pinoy Dream Academy” season two winner Laarni Lozada, actor Philip Salvador and senator-actor Bong Revilla belted out tunes as well.

An overjoyed Manny expressed his gratitude for his guests.

“Masayang-masaya ako sa dami ng mga bisita natin na dumating, dumalo… mga constituents ko from Saranggani, mga kaibigan ko, ang mga friends ko from Los Angeles, and friends from Manila. Nandito sila lahat at surprised ako sa pagdating nila,” he told “Bandila” on Dec. 17.

The birthday boy once again showed his generosity by raffling off various prizes, including a brand new Toyota Vios and a million pesos in cash prize.

According to reports by “Bandila” and bomboradyo.com, the eight-division world boxing champ’s wife Jinkee herself organized the lavish event.

Manny and Jinkee’s families were all there, however, Mommy Dionisia wasn’t able to carry out her planned gift for her son and the guests — apparently a song number — when the minus one CD of the song she was supposed to perform went missing.

Meanwhile, bomboradyo.com reported that the assumed pronouncement that evening of Manny’s opponent for the already anticipated May 7, 2011 bout at Las Vegas, Nevada did not push through. However, Bob Arum will continue negotiations with three possible contenders once he's back in the US. Already, Arum is set to have a meeting with boxer Sugar Shane Mosley and his representative James Prince on Dec. 20.

Aside from Mosley, WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez and WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto are also being considered to fight Pacman. The identity of his new foe is aimed to be revealed by years end.