Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said the city government is now finalizing plans for another rousing welcome for Filipino boxing hero Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao who is due to return Jan. 27, Friday after a victorious bout in Las Vegas, Nevada defeating Mexican boxing legend Erik "El Terrible" Morales by technical knockout last Sunday.

"We expect to exceed the warm welcome we last gave Manny," mayor Atienza said, adding he also expects that "most of our people from all walks of life would like to welcome out and greet him."

As in previous hero’s welcomes and ticker-tape parades the city held for Pacquiao, Atienza said the champion’s motorcade on Friday will take Pacquiao "to the most populous areas so he will reach the majority of ordinary people who love him."

The city hall is also planning a street party for Pacquiao at the Rizal Park in coordination with Solar Sports.

"We are also trying to get Pacquiao to sing with the Lettermen," Atienza said, referring to the visiting singing group. "We want to bring cheer to our people," he added.

Atienza reported that people from nearby provinces are texting him asking for plans because they want to join Manila in welcoming Pacquiao.

Chavit answers criticisms

Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit’’ Singson said yesterday in response to criticisms about his going into the ring to greet Manny Pacquiao after his victory over Erik Morales:

"Manny signaled me to join him in the ring. So I did. Anong masama dun? Mas masama siguro kung di ako pumunta. Baka nagtampo pa siya sa akin. Sumenyas sa akin si Manny kaya pumunta ako sa kanya. Sabihin mo sa mga pumupuna sa akin: Nainggit lang sila.’’

Sto. Niño festival slated

The Pajotan Sto. Niño Festival will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29, in the parish of Mary Help of Christians on J.P. Rizal St., Maypajo, Caloocan City.

It will start with a concelebrated mass at 8 a.m. with Bishop Deogracias Yñiguez as main celebrant, assisted by parish priest Fr. Larry Toledo and Msgr. Federico V. Navarro, followed by a grand procession.

The Pajotan Sto. Niño Festival, held every last Sunday of January every year, was founded in 1995 by Bro. Arsenio "Jun’’ Navarro, who was then chair of the Lay Ministers of Holy Communion in the parish church.

Officials of all barangays in Maypajo will join the procession with their respective Sto. Niño carroza. The miraculous heirloom statue of the Sto. Niño was donated to the church by the Navarro family.

The festival, which is chaired by Navarro, has become an annual celebration in the Mary Help of Christians parish.

Hypertension, lipid societies set convention

New developments in hypertension and cholesterol problems or dyslipidemia, which are the major risk factors that cause heart attacks and strokes in the country, will be the major focus of discussion during the 11th Joint Annual Convention of the Philippine Society of Hypertension and Philippine Lipid Society.

The convention, slated Feb. 9-11 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, is organized in cooperation with 22 of the country’s top medical societies and professional health organizations.

The three-day convention will focus on the theme "Bridging the Gap Between the Science and Clinical Practice in the Management of Hypertension and Dyslipidemia." It will tackle the latest advances in the management of hypertension and dyslipidemia and its prevention.

Dr. Nelson S. Abelardo, president of the Philippine Society of Hypertension, and Dr. Mary Anne Lim Abrahan, president of the Philippine Lipid Society, said the problems posed by hypertension and dyslipidemia are getting bigger and more complex. They said the best way to address the problem is through a holistic and comprehensive approach.

Dr. Esperanza I. Cabral, overall chairwoman of the organizing committee, said there are numerous developments and advances in the fields of hypertension and lipidology that can help both medical professionals in the effort to manage, control, and prevent hypertension and dyslipidemia.