In a ceremony fit for a Philippine hero, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will be bestowed the prestigious Order of Sikatuna honor Friday at the Rizal Park.

The ceremony, which will start at 4 p.m., will cap Pacquiao’s hectic day that will start as soon as the champion touches down at 4:30 a.m. Friday at the the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The Order of Sikatuna is given by the government to individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the country in terms of fostering and developing relations between the Philippines and other countries.

Among the notable recipients were the late Manila Archishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, former United States President Dwight Eisenhower and recent Manila visitor US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

From the airport Pacquiao will take a respite at the Renaissance Hotel in Makati City before proceeding to Quiapo Church to attend the 9 a.m. mass.

Malacañang has designated Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Harry Angping as head of Pacquiao’s welcome party.

Angping said Pacquiao will be given a window between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the newly minted world welterweight champion to decide whether to do a ticker-tape parade around the metropolis or use it for other activities the current pound-for-pound king wishes to do.

Angping added that the Rizal Park is just the right place to confer the awards since thousands can join the celebration.

According to Angping, President Arroyo will be the one who will confer the award to Pacquiao following his 12th round TKO win over Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto last weekend at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The win gave Pacquiao the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown.

Pacquiao’s latest win has been viewed by Malacañang as a feat that has given the country its due notice as a force to reckon with in the field of sports worldwide.

“Manny trained long and hard, imposed stringent self-discipline, persevered, and above all, has always placed himself in the hands of God. I hope we all learn from his example so that, together, we can also move forward as a nation,” said the official statement of the Palace through Press Secretary Cerge Remonde.

Aside from the warm and frenzied welcome Pacquiao is expected to receive Friday, the Filipino champion should also expect queries regarding his frenetic activities in and out of the ring that will have to do with his already highly-anticipated next fight, political ambitions, showbiz career and intrigues regarding his family and other showbiz matters.