Malacañan Palace Grounds
April 29, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos hosted a sports day for children, featuring basketball Hall of Famer Yao Ming and eight-division boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao, at the Malacañan Palace Grounds.

Yao Ming is in the country as part of the International Basketball Federation (Fédération Internationale de Basketball or FIBA) Central Board in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023. He and Manny Pacquiao delivered brief inspiring messages for the children.

Also present were Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.

Children from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Reception and Study Center for Children in Lubao, Pampanga; Bahay Kalinga in Valenzuela City, and from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) community were treated to a magic show, bubble show and snacks from various food carts.

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