American boxing legend Floyd Mayweather had just been treated to the “best experience” after he was given a taste of the famed Filipino hospitality by Frontrow Chief Executive Officer and Tutok to Win Party-list Rep. Sam “SV” Verzosa.
The 45-year-old Mayweather arrived in the country on Sept. 27, to attend the inauguration of local health and beauty company Frontrow’s new headquarters named “The Money Mayweather Building” in Quezon City.
But that is not all the boxing legend did while in the country.
He also visited Sampaloc, Manila, shot some hoops, and ate Pinoy street foods with Verzosa, actress Rhian Ramos, and other residents.
In a statement, the lawmaker said he wanted Mayweather, who many Filipinos see as the archrival of Filipino boxing legend former senator Manny Pacquiao, to have a taste of what it was like to hang out in the streets of Manila.
READ: Mayweather: ‘Philippines is my adopted home’
Verzosa himself grew up in Sampaloc from humble beginnings.
The lawmaker said it is important to him not to forget where he started.
“Ako proud ako na dito ako lumaki sa (I am proud that I grew up in) Sampaloc, Manila. Kaya naman niyaya naming tumambay si (That’s why we asked) Floyd Mayweather dito sa amin para maranasan niya ang katotohanan ng buhay dito sa bansa natin (to hang out here so he can experience the reality of life here in our country),” he shared.
Verzosa treated the boxing icon to dinner in the streets and let him sampled traditional Filipino foods, such as grilled chicken, hotdogs, rice, and “dirty ice cream.”
“Pero pinakita rin natin kung paano mag-asikaso ng bisita ang mga Pilipino (But we showed how hospitable Filipinos are to guests),” he stressed.
In the photos released by Verzosa’s office, Mayweather was seen sitting in a crowded street in Sampaloc, Manila with the congressman and Ramos beside him. Traditional Filipino food cooked for big occasions, such as crabs and grilled meat, was spread before them.
Verzosa said he decided to invite the boxing legend to his hometown because he wanted to give inspiration to the kids there.
“Maraming-maraming salamat sa mga ka-barangay ko at pinakitaan natin si Mayweather ng tunay na (Thank you very much to my co-barangay and we showed Mayweather true) hospitality at respeto ng mga Pilipino (and respect of Filipinos). I’m always proud na Batang Sampaloc ako (that I’m a kid from Sampaloc),” he added.
For Mayweather, his recent visit “(was his) best experience in the Philippines and in Asia so far.”