Kibawe has been home to many heroes over the years, and countless friendly and welcoming people have stayed here. However, did you know that Filipino hero and boxing legend Emmanual Dapidran “Manny” Pacquiao comes from Kibawe?

A former IBF Super Bantamweight world champion, as well as champion of WBC Flyweight divisions, Pacquaio is one of the greatest boxers of his generation, if not ever. Pacquiao began his professional boxing career in 1995 weight, at the age of only 16. His first TV showing was on Vintage Sports, and his professional debut was a bout with Edmund Ignacio in January 1995, where Pacquaio came out on top after four rounds via decision.

He went unbeaten until his 12^th fight, against Rustico Torrecampo, losing via TKO. However, Pacquaio had not made the correct weight for the fight, and therefore had to wear heavier gloves and this would affect his ability in the fight.

He won the WBC Flyweight Title over Chatchai Sasakul, with an eighth round victory. However, he lost the belt in his second title defence against Medogen Sungsurat, in Thailand.

However, in 2001, Pacquaio claimed the IBF Super Bantamweight belt, defeating Lehlohonolo Ledwaba with a TKO. He was not even supposed to be fighting – he was a late replacement for the fight, and won the title in the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. He successfully defended his title four times, before facing to Mexican boxing superstar Marco Antonio Barrera – the biggest fight of his career until now. He won the fight and won via TKO in the 11^th round in Alamodome in Texas.

Pacquaio then fought to a controversial draw with Mexico’s other leading light, Juan Manuel Marquez, where the judge later admitted that he made a mistake in the ruling of the fight  via the scorecards. One of the most famous moments of Pacquaios career is the uppercut to Por Thawatchai, where he lifted off the canvas en route to landing to the floor, knocked out, there are numerous pictures of this on the internet, it is a really iconic boxing moment.

Following victories against Hector Velasquez – capturing the WBC International Super Featherweight title – and Eric Morales, as well as victories in 2006 over Oscar Larios, Pacquaio signed a lucrative deal with Golden Boy Promotions, one of the largest paying and lucrative boxing promotions in the world, and shortly after he defeated Morales for a third time – declaring Pacquaio 2-1 winner in the three matches – he then won the title fighter of the year for 2006, by both HBO and Ring Magazine.

Pacquaio next conquered Jorge Solis in the 8^th round, taking his record to 44-3-2, one of the most impressive in boxing history. He next fought Barrera again – after long legal disputes between Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank – in one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history. Pacquaio won the fight in the 11^th round by unanimous decision.

Pacquao is still going strong at the moment in boxing, and had done alot for the Philippines in politics too, and is truly a legend of the country, and it is an honour to us of Kibawe that he hails from our town – would you not like to see the town that one of boxings favourite sons hails from? Come visit us in Kabawe to see just how great it is!

By: RG edmonton AB

A 4^th class municipality, Kibawe is full of a rich history and culture. Before you come to stay with us, we would love for you to know the full story behind us!

Kibawe was originally inhabited by the Mamadas, a tribe from the early American regime. Living on tiny agricultural plots, hunting and creating from the forests, they ruled under a very simple feudal style of governance, with a Chieftain in charge of the people, a Judge, a Religious Leader, and a General. The most famous of the Chieftains was  Datu Mabantayao, who was known for his selflessness and love for his people, as well as famously saving his future wife from the clutches of a rival tribe, the Bugcaon. Kibawe is actually named after the word “Guibawe” which means recovery.

http://www.dilg10.org/kibawe/

It never became a municipal district until early in the 1930s, and in 1956 became a regular municipality, under the orders of the then president of the Philippines, Carlos P. Garcia. It served as a strong refuge point during the Second World War, as people came from all over to live in the safeland that was Kibawe. Kibawe has kept it’s routes though, with some Manobos – the very first inhabitants – still residing in the town itself, though most of the town is now made up by the lowlanders who came during the Second World War, it is well known for it’s ethnic diversity and open arms policy, with the community built on a strong spirit to work together and live in peace, as everybody wants to move forth in the world and continue to grow the region of Kibawe. It is split into three separate “barangays” which are the smallest administrative divisions, be it a village, or a district. They are commonly referred to as a suburb in Western language, and they are;

• Balintawak, Cagawasan, East Kibawe (Pob.), Gutapol, Pinamula, Kiorao, Kisawa, Labuagon, Magsaysay, Marapangi, Mascariñas, Natulongan
• New Kidapawan, Old Kibawe, Romagooc, Sampaguita, Sanipon, Spring, Talahiron, Tumaras, West Kibawe (Pob.), Bukang Liwayway, Palma

With such diversity in the region and over 30,000 lovely people to meet and talk to – why not come and visit us here in Kabawe? You will not regret it!

By: RG edmonton AB