Tight schedule for Marquez's 4-day stay in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — With the Manila Hotel serving as the official residence, Juan Manuel Marquez will arrive in the country Thursday morning along with his handlers and a powerhouse cast from Top Rank led by big boss Bob Arum.

Marquez and the other boxing bigwigs will be here for the kickoff leg of the four-city promotional tour for his Nov. 12 rubber match with Manny Pacquiao.

Manila is the first stop and the first press conference will be staged at the Quirino Grandstand this Saturday afternoon with Pacquiao and Marquez in attendance.

Marquez will be joined by his trainer Ignacio Beristain and two key members of his entourage — Raul De Anda and Plutarco Gatica — as well as top Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran and ace publicist Fred Sternburg.

After a short welcome with the airport media upon his arrival via Philippine Airlines, Marquez will be whisked to the Manila Hotel where he and the other dignitaries will be warmly welcomed.

In the afternoon, Marquez will pay a courtesy call to Manila mayor Alfredo Lim at the City Hall followed by a live interview on 24 Oras.

In the succeeding days, Marquez will meet with the Mexican ambassador to the Philippines, honor interviews from various talk show hosts and hear mass at the Manila Cathedral on Sunday.

Marquez is also set to attend a dinner that will be hosted by Solar Sports at the Midas Hotel and grace the World Pool Master at SM North Edsa.

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