MANILA – President Benigno Aquino III welcomed Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire to Malacañang yesterday.

The Filipino boxing superstar called on Aquino at the presidential palace, fresh from his successful defense of his World Boxing Organization super bantamweight title against Mexican Jorge Arce last December 15.

Also on hand to welcome Donaire were Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ramon Carandang and Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte.

In an interview with media after the close to an hour meeting, Donaire, who described the President as “very chill”, said he and the President discussed the various plans and strategies he had lined up to improve the lives of Filipinos.

“In American words, we call him (President Aquino) very chill. He just has a very positive aura, he's just very relaxed and he talks about his ideas for the Philippines ,” Donaire said.

Donaire said he was awestruck at the eloquence, will and dedication of the President into fulfilling these ideas so that all Filipinos could rise above and become better people.

“This is one person na nakita ko talaga who just wants a good nation, wants our nation to improve. Makikita mo talaga from his words and from his demeanor and his emotions that he really loves this country and to me, it was such an honor that I was able to talk to him,” Donaire said.

He added the President also offered him advice particularly on his boxing career.

“Binigyan niya ako ng pointers as to – there is a beginning and there is an ending – and that when that time comes for me, especially in boxing, I should do (and decide) things the right way,” Donaire said.*PNA

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