MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The sun had barely risen, when Manny Pacquiao arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 from Los Angeles early morning Wednesday, December 12, with his wife Jinkee and members of his entourage.

Philippine Airlines flight PR 103, carrying Pacquiao and his party, arrived at 6:12 am, past its 5:55 am scheduled arrival time. Shortly after arrival, the boxing champion faced members of the media in a press conference.

“Babangon tayo uli (we will rise again),” Pacquiao told the media. Looking relaxed and constantly smiling, he thanked his family, supporters, and even his colleagues in Congress.

Vice President Jejomar Binay led the welcoming party.

Pacquiao told the media that he plans to enter the ring again by April. But his wife said if they had their way, there will be no more fights in the future.

“No comment nga ako… [pero] kung lahat sa pamilya kami tatanungin, ayaw na namin,” Jinkee told GMA News.

Freshly knocked out by his arch rival Juan Manuel Marquez Jr., Pacquiao came home with his second consecutive loss of 2012, following his controversial defeat against American boxer Timothy Bradley.

It is his first back-to-back loss ever.

From the airport, Pacquiao and his group headed straight to Midas Hotel for a brief press conference where media awaited his arrival.

Pacquiao’s loss to Marquez was as stunning as they come. He was leading in unofficial scorecards and appeared to control the fight until he was caught by a short right, and lost by way of knockout in the 6th round, Pacquiao’s first since 1999. 

The devastating defeat saw Pacquiao crying on television and apologizing to his Filipino fans for the letdown. 

Despite doubts among analysts if Pacquiao still has it in him to fight, Pacquiao has said he does not plan to retire.

Upon his departure just 2 days after his loss on Monday night, December 10 local time, Pacquiao was mobbed by fans at the airport.

He reportedly told supporters before getting on the plane, “We’ll rise again.” – Rappler.com