BARCELONA, Spain (The Adobo Chronicles, Barcelona Bureau) – King Felipe VI of Spain has issued a proclamation making Filipino boxer and Senator Manny Pacquiao a “Distinguished Adoptive Son” of his country.

The monarchy issued the order just a day after Pacquiao’s loss to Cuban Yordenis Ugás in their title bout in Las Vegas, Nevada. It follows Pacquiao’s own admission that he is half-Spanish.

King Felipe said that despite his loss to Ugás, Pacquiao has brought pride and honor to the people of Spain.

An order for a Distinguished Adoptive Son grants Pacquiao all the benefits of a full-fledged Spanish citizen and will always be met with a red carpet reception whenever he visits the Spanish Palace.

¡Felicidades, Manny!