HE doesn’t have a world title at the moment but ring icon Manny Pacquiao remains a towering figure not only in the Philippines but the whole world.

Pacquiao, 29, underscored that status last October when he dominated and destroyed a Mexican boxing legend held in high esteem. For the second time in four years, Pacquiao beat Marco Antonio Barrera in a one-sided 12-round bout in Las Vegas, Nevada, winning by unanimous decision that further reinforced his billing as one of the hottest and most bankable fighters in the world today.

The victory, coming after Pacquiao disposed of Barrera in a sensational 11th round technical knockout in their 2003 meeting, may not involve a championship belt or even a gold medal, but enough to provide his countrymen another proud moment in the world of prizefighting.

And the Philippine Sportswriters Association, after honoring Pacquiao with the Athlete of the Year Award four times in the past, has named him this time as the recipient of the PSA President’s Award in the San Miguel Corporation-PSA Annual Awards Night next week at the SM Mall of Asia.

Sharing center stage with Pacquiao during the Feb. 16 rites are 2007 Athletes of the Year Nonito Donaire Jr. and Miguel Molina.

Pacquiao, named Athlete of the Year in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006, had also been nominated for the coveted individual award being handed out by the country’s oldest media organization composed of sportswriters from various national dailies and tabloids, along with golfer Frankie Minoza, young Grandmaster Wesley So and billiards player Ronnie Alcano.

Minoza, So and Alcano will receive major awards and will be among the personalities and entities to be honored during the two-hour long affair backed by Shakey’s, the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation, Accel, Raymundo’s Trophies and Sculptures (www.raymundosawards.com), Toby’s Sports, Tagaytay City mayor Bambol Tolentino, Air21 and broadcast live over DZSR Sports Radio 918.

Also to be given major awards are Mark Caguioa and Jascon Castro in pro and amateur basketball, and jockey Patti Dilema and champion horse Es Twenty Six in horse racing.

Receiving the Tony Siddayao Youth Excellene Awards are jungolfers Mia Legaspi and Marcel Puyat and the Philippine Junior Wushu Team.

All gold medal winners in the 24th Thailand Southeast Asian Games will be given citations, along with various individuals and entities.

The day-long affair begins with a photo exhibit open to the public as early as 10 a.m. Fans can also view the various sports memorabilia at the venue, courtesy of sports icons Pacquiao, Eric Buhain and Lydia de Vega-Mercado, among others.

A rock-dance concert and fashion show featuring Accel’s latest summer collection and swimwear will be held starting at noon before the actual awards ceremonies begin at 6 p.m.

The concert will be top-billed by reggae group Tropical Depression and Baguio-based band Session Road, with support from all-male dance group Abztract Dancers, and other rock groups Dream Kitchen, Pancake 80 and 52nd Street.