MANILA, Philippines -- It was the ''Idols''' who came to worship that night -- at the feast of a boxing god.

Two nights before their sold-out concert in Manila, American Idol stars David Cook and David Archuleta dropped by for a ''meet-and-greet'' with Filipino ring hero Manny Pacquiao during a victory party held for the pound-for-pound king in Pasig City late Thursday.

Pacquiao took the mike for his own ''Idol'' moment later that night but didn't get to show off his vocal chops to the two Davids. The pop heartthrobs had left before The Pacman could sing some of his own recordings in front of a hundred-plus guests at the posh Corinthian Gardens home of former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis ''Chavit'' Singson.

But having international stars still wishing to see and be seen with Pacquiao, more than a week since his sensational knockout of Britain's Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, showed how the prizefighter's fame continues to shatter borders and expectations.

''Pretty cool!'' Archuleta told reporters as he and Cook stood next to Paqcuiao for a photo-op. ''I hope I don't get a black eye; I'd probably die.''

''We'll just try to say the right things so we don't get knocked out,'' Cook smiled. ''The chance to meet him is huge. I'm a big sports fan out to meet somebody like him who has done a lot for his country.''

Of the host Singson, Cook said: ''The guy really knows how to throw a party.''

Actor-concert producer Jomari Illana, who brought the Idols to Manila for last night's show at the Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City, said ''they just wanted to see Manny for a meet-and-greet.''

But Pacquiao sounded modest when asked later about his brief hob-knob with Cook and ''Archie.''

''I just welcomed them because it's their first time in the Philippines,'' he said

The Davids and their posses kept to a private room and remained out of the sight of most of the guests dining on the lawn, which included politicians, show biz celebrities, businessmen, and foreign diplomats.

The VIP guest list once more illustrated how Pacquiao's popularity, the mania over his ring exploits and rags-to-riches story, had long transcended his sport.

With a known intention to re-enter politics and run for congressman of Saranggani province in 2010, he certainly attracted a growing circle of potential endorsers on Thursday night -- though at times one wondered who's really feeding off whose clout.

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos said, ''I'm so proud of him because he's not only a great fighter but an intelligent, smart one.''

''Imeldific'' came with her son, Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.

Singson, a longtime patron of the boxer, described Pacquiao as someone who ''has never changed even after becoming famous.''

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez was seen asking Pacquiao for an autograph. At least three tables at the buffet party were ''Reserved for Ambassadors.''

Dropping in were Sen. Manny Villar (cooling off after another bruising day in connection with a road project controversy hounding him at the Senate), and also Senators Gringo Honasan and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Movie stars Eddie Gutierrez, Cesar Montano, and Ricky Davao also came to the party.

Later in the evening, Pacquiao The Recording Artist took to the terrace facing the diners (where magicians and several singers had earlier performed), as though to prove who was the last Idol standing.

At one point, he tried to perk up the crowd by teasing composer Lito Camo, who wrote Pacquiao's songs and was among the musicians playing at the party, to give away P10,000 in cold cash as an incentive for ''audience participation.''

The Pacman's repertoire included his patriotic, underdog-themed Filipino tracks, Alice Cooper's ''I Never Cry,'' and John Lennon's ''Imagine'' -- the last he sang in a duet with Davao.