Former lightweight and welterweight champion B.J. Penn hits the Philippines for a UFC press tour and open workout and is absolutely mobbed by thousands of adoring fans.

Here's what "The Prodigy" had to say about the reception he received:

"I wanna thank the fans for coming out and for loving the sport. It won't be long until there's a Filipino champion in the UFC."

Check out one more pic after the jump and head on over to Bloody Elbow to check out a complete gallery from the talented Anton Tabuena.