The Heart ofEMMANUEL D. Pacquiao

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Who Is That Pacman?By Victoria V. Ferro

Photo: Willy Avila

COVER STORY

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The Pacquiao Family: (Clockwise, from left) Jemuel, Michael, Manny, Princess, Queen Elizabeth and Jinkee

Photo: Ferdie Singh

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because of its violent nature. Its just not a pretty sport. And while I did appreciate its rigorous discipline having practiced the sport recreationally, what really piqued my interest in the sport is the rise of the remarkable young Filipino who fought his way to the pinnacle of the boxing world; to imaginations of people everywhere. The unassuming probinsyano who first hailed from the mountains of Mindanao rising to become the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, the highest possible accolade in the sport of boxing.

Fast forward to December 2008, the memories of Mano-a-Mano still fresh, I watched the Pacman vs. Oscar De La Hoya fight live on Solar Sports cable at a Tagaytay Highlands venue while enjoying a sumptuous Chinese lauriat. Not even the delicious food could distract me from giving full attention first to the HBO 24/7 documentaries that aired before the fight, and then to the fight itself.

Ironically, the ominous pre-fight threats of the larger, more famous Golden Boy to take Pacquiaos heart came to nothing in the ring, where Pacquiao fairly reduced him to a catatonic walking punching bag. While I took no pleasure from the beautiful Golden Boys punishment, which one commentator called a reconfiguration of De La Hoyas handsome face, and another called an annihilation, I was jubilant at Pacmans resounding victory over this erstwhile Goliath.

My prayers, together with millions of Filipinos were answered. Pacquiaos superstar status in the global boxing arena was now cemented and his name catapulted into the mainstream of world sports. Against great odds, Pacman overpowered a living legend, and effectively helped to end his illustrious boxing career. But he did it with his characteristic class and style.

Pacquiao, who refuses to trash talk his opponents, and who will not make public predictions of who will win fights in which he competes, other than to say, Only God knows, assured De La Hoya rather sweetly after the Golden Boys trainer threw in the towel before the 9th round, Im sorryYoure still my idol. An endearing gesture from the man who at that very moment not only strengthened his position as the best boxer in the world, but also supplanted the Golden Boy as the sports biggest box office draw.

Growing Global AppealPacquiaos public appeal grew tremendously in the process of

I bought the tickets on a lark, a birthday gift to a friend. It was in July, 2006 when I scored upper box seats to the Manny Pacman Pacquiao vs. Oscar Chololo Larios, the Mano-a-Mano fight at the Araneta Coliseum. It would be the first time I would see the Pacman fight in the flesh.

The stage was set that day with one Filipino boxer after another defeating their Mexican opponents, inspired in their home turf, each winning fight bringing the moment closer to the main event.

When the time came for Pacquiao to meet Larios in the ring, it was clear that these two warriors fought at a level higher than any of the other fighters who fought before them that day. Every powerful punch reverberated through the Big Dome; the impact on the muscle, sinews and bone heard with great resonance through the space, and even from a distance, the spewing of blood, sweat and spit. This was a tough fight.

My friend and I cheered ourselves hoarse every time Pacman connected with a punch. And when he took a hit, we winced. Our bodies moved in our seats as if we were in the ring ourselves, punching and ducking. Adrenalin rush. It was a blistering 12-round fight to the finish. Both men took a beating, but especially the Mexican. Larios was knocked down twice, first in the 7th round and then again in the 12th round, but got back up both times, the second time, smiling.

Pacman was named the victor by unanimous decision. Larios, the Jericho Rosales look-alike, was a victor too in his stubborn unwillingness to stay down. I cheered for him too, the valiant underdog who defied expectations by going the whole distance. But my loudest cheers were for Pacman who successfully defended his IBC international superfeatherweight title that day.

Before July 6, 2006 I did not know that a spectator sport could be more electric, exhilarating and exciting than the best entertainment events. Theres simply no comparison. Boxing has got to be one of the most grueling, brutal, precise and taxing sports around, requiring of champions extreme discipline, stamina, focus, courage, determination, as well as an excellent sense of strategy, clear-mindedness, a willingness to take risks, and most of all the readiness to make necessary sacrifices to achieve the highest levels in fitness, strength, speed and technique. Before this day, I wasnt too enamored of watching the sport perhaps

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preparing for the fight with De La Hoya. In the HBO 24/7 film series that had camera crews follow Pacman and Golden Boy everywhere they went for weeks before the fight, Manny exuded an aura of cool, lightness of mood, even joviality, courtesy; and kindness, always kindness. His brotherly affection towards his staff, Team Pacquiao, his coach, Tatay Freddie Roach, and his fans who visited the Wild Card gym was palpable.

Whether he is personally doing weigh-ins for his staff whom hes motivated to compete in a weight loss contest, or singing a duet on Videoke with his wife Jinkee, or giving away free thanksgiving turkeys to Filipino families and others in need, you get the sense that Pacquiao is happy, on an even keel, with the spontaneous propensity to smile that gentlefolk have.

Even on the day of the weigh- in, when Golden Boy stared down the Pacman in a threatening pose, you could not see a trace of aggression or hostility on the Filipinos face, nor of being even slightly intimidated. What I did see was a glint in the Pacmans eyes, as if he was buoyed by some secret strength.

As the day of the fight unfolded, we saw a drama in contrasts. Golden Boy was the picture of worry and dread as he marched with

tense and solemn demeanor with his entrance parade towards the ring, seemingly very focused on his thoughts, unmindful of those around him.

By contrast, from the Pacmans entrance parade emerged a fighter fully at ease, joyful, excited, and open, greeting people as he went, very aware of those around him. If he had any qualms, reservations, fears or anxiety of any sort in that hour, he did not show it, not for a moment, not outside the ring, and certainly not inside it.

In this manner, from outside of the ring as well as within, Pacquiao appeals to fans and followers with unique charisma and character unlike any other boxing star in history.

Outside the ring, Pacman is simply Manny, a friend to all, soft spoken, gentle, sometimes distracted because of so many people trying to get his attention, but once you have his attention, he is kind, courteous, open to conversation. If you didnt know he was a fighter, you would never guess it, because it would seem impossible that a shred of violence could dwell in this soft-spoken, gentle man. However,

the extreme fitness of his body -- 6% body fat in early April -- hints at the violence he inflicts on himself during training.

Outside the ring Pacman can be a friend even to his opponents, always respectful, such as with Ricky Hatton, the British pugilist whom Pacman will battle next on May 2nd, and who by contrast has not stopped talking about how he will certainly destroy Pacquiaos hopes of taking his Junior Welterweight Crown.

By contrast, Pacquiao is relatively silent, peaceful, unmoved by all the verbiage. During their promotional tour of the UK in late February, Pacquiao played a friendly game of darts against Hatton and lost quite good-naturedly demonstrating that it is possible to drum up attention for a fight in a fun, pleasant and friendly manner, sans the usual threats, insults, bashing and bravado.

Once he steps into the ring, it is a different matter altogether. Pacquiao transforms into Pacman, the Destroyer. He trains like a machine, relentless and disciplined, constantly pushing himself to go beyond physical limits. The Pacman internally expands in strength and stature in the ring, morphing into the most exciting boxer in the world, blessed with astonishing speed, exceptional strength, aggressive momentum, wielding precise boxing skills and techniques with two of the fastest, most powerful fists in boxing today. Moreover, he is unpredictable, a tremendous asset in the ring. Most significantly, Pacquiao exhibits raw courage, fearlessness, and passion that is breathtaking in a fight. You know with some decisions he risks even his life.

The Great Communicator

Indeed, Pacmans most eloquent speeches are those he makes in the ring, written both with his heart and with his fists. In the ring it seems he communicates to the world not merely his own message but a message from the nation he represents. Every blow echoes the fierce

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and indomitable warrior spirit of the Filipino. Every knockout a ringing promise that the Filipino nation will rise to conquer every obstacle to its greatness, silencing even its most cynical and malevolent critics. Every triumph of a new title won, an invitation for the world to watch and see, that as far as the Philippines is concerned, they havent seen anything yet of what this nation can do, of what this nation will be.

The truth is Manny Pacquiao is a very eloquent man, contrary to those who criticize his use of the English language. His own column titled Kumbinasyon [or Combination] numbers 140 published articles written under his byline since the first piece came out in the Abante newspaper and Philboxing.com on August of 2007. Taken together, this collection of very elegantly written letters expressed in the Filipino language, well convey the true nature of Pacquiao, his personality, identity, his hopes and dreams, his philosophy of life and faith, articulated in his own expression, his own words.

His columns which almost always begin with a courteous Kumusta (How are you?) for his readers, are rich in expression with the cordiality and consideration of Filipino culture.

Some of my favorite columns include Ang Kahalagahan ni Buboy Fernandez where he takes the time to appreciate his close friend and assistant trainer, Buboy Fernandez, a childhood friend from General Santos City who has grown with Manny into a truly excellent boxing trainer of world-class caliber and who functions as an absolutely important member of his own coaching team. Manny fondly remembers when he and Buboy as children both used to wear butas-butas na salawal, trousers with holes in them.

In Tsismis: National Pastime, Manny cleverly answers the many allegations that it is not actually he who writes the column, but ghostwriters; he also wittily responds to those who criticize his English and Tagalog language skills.

In Ang Aking Pinakamamahal: Jinkee Pacquiao, Manny describes his love for his family, and especially his deep and abiding appreciation for his wife Jinkee, whom he says has supported him all the way and has been a wonderful partner in the life of sacrifice that is a boxers wife.

His recent column on HBO 24/7 reveals how he thinks about being constantly followed by camera crews from HBO and GMA TV from the time he wakes up in the morning to the time he turns in at night. He poignantly reminisces about the time he and his family were very poor and essentially invisible. In those days no one paid attention to them and their needs, but now he is filmed even while brushing his teeth.

In Kahalagahan ng Sports and other columns where Manny writes about fellow boxers, his strong dedication to fully supporting Filipino boxers and Filipino sports in general is very apparent. In one such column he wrote of how he spent some time watching young boxers in an amateur boxing tournament in order to bring them inspiration. He wrote that they too can excel at the highest levels with hard work, sacrifice, discipline and dedication, adding Tiyak Yun! which means Thats Certain!

In Napakasarap Mag-aral Manny talks about his love for learning, and the great value he places on education. He remembers the years when he had to stop his schooling to help his family make ends meet. In

those days he longed to go to school like other youth but could not. Now he is thoroughly enjoying pursuing his studies in Business Management at the Notre Dame University in Dadiangas.

Finally, in Pangunahing Misyon sa Buhay Manny divulges the real reasons why he has decided to retire soon and enter politics. In his own words:

Nabanggit ko rin po sa media kamakailan na marahil tatlong laban na lang ang nalalabi sa aking boxing career at maaring magretire na ako sa taong 2009 hindi dahil sa desisyon kong pumasok sa public service sa taong 2010. Opo, ginamit ko ang katagang public service at iniiwasan kong usisain ang pagpasok ko sa pelikula dahil marami na ang hindi natutuwa sa pagbigkas pa lamang ng salitang politics. Sa totoo lang po, ang aking pag-retire sa 2009 ay walang koneksyon sa aking pagpasok sa public service sa 2010.

(I told media recently that there are probably just three fights left in my career and I will retire in 2009, but not because I want to go into public service in 2010. Yes, I use the term public service, which could include my doing movies, because no one likes the word politics. My possible retirement in 2009 is not connected to my desire to enter public service in 2010.)

Dahil ito ang desisyon at mungkahi ng aking pamilya at mga malalapit na kaibigan, ang pagsasabit ng aking gloves ay dahil gusto kong magtapos ng pag-aaral, ma-enjoy ang aking pinaghirapan sa itaas ng ring at makasama ko ng lubos ang aking pamilya at mga anak na lumalaki na.

(It is the advice of my family and close friends, and I am hanging up my gloves because I want to finish my studies, to enjoy what I earned in the ring and to spend as much time as I can with my family, my growing kids.)

Ninanais ko pong tapusin ang aking career na ako pa rin ay nasa mataas na antas ng respeto sa ring at magreretire na kampeon. Ayaw ko pong magtapos ang aking career na kagaya ng ibang mga boxer na naging kampeon at nauwi lang na naghihirap sa huli ng kanilang buhay. Ang iba ay nagreretire na may pinsala sa katawan at pag-iisip at walang sapat na halaga ang kapalit nito.

Bukod dito, ang pinakapangunahing misyon ng aking buhay ay ang pagtulong sa aking mga naghihikahos na kababayan at ang pagpasok ko sa larangan ng public service ang magdudulot ng katuparan sa mithiing ito.

(I want to end my boxing career at the top of my game and retire a champion. I dont want it to end like other champions who ended up poor in their retirement years. Some have even retired with permanent injury to their bodies and minds. Nothing is worth this. My main mission in life is to help the poor, and to enter public service is the only way I can feel complete.)

Filipino Son

Mirroring his own words into what we witnessed of Manny in the HBO 24/7 film series first with De La Hoya, and now the new HBO 24/7 four-part series with Hatton (the first episode premiered April 11th) we need to understand that in seeking to get a handle on the essence of

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Manny Pacquiao, it is important to note that he is, first and foremost, very much a Filipino. That is to say, embodied in the Pacman is a set of qualities, characteristics, personality traits that can be identified as distinctly Filipino, that which essentially he has refused to be taken away from him. And unless you are a Filipino, or have lived in the Philippines for a long time and lived among Filipinos, you are not likely to comprehend this. But it is essential to understanding Pacquiao.

We observe from his column and in the HBO films that depict him, Emmanuel D. Pacquiao embodies several Filipino leadership ideals or characteristics discussed by author Ed Lapiz in his book Pagbabagong-Loob:

First is the concept of Husay or excellence. People can look to someone with husay as their hero because he is able to achieve excellence that other people, including they themselves have not. Clearly, Manny has achieved husay in the sport of boxing perhaps beyond any other human being in the planet at this time.

Second is Lakas, or strength, taken from the Filipino legend Malakas and Maganda, or The Strong and the Beautiful. Filipinos look for leaders that personify strength, which Manny reflects not only in his physical strength but also in his dramatic triumph over adversity.

Third is the concept of Kalooban, which has no direct translation in English, but which may be roughly translated as Soul. The ideal Filipino Soul is defined by character that is good, stable, solid, courageous, combining the strength of maleness and the compassion of femaleness in one person. If you are a Filipino, you will understand how Alex Ariza, Pacmans sparring, partner could call him a Juggernaut on one hand and on the other listen to how Manny speaks softly and affectionately about his mother in the HBO film. The Filipino Kalooban can contain strength and softness in perfect harmony.

Fourth is Paninindigan or roughly translated, Conviction. You have paninindigan if you are able to stand for what you think is right even if you are the only one left standing. Mannys conviction is seen in his commitment to a fight, no matter what the odds look like, no matter the naysayers.

Fifth is Pakiramdam, that is Sensitive to and able to perceive other peoples thoughts, feelings, needs. In Kumbinasyon, Manny anticipates and responds to his fans and followers unspoken concerns and questions, discerns their interests and addresses them. When Manny says that he feels hurt when the country is in strife, turmoil and trouble, he is sensitive to the people of the country, he is nakikiramdam.Sixth is Pakikisama or Pakikipagkapwa-tao which is probably Manny Pacquiaos most obvious Filipino trait. This is actually a very sublime and profound concept that means I am also my fellow man. If he suffers misfortune, I suffer misfortune. His wound is my wound. His triumph is my triumph.

Despite his great wealth and ability to live anywhere in the world he likes, in any type of home he likes, Manny chose to build a mansion near the slums where he grew up, surrounded by family and friends. He has contributed much to the community in General Santos City and except for the armed guards and staff that accompany him everywhere, he relates easily and normally to the people in the community as one of their own. You note from this choice that Manny identifies himself

as part of a larger community, one that he has been a part of since his youth. He does not distance himself from them after his triumphs, but rather includes them in its rewards.

Indeed non-Filipino viewers of the HBO film series might have been perplexed by the way the Pacman chose to live while training in Los Angeles. He is very well able to afford a luxurious apartment and stay there in quiet solitude to rest and recover after every training session. But no, Manny chooses to be with his Filipino staff, the male-dominated Team Pacquiao, a very large high-spirited posse that resembles a den of brothers more than a place where a boxing star and his staff live. They eat together, sing together, play darts together, try to get into shape together, and are pretty much always together, mirroring the dynamics of traditional Filipino families.

In vintage pre-colonial style, Manny is the boss of the group, but he does not lord it over them, he is one among them, he cares for them and guides them. Wherever they go, the group brings with them a visceral cocoon of cultural familiarity that Filipinos recognize instantly. Pacquiao thrives in the warm, festive, sometimes chaotic, environment of living with his posse in Los Angeles, and with his extended family in General Santos City. To live apart from such camaraderie and familial bonding would probably be very uncomfortable for Manny, and likely not be the optimal environment for him when preparing for a big fight.

Probably the ultimate expression of Pakikipagkapwa-tao is Pakikiisa, which means unity. You and I are one. The Pacman demonstrates this by his very clear understanding of his unique burden or calling. He is keenly aware that his triumphs as a boxer actually impact the unity of our nation. He is one with the Filipino nation. His triumph is our triumph. This awareness motivates him to sacrifice and do his utmost to win for his country.

Seventh is Malasakit, Roughly, that means to care authentically for another, and to be willing to do something about it. It can also mean being willing to undergo suffering or sacrifice in order to help another. Ronnie Nathanielsz, a veteran sports reporter who has followed Pacquiaos career since 1995, heard Manny say when he was just 16 years old that he aimed to serve in public office one day so that he could help the poor. In fact, he dedicated much of his youth to helping his family out of poverty. He endured the sacrifices necessary in the sport to attain financial security for himself and significantly for his family. He has since cast the net of his philanthropy much wider, contributing to various causes such as sports development, education and hospital facilities that treat cancer patients. He is constantly finding ways to help other people as part of a culture where value is measured not by what one has, but by what one gives away.

Eighth is Galing or power or super-humanness. Filipinos value leaders who not only interact, empathize and communicate well, but also if possible have some connection with the spiritual world. Like Fernando Poe, Jr. as Panday, or Ramon Revilla as Nardong Putik, or even Corazon Aquino as herself, Filipino leaders in our myths and legends always had a mystical power or a source of power. Part of Pacquiaos persona as he grows in popularity as a world figure is his reputation of being somewhat of a mystic. He professes a deep love

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and intimate relationship with God whom he claims actually speaks or has spoken directly to him. He has attributed every single triumph and success he has achieved in and out of the ring to the blessing of God. Apart from God, he fears nothing. I believe that this concept of galing through authentic divine connection is an important key to the heart of Pacquiao.

Ninth is Kabanalan which can be translated as pag-ibig sa bayan or love of country. Manny loves the Philippines so much he is unwilling to change residency or citizenship. He does not see himself living anywhere else. He does not want his children to grow up anywhere else. He is still intent on helping poor people through public service, more so when he retires from boxing. From how he speaks of the Philippines, you can perceive that his love for her, and especially her poor and disenfranchised, is very deeply felt.

His love for the country is very much tied to his love for its beauty in nature. Few people know that Manny grew up in the mountains of the Saranggani province in a place called Miyasong; or that he once lived by the sea. He is currently Chairman of the Task Force Luwas Kinaiyahan (Saving Mother Nature) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the whole Mindanao region. He took the position as it gives him the opportunity to help protect the forests and mountains of Mindanao. He is inspired by our pre-colonial hero, Lapu-lapu, whom he says fought to protect our land.

Finally, there is Katapatan or Integrity. To the public eye, this is probably one aspect where the Pacman is most imperfect. Most recently, many Filipinos were disenchanted by Mannys alleged negotiations

with ABS-CBN, which were meant to supplant his earlier agreement with Solar Sports and GMA TV. He was accused of greed and failing to keep his word. Filipinos, after all, still have a culture of orality. The spoken word is important to the Filipino culture. When a word or verbal promise is not kept, the Filipino loses heart. Many people lost heart with Manny after the recent network wars over him. In fairness to Manny, we dont know what really happened. Different stories abound. It is easy to see how he can get confused with his many advisers. I can imagine how he can, like any businessman, want to get a better deal, get access to more reach, better coverage. The important thing is at the end of the day, Manny chose to honor his commitment to Solar Sports and GMA, even apologized profusely to its respective CEOs. Felipe Gozon of GMA said Manny is to be admired for his humble act of contrition, which he says is remarkable for a man of his world stature.

Indeed his close friend and mentor, former governor and now deputy national security adviser Chavit Singson, can not get over how exceedingly good super bait and humble Manny is and continues to be, which he says is very rare for someone who has entered into the realm of money, fame and power that the champion has.

He has won world titles in four weight divisions. He is the only Filipino and only Boxer who has made it to the list of 203 Finalists for Time magazines 100 Most Influential People list. At one point, he was ranked 2nd on the list but now has slipped to 22nd. [Voting continues at Time.com.] Even global superstars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Kobe Bryant are fans of the Pacman. They make the trip to visit him at the WildCard Gym in Los Angeles. Mark Wahlberg, Hollywood star and Producer of HBO Hit series the Entourage, raves about Pacman during one of his visits in a GMA news video interview dated April 13, 2009: Hes the best in the world pound-for-pound possibly of all time. Hes

Dyan Castillejos and Ronnie Nathanielsz interview Manny before his departure to London

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so fast, powerful and most importantly, hes such a nice humble guy outside of the ring.

Mystic WarriorI used to think it must have been Mannys humble roots that have

helped him to maintain such groundedness in the face of previously unimaginable fortune. After all, here is a young man who as a boy helped his family make ends meet by selling donuts or cigarettes, and would sometimes sleep on cardboard on the streets, just like many of the poor homeless destitute we see around Metro Manila.

But now I am certain the reason is much more than his impecunious beginnings, for it is possible for people who start out poor then come into wealth to change their values and attitudes toward their fellow men. Im convinced that the very essence and heart of Pacquiao lies in his deep and authentic spirituality. It is a spirituality that is not merely inherited from the lessons of a religious mother, which his vibrant and colorful mother, Aling Dionisia certainly gave him. It is a spirituality rooted in a true abiding relationship with the divine. There is no other way to explain how he can remain peaceful, calm and joyful on the edge of risking his life. No other way to explain how he of all people would be the one to calm all his fans from De La Hoyas threats to destroy him by publicly saying on global television: Why are you so anxious? Its as if you dont believe God. There is no need to be anxious. God is in control.

I could say many more things about Pacquiao, perhaps compare him to Jose Rizal, who though he wielded a pen rather than his fists, had many similarities to the Pacman. Rizal was also not very tall, but multi-gifted, loved music, himself practised boxing with his cohorts, also liked

to sport a moustache, and also became a unifying symbol to the Filipino nation in the late 1800s. I can talk about Pacmans many interests and pursuits such as basketball and darts and politics. But from the one-on-one interview I was privileged to have with the Pambansang Kamao February 26th at the Shang Palace of the Makati Shangri-la Hotel, the night before he flew to the UK for his promotional tour with Hatton, Pacquiaos mind was focused only on one thing.

It is the thing that if you mine the depths of the mans heart and mind, and take everything away from him, even his own life, would still remain. He says it is God himself. He agrees that it is this ineffable divine connection which is like what King David in the Bible had that gives him the strength to defeat his Goliaths.

Indeed Pacquiaos faith is not lost on his observers around the world. Gareth Davies, the respected UK sportswriter in his article Pacquiao has God and a Million Filipinos on His Side (posted on UK Telegraph.Co.UK on April 1, 2009) writes about Pacquiaos growing stature as a world figure and increasing public perception that the fighter is also a mystic.

Which isnt surprising since he comes from a country rife with mysticism and spirituality. I wonder if he isnt a mystic somewhat akin to Teresa of Avila or St. John of the Cross or even St. Ignatius of the Catholic tradition. He openly shares that God speaks to him directly. He recalls to one journalist of one instance that God spoke to him in a dream Son, why are you distancing yourself from Me? Anak, bakit ka lumalayo sa akin? Manny woke up in tears. The champion openly confesses his flawed humanity and imperfection, which in his acceptance, magnifies his love and devotion to his perfect loving God. He admits it is only God who determines who is blessed inside the ring.

It is this devotion that has kept Pacquiao grounded and able to pass the character test of success. His deep knowledge and awareness of Gods love for him anchors his response of love for God, love for His creation, love for country and love for his fellow man. It is this same knowledge that fuels the amazing faith that has brought him from sleeping in cardboard boxes in the streets to being catapulted into the global arena as the worlds greatest living boxer. And in this position, Pacquiao has gained the greatest platform and opportunity, even if only for given seasons, to galvanize the attention of an otherwise divided global Filipino nation to an incredible focused unity.

I venture to say that this tried and tested faith, the faith that prioritizes ones relationship with God above all else is that same faith that dares to dream audaciously, the same faith that demolishes every obstacle to greatness and destiny, the same faith that never attributes glory to oneself but only to the Object of ones faith. It is the same faith that Pacquiao received and absorbed as a little child, and which only grew stronger and permeated deeper through the rough vicissitudes of his life. It is Object of Pacquiaos faith that is his very source, center and inspiration. His being is so full of the Substance of this faith, that he cant help convey Him to any one who would listen. Dont tell God that you have a problem. Tell your problem that you have a big God.

When asked what dreams he had left to fulfill aside from helping his fellow man, he said that his one remaining goal would be to leave this earth with his heart not distanced from the God that he loves.

The champ strikes a pose with the writer.

Pacman, FaithmanOne-on-One Interview with Manny PacquiaoMakati Shangri-la Hotel Shang Palace RestaurantBy Victoria V. Ferro

Photo: Ferdie Singh

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Victoria:Anchor mo yon, di ba, ang faith? Ever since ba yon? [Thats your anchor, isnt it? Your faith? Have you had it for a long time?] Was it something you got from your mother?

Manny:Ever since we were young, our mother taught us how to pray before we eat, after we eat, before we sleep, every time we wake up in the morning. Tinuturuan ka niya so talagang very thankful kami sa mother namin kasi pinalaki niya kami na may faith sa God. [She taught us that way so we are truly very thankful to our mother because she brought us up with faith in God.]

Victoria:Tapos, I notice in all your fights before you even step in the ring you pray then whatever happens after you pray, ano yung mga pinepray mo? [What do you pray for?]

Manny:During my fight, before my fight, I pray to God na sana iligtas niya ako sa kapamahakan. At siya na ang bahala. Pinauubaya ko sa kanya ang lahat. Akoy isang tao lamang at nasa kanya ang pagbabasbas para manalo.

[During my fight, before my fight, I pray to God to keep me from harm. And that I trust Him to be in control. I give everything to Him. I am just a human being and the blessing to win comes from Him.]

Victoria:Meron bang kinakatakutan ang isang Manny Pacquiao? [Does a Manny Pacquiao have any fears?]

Manny:Ang tangi ko lang kinakatakutan ay ang Panginoon. Except that, wala na. kasi kung nakakaramdam ka ng takot, itanung mo sa sarili mo kaagad, bakit ka kinakabahan? Yung faith mo sa God hindi talaga 100%. Pag kinakabahan ang tao, ang faith niya sa God hindi talaga 100%.

[I am afraid of only one thing and that is God. Other than God, I fear nothing. Because if you feel fear, ask yourself right away, why do you feel fear? That means your faith in God is not 100%. If a person gets nervous, that means that persons faith in God is not 100%.]

Victoria:You really remind me of David in the Bible, of the story of David and Goliath. Your fights are reminiscent of that story, especially with the way you talk. Im just telling you that Im inspired and many people are inspired because you have the David kind of faith, a man after Gods own heart. Would you agree?

Victoria:Maraming maraming salamat [Thank you very much] Manny, on behalf of Pinoy Global Access magazine Many readers of PGA are more interested in the Manny whos not really the boxing Manny, but rather the other side of Manny Pacquiao. You are the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. What do you think are the qualities that set you apart from other boxers?

Manny:I think I have the blessing from God and because of my sacrifices. I am dedicated to my career. Thats why I deserve everything I have achieved.

Victoria:So talagang [truly] super hard work.

Manny:[Nods] Hard work and belief in God.

Victoria:You really have so much faith in God. Like with your De La Hoya fight, lahat ng tao sobrang kabang-kaba. [Everybody was very anxious and nervous.] I watched you in the documentary of HBO and you said Huwag kayo mabahala. Para namang wala kayong tiwala sa Diyos. [Dont worry. If you worry its as if you have no trust in God.] Where did that come from, Manny? That faith?

Manny:I always believe that without God we cannot do anything in this world, in this planet. You have to believe God and do something for God. Then youll be successful.

Victoria:Was there an incident when you were young? Nung batang-bata ka pa [When you were very young] did you have that faith already?]

Manny:When I was young, we had to go to school and study but because talagang mahirap lang kami even my mother walang trabaho, my father also. Kaya hindi ko natapos ang pag-aaral ko. After that, I decided to box kahit mahirap sa loob ng mama ko, napilitan ako because wala kaming pera, walang trabaho. Start nun, dun na ang simulanapamahal na sa akin yung boxing. Tapos nung napamahal na sa akin yun boxing, lagi kong dinadasal kay Lord na sana sa pamamagitan ng boxing, maiahon ko at matulungan ko ang mga magulang ko.[When I was young, we had to go to school and study but because we were poor, my father and mother had no jobs, I wasnt able to finish school. After that I decided to box even if my mother didnt like it. I was forced to because we had no money, no jobs. From there started my love for boxing. Then when I came to love boxing, I kept praying to the Lord my wish that I could, through boxing, be able to help my family, my parents out of poverty.]

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RVFManny:I agree. Talagang naniniwala ako kasi like me Im always inspired because I believe God. Kaya lagi akong inspired dahil sa kanya.[I agree. I really believe that. Im always inspired because I believe God. God is my source of constant inspiration.]

Victoria:Kaya ka masaya palagi?[Is that why youre always happy?]

Manny:Ya! Because I have a great God. Sabi ko nga sa kanila [Thats why I say] dont tell God you have a big problem. Tell your problem that you have a great God.

Victoria:Wow, I saw you say that in the HBO 24/7 documentary with De La Hoya and it was amazing. You sounded like you were preaching, like an evangelist. It was fantastic.

Gaanong katotoo yung movieIm sure a lot of people are asking this, lalo na abroad. How close is it to reality, the movie about you, yung sa Star Cinema, yung starring Jericho?[How close to the truth was the movie that Star Cinema produced on your life, starring Jericho (Rosales)?]

Manny:Actually, alam mo, yung movie na yun nasa 15% lang yung totoo dun. TalagangI mean 15%, out of 100%, 15% lang ang totoo.[You know with that movie, only 15% of the movie was true.]

Victoria:Ok. So youre not very happy with it then.

Manny: [Shakes his head and doesnt look happy.]

Victoria:Oh okay, thats good. Im curious about that part in the movie na nagbabasa ka ng [when you were reading the book] Purpose-Driven Life, totoo ba yon [did that really happen]? And did reading the book really have an impact on you?

Manny:Purpose-Driven Life [nods] yes. Talagang malaking tulong non. Maganda! Mapaiyak ka! [Yes that book was a great help to me. It was beautiful. That book will make you cry!

Victoria:Is there a particular chapter or merong isang kasabihan dun na talagang hit you in particular sa libro na yon?

[Is there a particular chapter or statement in that book that really struck you?]Manny:Dami! Halos lahat dun matamaan ka dun sa ano. Nagbabasa ka ba nun?[A lot! Almost everything in that book had an impact on me. Do you read that book?]

Victoria:Opo! Kasi I actually worked with Purpose-Driven Life before.[Yes, because I actually worked with Purpose-Driven Life before.]

Manny:Aaah! [with interest]

Victoria:Are you really the one who writes yung mga piesa sa Philboxing? Is it really you who writes those pieces?[Are you really the one who writes the columns with your byline on Philboxing.com?]

Manny:Yung mga articles ko? Yung Kumbinasyon? [He nods with a smile.][You mean my articles? Kumbinasyon? (the name of his column in Abante)]

Victoria:Galing naman, Im so impressed talaga. [You write very well. Im truly impressed.] There you said something about Lapu-lapu being one of your inspirations, can you talk about that?

Manny:Si Lapu-lapu kasi nakipaglaban yun kay Magellan. Hero natin yun kasi binantayan niya yung lugar nating lahat.[Lapu-lapu had the courage to fight Magellan. He is our hero because he guarded our land.]

Victoria:Kung di po kayo nakatira dito, where would you live? Where would you want to live? Is there a country you would prefer to live other than this country?

Manny:Wala. Dito talaga ako.[No other place. This is where I will stay.]

Victoria:Would you ever change your citizenship? Would you ever consider that? If you were offered it?

Manny:[Shakes his head.]

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Victoria:Ganun ninyo kamahal ang Pilipinas? [Thats how much you love the Philippines?]

Manny:[Nods his head, with a sound that means yes and a peaceful smile on his face.] Kung nagchange pa ako, kinuha ko na yung Green Card ko. [If I wanted to change citizenship, I would have gotten my Green Card already.]

Victoria:Your children can study anywhere. But I heard you decided and said, Gusto ko dito sila mag-aral kasi ayaw kong mawala ang pagka-Pilipino nila.. [I want them to study here because I dont want them to lose their sense of being Filipino.] Can you say a little bit more about that?

Manny:Puede ko silang pag-aralin sa Amerika, kaya lang gusto ko sila dito mag-aral kasi ayaw kong mawala sa kanila yung ugaling Pilipino. Kasi kahit na dugong Pilipino ka pero dun ka naman lumaki sa Amerika, hindi ka pa rin Pilipino kasi yung ugali mo Amerika na.[I can give them an education in America, but I prefer that they study here in the Philippines because I dont want them to lose their Filipino values. Thats because even if you have Filipino blood in you but you grow up in America, you wont be Filipino anymore in the sense that your values and behavior will be American already.]

Victoria:Happy naman po kayo sa education nila sa Brent? Okay naman kayo don?[Are you happy with the education your children are getting from Brent School? Are you okay with it?]

Manny:Happy naman. Ok naman. [with a smile][Yes I am happy with them. They are okay.]

Victoria:Gaano kaimportante sa inyo ang pagiging Pilipino po ninyo?How important is your Filipino identity to you?

Manny:Alam mo napakahalaga sa akin ang pagiging isang Pilipino dahil unang-una, akoy Pilipino. At saka ayokong magkagulo ang bansa natin. Ayoko kasi nasasaktan ako. Kasi buhay natin yan eh. Kasama sa buhay natin. Pero baka magtaka ka kung bakit ko masasabing ang tinitirhan natin ay kasama sa buhay natin. Ma-explain ko ng mabuti yan. Baka tanungin nila ano ang koneksyon ng tinitirhan natin sa buhay natin di ba? Yan ang hindi alam ng mga tao.[You know being Filipino is so very important to me. In the first place, Im Filipino and I dont want any problems or issues to beset our country.

I dont like it because it hurts me. Because that is our life. What happens to our nation is part of our lives. People might wonder how I can say that the place we live in is part of our lives. I can explain that very well. People might ask what is the connection between the place we dwell and our lives. That is what people dont know.]

Victoria:How do you see yourself as a Filipino, compared to, say, mga Mexicans, mga Americans, and other nationalities?

Manny:Alam mo merong mga mabait, merong hindi naman masyado. Pero walang ibang katulad talaga ang Pilipino.[You know there are people who are good, some who are not so good. But Filipinos are a breed apart. Filipinos are truly unique.]

Victoria:You are continuing with your university studies, right? Saan po? [Where?]

Manny:Notre Dame University

Victoria:What are you studying po?

Manny:Business Management.

Victoria:Its interesting kasi obviously napaka-successful ninyo na in the sense that if you dont want to study, you dont have to. So why are you pursuing your studies pa rin po?[Its interesting because obviously you are already very successful financially in the sense that if you dont want to study, you dont have to. So why are you pursuing your studies still?]

Manny:Even when I was young, I loved to go to school. I wanted to finish my school, my studies. Like what I said, mahirap lang kami noon. Kaya ngayon talagang pinagpatuloy ko ang pag-aaral ko para ma-manage ko rin ng tama yung pera kong pinagkakitaan sa boxing. Kaya management ang kinuha ko, business management.[Like what I said, we were very poor then. Thats why now I am continuing my studies so that I can also effectively manage the money Ive earned in boxing. This is the reason why I took up business management.]

Victoria:May relasyon din ho ba yun sa intentions niyo po to run for public office?[Does your studies relate to your intentions to run for public office?]

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Manny:Unang-una para di ka laiitin ng mga tao na wala kang pinag-aralan. Ang dahilan talaga ay para mai-manage ko yung kinita kong pera sa boxing.First of all its so that people wont be able to call me derogatorily as someone ignorant or without education. The real reason is so that I can manage my boxing earnings effectively.

Victoria:Kasi actually Im a documentarist. I so love that documentary that HBO did on you, that 24/7. What was it like for you that they were following you around na sinusundan kayo saan man? Sa loob ng kuwarto, etc I mean what was that experience like?[Im actually a documentarist and so I loved that 24/7 documentary HBO made on you. What was it like for you when you were being followed and filmed everywhere you went? What was that experience like?]

Manny:Okay lang. I mean masaya ako dahil sinusundan ka ng mga ganyan kahit saan ka magpunta. Eh ang iba tinatawag pa sila para sundan, di ba? Naiintindihan ko yan dahil kasama yan, bahagi yan ng tagumpay.[It was fine with me. I mean I was happy that I was being followed everywhere by these people. For others, they have to call people to follow them, right? (Manny smiles as if to appreciate his good fortune.) I understand the attention because thats all part and parcel of success.]

Victoria:Were you happy with the final product? Nung napanood ninyo? Yung documentary? [When you got to watch it? The documentary?] Did you like it? Were you pleased?

Manny:OO. Nagustuhan ko. Gustong-gusto ko. Kasi maganda ang pagkagawa.[Yes. I liked it. I really really liked it. Because the film was very well made.]

Victoria:So compared to the Jericho Rosales film, versus this one, you really like the documentary more.

Manny:Siyempre. Kasi kung ano yung mga ginagawa mo[Of course. Because whatever it is that you are doing]

Victoria:Yun talaga yon.

[Thats exactly what they show.]

Manny:Yun talaga.[Thats it exactly.]

Victoria:And ang ganda ng coverage nun about Freddie Roach and your relationship with Freddie. [The coverage on your relationship with Freddie Roach in that film was excellent.]Its really wonderful. So youre really close and hes like your father, in a sense.

Manny:[Smiles and nods. Yes.]

Victoria:Do you have any other passions aside from God and boxing that we dont know about?

Manny:I love to play basketballBasta mahilig ako sa sports.

Victoria:Para sa inyo po, what do you think are the things that matter most in life? Sa buhay po, ano ang pinakaimportante?

Manny:Alam mo ang una sa buhay ko, ang relasyon ko sa God. Alam mo relasyon sa God yun lagi pinakaimportante sa akin. Yun ang laging iniisip ko. Baka lumayo ako o gaano ba akong kalapit sa Panginoon? Hindi porket nagdadasal ka okay na yon. Kailangan palagi mong tanungin sa sarili mo, malapit ka ba sa Panginoon?[You know the first priority in my life is my relationship with God. For me the most important thing is always my relationship with God. That is what I am always thinking about. I ask myself, am I going further away from the Lord? Or how close am I to Him? It doesnt mean that just because you pray that everything is okay. You must always ask yourself, are you close to the Lord?]

Victoria:So, talagang totoo sa inyo ang intimate relationship with God?[So an intimate relationship with God is very real for you?]

Manny:Kailangan kasi tayong human may tinatawag tayong idol, hero natin, mahal natin pero sa akin iba. May hero ako, may mahal ako, may bida ako, ang Panginoon.[We need this relationship with God. We humans might call someone or something idol, hero or beloved but for me it is different. I have a hero, I have someone I love, I have an idol (or the winning protagonist in a story), and that is the Lord.]

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Victoria:Wow! Ang ganda [Thats beautiful.]

Manny:Lagi tayong nagsasabi sa mga tao, sa mga mahal natin sa buhay I love you. Sa Panginoon ba, nasabi mo na ba ang I love you? Tanungin kita, nasabi mo na bang I love you. Madalas mo bang sinasabing I love you?[We often tell people, the people that we love in life, I love you. Have you said the same thing I love you to the Lord? Let me ask you. Have you told the Lord I love you? How often do you say I love you to Him?]

Victoria:Ako pa. Oo. Yung mga iba po hindi ko po alam.[Me yes, I say that to the Lord. I dont know about other people though.]

Manny:Madalas pa nating sabihin sa kapwa natin I love you; I love you sa asawa natin.[We say I love you more often to other people, to our spouses.]

Victoria:Wala po akong asawa kaya si God lang talaga. (laughter)[I dont have a husband so its truly only God. (laughter)]

Manny:I love you God.

Victoria:Ano pong mga dreams do you have remaining. Kasi Im sure marami na po kayong nakamit. Youve reached so much of your goals already. What dreams do you have remaining for yourself, for your family, and for your country?

Manny:Ive really done my dream to my family na natulungan ko na silang lahat, even my brother and sisters, nabigyan ko na sila. Ang dream ko na lang, hindi ko naman lahat matutulungan, kaya kahit papaano gamitin niya ako para makatulong ako sa mga kapwa tao.[Ive already achieved my dream for my family. Ive helped all of them already, even my brother and sisters. Ive given to them already. My remaining dream, though I may not be able to help everybody, is that somehow God can use me to help others.]

Victoria:How about for yourself? Do you have any other dreams or goals you want to reach?

Manny:My dreams? (as if surprised by the question)Victoria:Yes! For you! Long term.Manny:Long term my dream is talagang ako ay mawala sa mundo na hindi ako malayo sa Kanya.[Long term my dream is for me to leave this world without distance from God.]

Victoria:Wow, ang ganda naman. [Wow thats so beautiful.]

Manny:Ang panaginip ko ay hindi ako malayo sa Kanya kasi lahat ng mga bagay na nakikita mo sa mundo, pansamantala lang yan. At panghabang buhay ang hindi mo nakikita.[My dream is that I will remain close to God because all the things you see in this world is temporary. What will last are the things you cant see.]

Victoria:Last question. Is there anything that the Filipino public does not know about Manny Pacquiao? Theres so much coverage about you already but is there something about you that people dont know?

Manny:Alam mo bihira ko sinasabi sa mga tao ito. Ang hindi nila alam na kaya palagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na Panginoon, Panginoon, magtiwala kayo kasi ang totoo niyan kailangan lahat ng tao wala sila dapat ialay sa buhay nila kundi ang Panginoon lang. Sino ba ang gumawa sa mundo? Sa ating daigdig? Di ba sa ating daigdig completo. Lahat ng nandyan na lahat. Completo. Sinong gumawa? Ang God. Di ba ang God? So sa Kanya tayo nanggaling, diba? Dapat maniwala ang mga tao, magtiwala sila sa Panginoon, matakot sila sa Lord. Ako? Billion of people sa buong mundo. Billions, di ba billion? Ilang billion?[You know its very rare that I tell people this. What people dont know is that the reason why I keep telling people God, God, trust in God is because that is truly what people need to do. They should give their lives to nothing or no one else but God alone. Who was it that made the world? Who created our planet? Isnt our world complete? Everything we need is there. Its complete. Who made it? God made it. Wasnt it God? So we come

1First Quarter 2009 PINOY GLOBAL ACCESS I

from him, dont we? That is my people need to believe in God, to trust in God, fear God. Me? There are billions of people in the whole world. Is it a billion? How many billions?]Victoria:6 yata e, 6 or 7 billion. [I think its about 6 or 7 billion.]

Manny:7 billion. Masuwerte ako dahil ako isa sa mga kinausap ng Panginoon. Sa billions of people, bihira ang tao na kinakausap ng Panginoon.[Out of 7 billion people, Im very fortunate because I am one of those rare individuals that the Lord has spoken to.]

Victoria:Ano ang sinabi niya sa iyo? [What did He say to you?]

Manny:Basta yung mga nasabi ko sa iyo nung mga nakaraan. May mga nasabi ako sa yo dun na sabi ng Panginoon.What I already spoke about earlier to you. I said some things to you that the Lord told me.

Victoria:Aaah okay. I will figure it out. [a bit lost]

Manny:Like nareviewin mo ha tulad ng sinabi ko na sa kanya mo ialay ang buhay mo. Siya lang ang nagiisang Panginoon natin. At yung ano ba ang relasyon mo kay God? Gaano ka bang kalapit sa God, diba? Minsan may tanong tayo, Gaano ka bang kalapit sa tao na yan? Sasabihin natin Close kami niyan. Diba, ginaganoon natin. Sa mother natin, father natin. Saan ka ba close, sa mother mo, sa father mo? A mas close ako sa father ko.. Pero ang tanong, gaano ka ba ka-close sa Panginoon?[Like I said earlier, it is to God that we should offer our lives. He is our one and only Lord. And what is your relationship with God? How close are you to God, right? Sometimes we ask the question How close are you to this or that person? We would say Were close. Isnt it we have these kinds of conversations? How about to our mother or father. Who are you closest to? Your mother? Your father? Oh Im closer to my father. But the question is, how close are you to the Lord?]

Victoria: Are you certain of your eternal parang kunyari lets say 50 years later tapos dumating si Jesus. Are you sure that you will be with God in heaven? Manny:Basta ako, God knows that I live my life like everyday is the last. I live

my life like everyday is the last. Anytime. Hindi ako kasi. Hindi ako natatakot. Kasi, isa lang ang bida ko, Siya. One God forever. Kahit anong sabihin nila. Sabihin nila, mga tao nagkakasala naman tayoNagkakasala naman tayo tapos paulit-ulit nagkakasala tayo pero alam mo ang katawan natin madalas nagkakasala pero kailangan pag nagkakasala ka, sa mind mo. Pagnagkakasala ka, nagkakasala ka sa mind mo at sa puso mo. Kailangan ang sa puso mo pa rin, andyan ang Panginoon, sa mind mo, andyan ang Panginoon. Pagkakasala mo sa katawan lang yan, iwanan natin yan Inaamin ko nagkakasala ako. Araw-araw nagkakasala tayong lahat. Nagkakasala ako oras-oras pero ang puso ko its deep in my heart and in my mind, wala ng iba kundi ang Panginoon lang. Yun lang talaga. Kaya, bakit ka matatakot? Kung gusto mo nang kunin ako, wala akong magagawa, basta ikaw ang bida ko Di ba?[God knows I live my life like everyday is my last. Anytime He can take me. Im not afraid because I have only one hero, and thats God. One God forever. Whatever people say, as people we will have our faults, we will sin. We may sin over and over. We know our bodies often sin, our minds often sin. And when we sin, we sin in our minds and hearts. What is needful is that in our hearts, God is there, and in our minds, God is there. If we sin in our bodies, lets leave that behind. I admit I sinEveryday we all sin. I sin every hour but but deep in my heart and in my mind, theres nothing and no one else but God, the Lord. Thats it and nothing else! So why should I be afraid? If God wants to take me, I cant do anything. But no matter what, He is my hero, right?]

Victoria:Maraming salamat. Alam ninyo po, you remind me talaga of David. Kasi si David rin po, nagkasala diba? Pero sabi ni God, ang tawag ni God sa kanya, a man of faith, a man after Gods own heart. So kahit nagkasala siya, yun pa rin ang paningin niya, talagang a man after His own heart.Thank you so much. You know you really remind me of David. Even if David sinned, in the eyes of God, he was a man after His own heart.

Manny:Hindi sinasabi ng Panginoon na maging perfect kang tao. Ang kailangan lang niya ay marunong kang magsisi sa iyong mga kasalanan.[The Lord is not telling us to be perfect persons. What is needful is that we know how to be sorry for our sins.]

Victoria:Amen. Marami salamat po. [Thank you very much.] MVVF

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