Happy Birthday, Manny Pacquiao!
Published On: December 17, 2013, 08:27 PM
Updated On: March 10, 2020, 08:07 PM
There are only a handful of legends that live among us, and one of those legends is the number one pound-for-pound boxer and People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao. As he turns 35 today, GMAnetwork.com joins him in celebrating his inspiring story, his achievements and his legacy to the Filipino nation.
Born Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao on December 17, 1978, Manny’s journey to the top was an arduous one. At the age of 14, he left his hometown, General Santos City to try out his luck in Manila. For a time, he worked and lived in a boxing gym while training as a boxer. His hard work paid off and he made it to the Philippine National Amateur Boxing Team.
At 16 years old, Pacquiao was already a professional boxer. Manny got his biggest break when he defeated Marco Antonio Barrera via technical knockout on his first ever featherweight fight. From then on, Manny has continued his winning streak and went on to become the number one pound-for-pound fighter that he is today.
He may be tough on the boxing ring, but he sure has a soft heart for serving the people and helping the less fortunate. The Sarangani representative is also a philanthropist. The Manny Pacquiao Foundation was established in 2008 to help underprivileged individuals in the Philippines. He seeks to combat poverty in the Philippines through providing medical assistance, promoting children’s education, and providing help for those suffering from natural disasters.
As a Kapuso artist, he starred in the comedy sitcom, Show Me Da Manny and hosted a variety show Manny Many Prizes. Most recently, he hosted the inspirational talk show, Para Sa’yo Ang Laban Na Ito with actress Jean Garcia.
He is currently among the various Kapuso artists who performed the song, “Bangon Kaibigan”. The “Bangon Kaibigan” campaign is part of GMA’s efforts to help out those who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda.
Pacquiao calls to action, “Doon sa mga binagyo…feel na feel ko ‘yung naramdaman nila kasi diyan ako galing sa mahirap na pamilya. Magkaisa tayo para sa mga kababayan natin. Hindi lang pagkain ang kailangan nila dahil nawalan sila ng bahay. Suportahan natin sila at tulungan natin sa ating sariling paraan.”
An inspirational figure, pride of the nation and world-renowned boxer, that is Manny Pacquiao for you. May you continue to succeed in all your endeavors. Have the happiest birthday, Manny! Cheers to you, Kapuso!
-Text by Samantha Portillo, Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com