
In an emotional interview on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Emmanuel “Eman” Bacosa Pacquiao shared one of the most vulnerable chapters of his life—growing up with multiple father figures, from a world champion, to an abusive stepfather, to a man who finally showed him what real fatherhood feels like.
Despite being the son of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Eman's childhood was far from glamorous. Raised by his mother amid financial struggles and unstable home environments, he experienced both the trauma of abuse and the warmth of genuine love from two very different stepfathers.
During the interview, Jessica Soho gently approached the topic of his past.
Jessica said, “Tapos yung una mong stepfather na nambugbog at saka yung ngayon si Papa Sultann, na siya ring ah sumuporta sa'yo para maging boksingero.”
Jessica then asked how it felt to have three different father figures in his life.
“Kumusta ba na tatlo yung naging father figure mo sa buhay mo?”
Emman did not hold back as he described the stark contrasts between them.
“Si Daddy Manny, naging masaya naman po ako kasi, siyempre, sa lahat ng pwede kong maging ama e division world champion pa po."
"Tapos yung second, ah yun po yung traumatizing. Hindi ko na po masyado babanggitin pero po yung time binubugbog kami. Hindi po kami nakakain nang maayos, yung time na ano, halos mamatay-matay na po kami noon nung mga bata pa po kami. Hindi ko nga po akalain na buhay po kami. 'Tapos, yung currently po yung stepfather po namin, tinuruan po kami ng ano ng tunay na paano maging tunay na tao na maging respeto ganon.”
His voice carried the weight of years of fear, hunger, and near-death memories. But it also carried gratitude for the man who came into their lives and changed everything.
Related gallery: Meet Eman Bacosa Paquiao, a rising boxing champ
Jessica noted how fate seemed to eventually turn in his favor.
“Bumawi no. bumawi ang kapalaran sa 'yo, 'no?”
Emman agreed with a sense of relief and appreciation.
“Kasi, may nambugbog 'tapos, may dumating din na very supportive. Kumbaga, siya po yung naging father figure po namin na nagpalaki na doon po namin naramdaman na,'Ganito pala ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng tunay na ama.'
"Doon po namin naramdaman yung tunay na pagmamahal ng isang ama pag tinignan mo yung naging buhay mo na may ganito kang mga naging karanasan.”
Jessica then asked him what he would say now, after everything.
His answer revealed the depth of his emotional journey and spiritual growth.
"Noon po kinukuwestiyon ko po yung Panginoon, bakit nangyayari po 'to sa amin. Minsan nagagalit ako bakit, bakit nangyayari po ito? Mabait naman po kaming tao. Hindi naman po kami masama. Pero nung lumaki po ako, doon ko po naintindihan na may plano po ang Panginoon sa buhay ko. Ganun po sa hanggang nag-boxing na po ako ganun. 'Yun po 'yung nagiging parang lakas ko na bumangon sa buhay at mag-boxing.”
He added that despite the pain, he now sees the lessons in every hardship:
Emman said, “Magaan naman po [ang loob ko] kasi um na-realize ko po na hindi po ako ganito kalakas ngayon. Personally kung hindi ko po 'yun na-experience baka hindi ko po na-appreciate 'yung mga bagay-bagay sa buhay kung hindi ko po 'yun napagdaanan ganun.”
Through all the hardship, Emman remains determined, not just to make a name for himself in boxing, but to honor those who truly stood by him. His story is a testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the unexpected forms that fatherhood can take.
Watch Eman's full interview on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho here: