All about Eman Bacosa Pacquiao, the boxer to keep an eye on

Thrilla in Manila 2, organized by People's Champ Manny Pacquiao, was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the historic fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the Philippines in 1975.

One boxer stood out for his seven wins, zero losses, one draw, and four knockouts, and he is none other than Emmanuel Joseph Bacosa Pacquiao, one of Manny's sons.

Eman sat down for an exclusive interview with Jessica Soho on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," ready to show the world his boxing talents.

Early life

Born in 2004, Eman is the son of Manny and Joanna Rose Bacosa. The two met at Joanna Rose's workplace, where she served as a waitress. They soon developed feelings for each other and later welcomed Eman.

Eman started boxing at nine years old, having naturally discovered the sport through his father, who inspired him.

The specific fight that started it all for him was Manny's match against Shane Mosley.

"Tapos 'yung nasubukan ko na po, parang napamahal na rin po 'yung boxing sa akin," he said.

["I tried it, and from then on, it seemed like I also grew to love boxing."]

To gain experience, Eman joined a boxing match in their hometown of Tagum, and by a twist of fate, he faced off against one of his school bullies. They fought for three rounds, and Eman won P200 for it. He gave the money to his mother.

Relationship with Manny

At a young age, Eman gained understanding on why he and his mother did not live with his father.

Growing up in his situation was not easy. 

However, Manny and Eman got to have a heart-to-heart talk, and Manny apologized to his son.

"Pinatawad ko rin naman po siya. Saka sabi ko po sa kanya na, 'Dad, naiintindihan ko naman po ang sitwasyon ninyo. Ang importante lang sa akin na makasama kayo. Makapiling kayo. Nagpapasalamat din po ako sa pagsuporta ninyo sa akin sa boxing,'" Eman said.

["I forgave him. And I told him, 'Dad, I understand your situation. The only important thing for me is to be with you—to be by your side. I am also grateful for your support in my boxing.'"]

"Mahal na mahal ko po siya. Proud po ako na maging ama ko po siya," he added.

["I love him very much. I am proud that he is my father."]

Eman is determined to pursue a career in boxing because it has become his passion. He said the sport has given his and his mother's life meaning.

The young boxer believes he got his talent from his father, and is also aware that his older half-sibling Jimuel shares the same passion.

From time to time, Eman even gets to learn directly from Manny.

Living in Japan

Eman went to Japan at 12 years old to study because his mother is half-Japanese. For five years, Eman studied Japanese and trained in boxing.

"Doon na po ako parang pinayagan ni mama na, 'Sige, 'nak, susuportahan kita sa pagbo-boxing mo. Magboxing ka,'" he said.

["It was then that my mother finally allowed me, saying, 'Okay, son, I will support you in your boxing."]

"Kasi inamin ko rin naman po na passion ko 'yung boxing. 'Suportahan niyo po sana ako, Ma, sa pagbo-boxing ko,'" he added.

["Because I also admitted that boxing is my passion. I told her, 'Please support me, Ma, in my boxing."]

It was in Japan that Eman learned discipline in training.

Eman is now a Grade 11 student through ALS and plans to study engineering.

With his past experiences fueling him, Eman said he wants to continue boxing to give his family a good life and to reach his dreams.

After Eman moved to Japan, they did not see each other for 10 years. But eventually, Eman approached his dad to ask for support in boxing.

It was also during this time that Manny changed Eman's last name to Pacquiao to help him with his boxing career.

"Parang bumawi po siya sa akin. Sabi ko, 'Hala, thank you, Lord. Talaga po, Dad?' Tapos pinagawa niya lahat—mga abogado, pinirmahan niya na, 'Ako po si Emmanuel Pacquiao, tinatanggap ko po.'"

["It seemed like he was making it up to me. I said, 'Wow, thank you, Lord. Really, Dad?' Then he had everything arranged—the lawyers, the documents, he signed it, saying, 'I, Emmanuel Pacquiao, accept him."]

He added, "Masayang-masaya po ako. Hindi ko po ma-explain masyado pero sobrang saya ko. Thankful po ako kay Lord. Pumasok po ako sa kuwarto, doon po ako umiyak. Sabi ko, 'Lord, thank you. Thank you so much, Lord God. Hindi ko po alam kung anong gagawin ko kung wala Ka. Thank you, Lord. Thank you.'"

["I am very happy. I can't explain it well, but I am extremely happy. I am thankful to the Lord. I went into the room, and cried there. I said, 'Lord, thank You. Thank You so much, Lord God. I don't know what I would do without You. Thank You, Lord. Thank you.' "]

Now that he's older and is pursuing boxing, he gets more support from his dad.

"Bumabawi naman po siya sa… para maabot ko 'yung pangarap ko."

["He is making it up to me now so that I can reach my dream."]

Eman added that he has a good relationship with Manny's wife, Jinkee Pacquiao.

"Maayos naman po kami ni Tita. Paminsan-minsan nag-uusap naman po kami," Eman said.

["Tita and I are doing well. We talk every now and then."]

He also credits his current stepfather, Papa Sultan, for supporting his boxing career.

"Siya po 'yung naging father figure namin na nagpalaki. Doon po namin naramdaman na ganito pala ang pakiramdam ng magkaroon ng tunay na ama. Doon po namin naramdaman 'yung tunay na pagmamahal ng isang ama," he added.

["He was the father figure who raised us. It was then that we truly felt what it was like to have a real father—to feel the genuine love of a father."]

As for his boxing, Eman wants to be a world champion like his father.  Eman needs to win one to two more fights in order to get a belt.

Pressure

Eman admits that there's an added pressure from being a Pacquiao. However, he tries to focus on his fights.

"Hindi po ako nagpapadala sa pangalan kasi at the end of the day, hindi naman po ako si Manny Pacquiao. Ako po si Eman Bacosa Pacquiao."

["I don't let myself be carried away by the name because, at the end of the day, I am not Manny Pacquiao. I am Eman Bacosa Pacquiao."]

He continues using his mother's last name to fight for her.

"Gusto ko po ipaglaban ang mama ko. Ayoko po dalahin lang 'yung Pacquiao kasi gusto ko po ipakita sa tao na kahit sino ka man, basta may pangarap ka sa buhay at may Panginoon ka, kaya mong abutin ang lahat," he said.

["I want to fight for my mother. I don't want to just carry the Pacquiao name because I want to show people that no matter who you are, as long as you have a dream and faith in the Lord, you can achieve anything."]

"Patuloy po ako sa pagbo-boxing kasi gusto kong patunayan sa kanila na mali po 'yung iniisip nila. Gaya po sa last fight ko, hindi po ako kagaya ng ibang boxer na mayayabang. Gusto ko lang po maiangat ang pamilya ko at mag-glorify ang pangalan ng Panginoon."

["I continue with boxing because I want to prove to them that what they think about me is wrong. Just like in my last fight, I am not like other boastful boxers. I just want to uplift my family and glorify the name of the Lord."] —JCB, GMA Integrated News