Eman Bacosa Pacquiao on being raised by mom Joanna: ‘Hindi po kami itinakwil o kinahiya’

Eman Bacosa Pacquiao credits his mother, Joanna, for raising him with love, discipline, and faith, shaping the foundation that now guides him in life and boxing.

On Tuesday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Eman recalled how his mother raised him to be godly, disciplined, and loving.

“Pinakita niya po na kahit walang-wala po kami, hindi po kami itinakwil o kinahiya ng mama ko. Lagi po siyang nasa tabi namin. Naramdaman ko rin po ‘yung concern at pagmamahal ng mama ko sa amin,” he said.

Aside from doing it for his mom, Eman also said that his love for boxing is “to glorify God.”

“Gusto ko kasi Siyang pasalamatan sa mga blessings Niya, sa kabutihan Niya sa pamilya ko, at lalong-lalo na sa lakas ko sa ring,” he said.

Though his mother initially hesitated about boxing, Eman said he and his stepfather, Papa Sultan, planned to pursue training despite the uncertainty.

“Nung nalaman po ng mama ko, nagalit po siya, ‘Gusto mo ba talaga nung boxing? Anong meron sa boxing?’” Eman said.

He answered, “‘Yan po kasi ‘yung passion ko, ma. ‘Yan po ‘yung wisdom na binigay ni Lord na mag-boxing ka kasi may lakas ka, may talent ka para diyan.’”

Per Eman, prayer and training helped him realize that boxing was his true passion.

In his message for his parents, Eman said, “Ma, salamat sa pag-alaga sa ‘kin at sa pagpalaki sa akin tsaka pag-gabay sa akin sa Panginoon at pagpakilala sa Kaniya. I’m so blessed, ma. Love you.”

“Pa, thank you for supporting me. Salamat sa pagmamahal mo. Tinuring mo akong parang anak po at salamat po sa pagiging father po sa akin.”

Born in 2004, Eman is the son of Manny and Joanna Rose Bacosa.

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

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News