Michael Pacquiao says he wants to prove himself: 'I don't just rely on my parents'

It's unavoidable that some people would say that Michael Pacquiao's latest musical feats were only achieved because of his last name.

In an exclusive interview with PEP, the son of Senator Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee addressed those criticisms.

Michael said that in his song "Hate," he actually expresses the desire to prove himself.

"That’s how I felt in the song," he said.

"I wanted to prove that I can. I have talent and I have something. I don’t just rely on my parents," he added.

He said that he understands where critics' feelings come from.

"People would say, it has to do with my last name. But, you know, I understand naman," he said. "But at the same time, it’s, like, I work hard to achieve what I am."

Michael said that he wants to work hard to give back to his parents, who have been supportive of his decision to venture into the music scene.

"I wanna work hard as well ‘cause my dad worked hard for everything he has [done] and also for us," he said.

"And I wanna do the same—work hard for everything that I will have, that I want to have, and give back to my mom and dad because they did so much," he added.

Michael's live performance of "Hate" has already garnered over 8.4 million views, and is currently the number four video on YouTube's trending list.

Prior to that, he made waves online after netizens discovered his song collaboration with Michael Bars titled "Pac-Man."

Michael is the second son of Manny and Jinkee. The couple has four other children: Jimuel, Queenie, Princess, and Israel.

—JCB, GMA News