Eman Bacosa Pacquiao denies cryptic repost on TikTok was about Jillian Ward

Eman Bacosa Pacquiao has spoken up after fans speculated that his cryptic repost on TikTok was directed at Jillian Ward. 

In Nelson Canlas’ report on “24 Oras” Thursday, the Sparkle star clarified that the now-deleted repost— which read “I can fight 100 men who want you, but I can’t fight a guy you want" — was not about the actress nor anyone specific. 

“Wala namang specific 'yung ano ko. About din naman 'yun sa family and friends ko,” he explained.

“Siyempre close friend ko siya gusto ko rin siya i-support and i-protect. Hindi as a lover. As a friend,” he added.

While Eman remained elusive when asked about rumors of courting the Star of the New Gen, he admitted that Jillian’s presence during his match in Bohol gave him motivation and inspiration.

“Siyempre masaya ako, nakakabigay siya ng lakas ng loob, mas lalo akong na-inspire. Siyempre happy ako na pumunta sila, nag-support sila. Siyempre nag-usap kami sa ganitong mga bagay, ganyan,” he said.

The newly minted Sparkle actor also shared that Jillian played a significant role in supporting him in his first acting project, particularly his guest appearance on the Kapuso series “Never Say Die.” 

The young boxer-actor said he quickly felt at home on set, thanks to the warm welcome of his co-stars, including David Licauco, Raheel Bhyria, and Kim Ji Soo.

“Super kinabahan pero nasiyahan din ako kasi kahit first acting project ko 'yun. Super blessed ako kasi nakasama ko sila sa trabaho din." 

He added that meeting fellow Sparkle stars, including Caprice Cayetano and Heart Evangelista, was a memorable experience.

“Siyempre sobrang saya kasi noon nakikita ko lang sila sa TV, sa phone, so na-excite ako tsaka at the same time super happy ako,” Eman said.

Eman also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming boxing-drama series “Kamao,” top-billed by Anton Vinzon. With boxing as his forte, he said he is more than willing to train Anton in preparation for the role if given the opportunity.

“If ever bigyan po ako ng pagkakataon why not po? Kasi exciting din naman po 'yun eh, kasi boxing role and action is my forte,” he said.

In a previous interview on “Unang Hirit,” Eman said Jillian’s family has been supportive of him, as they also went to Bohol to watch his boxing match.

He also shared how his and Jillian’s family went to dinner after his match, where they had the chance to bond.

“Nag dinner po kami, long talk, at saka [we] got to know each other,” he said.

Jillian's appearance at the match comes months after Eman admitted that she is his celebrity crush. The two eventually met in person in November 2025.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News