4 Things to Know About Manny Pacquiao

If you ask Canadians what comes to mind when they think of the Philippines, one of the things that will automatically come out of their mouths is “Pacman.”

No, they’re not referring to the popular 80s video game but rather they’re referring to the all mighty champion, Manny Pacquiao.

Aside from being an insurmountable force that is practically unbeatable in his 5’6″ frame, Manny Pacquiao has also effectively put his home country on the reference map for North Americans.  He’s the face of the Philippines and his international reach has created a strong national brand identity for the Philippines that represents drive, dedication, and determination.

His persistence to achieve his dreams coupled with his care-giving approach with his earnings creates for an overall heartwarming reference.

Born in Kabawe and a father of 6, who is this boxer that we love?  For most of us he’s a mighty wave of determination and triumph.  He’s a small-framed, powerful figure filled with a type of force that only the bravest dare to reckon with.  He’s successful in so much of what he’s dedicated himself to and his influence is far-reaching, even into the realms of politics.

Here are 4 surprising things you might not have known about Mr. Manny Pacquiao himself:

Here are 4 surprising things you might not have known about Mr. Manny Pacquiao himself:

1 – Manny Pacquiao is a professional basketball player

Besides breaking records, earning world titles, and fighting other champion boxers, Manny Pacquiao is also a professional basketball player.  Currently, he’s head coach for the Mahindra Enforcers, part of the the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

At first his fans were worried that he would switch out of boxing, or devote less time to it, but he’s quoted to have said that basketball is his “in-between” sport.  This only proves to us that he’s a multi-talented sports professional and at the age 34, he also holds another title for oldest rookie drafted to the PBA.

2 – Manny Pacquiao’s best friend is a dog named PacMan

Little Pacman is a Jack Russell Terrier that follows Pacquiao around everywhere he goes.  They go on runs daily and one might say he’s a true life partner that keeps Pacquiao entertained, motivated, and fit to be the professional that he is.

Jack Russell Terrier’s are known for packing a huge punch in their little size, which – dare we say it – is a real a reflection of 5’6” Manny Pacquiao’s stature himself.  There’s many pictures taken of Pacquiao with PacMan, as it’s a rare site to see them not at each other’s sides.

3 – Manny Pacquiao is a philanthropist

As one of six children, Pacquiao grew up in extreme poverty.  He ran away from home at 14 and eventually earned his way into a city gym that helped him to chase his dreams and eventually start competing.  What did he do when he started earning his fortune?  He bought the gym that trained him and built rooms to house impoverished athletes chasing similar dreams.

Like any good son would, Pacquiao also sent money back home to help out his mom.  Pacquiao is often quoted saying “you can’t bring any of this to heaven” and so he tries his best to live a moderate lifestyle dedicated towards spreading his fortune on to others, including his family.

After the devastation of the typhoon, Pacquiao played a large role in donating funds towards clean-up efforts, even to the extent that he borrowed money to do so. Before his fight with Mayweather, Pacquiao also pledged publicly to donate much of the potential winnings to charity.

4 – Manny Pacquiao is a lover of traditional food

For someone who travels the world and has to maintain a high-calorie diet to sustain his weight, Manny Pacquiao has a surprising secret.  His favourite choice of food to eat? Bulalo, which is a popular and traditional dish of cow-bone soup made from bone-marrow.

He’s also a fan of the popular food balut in the mornings and is quoted to have said that he will “die rolling in adobo,” – which, for most of us, is relatable, because who doesn’t love Adobo?

Here’s the kicker: what does Manny Pacquiao love to drink? He washes everything down with warm milk.

This Saturday, as you’re sitting around with friends and family waiting for the mighty Pacquiao to enter the ring – remember: he’s more than just that powerful boxer you see, he’s also a dog’s best friend, a lover of bulalo washed down with warm milk, and a son that takes good care of his mother.

[Written by Jaclyn Jularbal]