When He’s Not Boxing, Manny Pacquiao Is Literally Running the Philippines

From 2000–2010, nearly every family party I attended had to do with a Manny Pacquiao boxing match.

All of my relatives would gather around to watch Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao center the stage and fight, not only for himself but for our entire Filipino culture.

Many people are hard-working in the Philippines and often don’t have much, but Manny Pacquiao changed all that. He was never greedy with his money and would donate it to places in need all over the Philippines.

He knew that boxing was his passion and all he did was keep fighting. When you want to be the best at anything you do, you do it at 110%, and then great things happen. That’s what Manny Pacquiao did.

He Started Boxing in 1995 at 16 Years Old

Manny Pacquiao started his boxing at age sixteen and made his way out of the Philippines into the world-view. His quickness, speed, and accuracy are what make him stand out so much in the ring.

“Pacquiao is the first boxer in history to win major world titles in four of the original eight weight classes of boxing, also known as the “glamour divisions” (flyweight, featherweight, lightweight and welterweight), and the first boxer ever to become a four-decade world champion, winning world championships across four decades (1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s).”

Pacquiao will destroy a fighter and be completely respectful about it. His class always stood out to me as a kid. Through Manny, I realized that you could be a great competitor, but you can maintain your sportsmanship and respect.

His boxing record speaks for itself.

• Total fights — 71
• Wins — 62
• Wins by KO — 39
• Losses — 7
• Draws — 2

At sixteen, he gained a lot of attention, and people started taking his name down, and that’s how he made it to a global scale. People all over the Phillippines were excited for this kid who was making an impact at such an early age.

He Was Elected As Senator in 2016

Who knew that a boxer could become the senator of his country as well?

Pacquiao earned a whopping 16 million votes in becoming one of the Senators in the Phillippines. He’s earned the respect of his peers and the people who make up his home country.

There has never been anyone I have met that talks bad about Manny Pacquiao. He’s a hard-working man who inspires hope in people and wants to make a positive impact.

He could’ve retired with millions of dollars in his bank account, but instead, he took on Senator's role to make sure that he can take care of his country — a very noble decision many respect.

His Military Service for The Philippines Army

Pacquiao is a military reservist with the rank of colonel in the Reserve Force of the Philippine Army.

He started as a Sergeant and then worked his way all the way up to a Senior Master Sergeant, the highest rank as an enlisted soldier in the Phillippines. Who knew that a boxer could have any interest in being a soldier, a senator, and so much more?

Manny always surprises people with his spontaneous soul that loves to give and give. His mindset has always been to serve the people and make an impact on people.

When you think of one of the most selfless people, Manny Pacquiao will definitely come to mind.

His Basketball Career

Believe it or not, there’s more to Manny Pacquiao!

He was drafted into the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) in 2014 as the league’s oldest rookie players. Many people doubted his ability to balance basketball and boxing, but he proved them wrong.

Manny could play basketball games and then go out for a fight and win. He told people that basketball was a way for him to cross-train. Not only was Pacquiao a player, but he was a coach.

He always stayed active and wanted to help the people in any way he could. Pacquiao would ultimately retire from the PBA in 2018 as a player and a coach.

Why I Respect Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao is one of those people you want to root for no matter what he does. He reminds me a bit of myself because I do many different things, and no matter how random they are, people back me and support my dreams.

When you’re well-respected and supported, the sky is the limit, and you can do anything in life. Manny Pacquiao and I are living proof of that. I was once that little kid in front of the TV watching this role model with awe.

Fifteen years later, I can say that I learned a lot from my role model and am carrying the lessons I’ve learned from his boxing career into my own life, and it’s paying dividends.

When you get knocked down, you get back up. If people talk trash to you, keep your mouth shut and prove them wrong with your actions. Work harder than everyone else, and you’ll shock the world.

Manny Pacquiao is not too self-absorbed in his achievements and his extravagant career. He’s done so much in life, yet he wants to take care of people and make sure that he helps where he can.

4 Life Lessons We Can Take Away

Pacquiao teaches us a lot of life lessons without needing to say anything.

Work Hard

If you work hard from a young age, you’re bound to be on the right track and achieve the goals you have in life as long as you maintain the vision that you’re going to succeed.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Just because people may doubt your ability to try something new doesn't mean you should hold back.

Most people are afraid of failure, so they end up doing nothing at all. If you want something, get it and block out all the noise.

You write your own story.

The only person who can write your story is yourself. All of your hopes and dreams are your responsibility. Take ideas and capitalize on them or else someone else will.

The longer you wait to take action, the higher the chances of never doing it, which often leads to regret.

Take care of others

Most celebrities make a lot of money, keep it all for themselves, and don’t share the wealth.

Manny Pacquiao is a perfect example of someone who is generous with his money and takes care of those in need by donating or building structures beneficial to people in need.

Please do what you can to make the world a better place, and do it on your own terms.