Eman Bacosa shows his modest home in North Cotabato, Philippines. KMJS

When “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” aired its Sunday (November 9) episode featuring Eman Bacosa Pacquiao, the son of boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao from another relationship, viewers were quick to notice the stark contrast between his modest life and the Pacquiao family’s wealth. Within hours, clips from the episode went viral, with netizens questioning why the son of one of the Philippines’ richest athletes seemed to be living such a humble life. "There are so many videos of Manny giving money to other people but he is allowing his son to live like this. It breaks my heart," a netizen commented in Filipino. “The father is a billionaire but he can’t even give his son a decent home,” another netizen wrote in Filipino, echoing similar sentiments. Others were more sympathetic, reminding people that there may be details the public does not know. “We don’t know the full story. Don’t be too quick to judge,” one comment read.

Growing up without his famous father

In his emotional interview with Jessica Soho, 21-year-old Eman Bacosa Pacquiao opened up about growing up without the daily presence of his celebrity father. “My life hasn’t been easy growing up. I experienced going hungry… financial problems,” Eman said in Filipino. “My father supported me from time to time but not every day.” He recalled the day he and his mother, Joanna Rose Bacosa, waited outside Pacquiao’s home when he was just nine years old. “We waited for several hours at the gate. I guess my daddy wasn’t aware we were coming,” he said. Eman’s mother, Joanna, met Manny while working as a waitress in Manila. Their relationship led to Eman’s birth in 2004. Eman grew up in Tagum city in Davao del Norte, Philippines, where his love for boxing began at just nine years old. His first fight was against a school bully during a local fiesta. “We fought for three rounds. He beat me, but I won ₱200. I gave it to my mom,” he recalled with a smile. Eman’s mother worked in Japan for years, leaving him and his younger siblings under the care of a stepfather who, Eman revealed, was often violent. “Sometimes we didn’t have anything to eat. My stepfather would come home drunk and beat us,” he shared. Eventually, his mother filed for a divorce and remarried. Eman was 12 years old when his mother brought him to Japan, where he lived for five years and learned the language fluently. It was also there that his passion for boxing deepened—this time with the support of his stepfather, Sultan, whom he now calls his “father figure.” “He became the father who raised us. We finally knew what it felt like to have a real father’s love,” Eman said. Now living in a simple wooden home in North Cotabato owned by his stepfather, Eman continues to train daily—running up to 15 kilometers and doing 1,000 pushups. His bed is a mattress on the floor, beside his Bible and a stack of manga comics.

Reunion with Manny Pacquiao

After years apart, Eman and Manny reunited in 2022. “He hugged me tightly. I hugged him back. He said he missed me so much,” Eman recounted emotionally. “He told me it’s better if I focus on studies, but I said, ‘Dad, boxing is my passion.’” In 2023, Manny officially signed papers to recognize Eman as his son, allowing him to legally use the Pacquiao surname. “He said it would help me rise faster in boxing,” Eman said. “I was so happy. I cried and thanked God.” The two have since reconciled, and Manny has started to support his son’s boxing career. “He’s making it up to me now so I can reach my dreams,” Eman said. He also shared that he has a good relationship with Jinkee Pacquiao, saying, “Tita and I are doing well. We talk every now and then.”

From Piolo Pascual look-alike to rising boxer

Eman’s newfound popularity partly came from netizens saying he bears a resemblance to actor Piolo Pascual, who recently met him in person. “Finally, I got to meet the boy yesterday and I would say he was raised well—very humble, very God-fearing—and I think he’ll go places,” Piolo said. Eman took the comparison in stride.“I’m happy because it never crossed my mind. Maybe I’ll try modeling or endorsements someday,” he joked. Currently, Eman has a boxing record of seven wins, zero losses, one draw, and four knockouts. He is determined to follow in his father’s footsteps—not out of pressure, but out of purpose. “I don’t get carried away by the Pacquiao name because at the end of the day, I am not Manny Pacquiao. I am Eman Bacosa Pacquiao,” he said. “I want to fight for my mother, to show people that she’s not a bad person, and to prove that anyone with faith and determination can achieve their dreams.”

The stark contrast: a tale of two Pacquiaos

The emotional interview drew sharp comparisons to the lavish lifestyle of the Pacquiao family, who live in mansions, drive luxury cars, and vacation abroad, including in Dubai. Manny’s estimated net worth of $220 million includes properties in the Philippines and the United States. His wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, is known for her luxury handbags and designer outfits, while their children attend Brent International School, with annual tuition of up to $18,000 per child. Their eldest, Jimuel Pacquiao, also boxes professionally—and has been seen sporting diamond-encrusted gold necklaces, luxury watches, and sports cars gifted by his father. The difference between Eman’s wooden home and his half-siblings’ multimillion-peso lifestyle was not lost on viewers, who voiced both empathy and frustration online. Still, for Eman, life is not about resentment—it’s about redemption. “I forgave my father. I understand him. What’s important to me is that we can spend more time together,” he said. “I’m happy that he supports me. My dream is to become a world champion like him.” ICA/PIA/Expat Media
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