IAM Worldwide ambassador Eman Bacosa Pacquiao. Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Eman Bacosa Pacquiao, who is starting to make a name in the boxing world, says his ultimate goal is to become a world champion and inspire young Filipinos.
"Siyempre to become a world champion, to become a great boxer na ina-admire ng mga kabataan. From noone to someone, parang ganoon," Pacquiao told ABS-CBN News and other members of entertainment media on Thursday as the newest ambassador of IAM Worldwide.
Despite branching into endorsements and acting, Eman emphasized that his primary focus remains his boxing career.
"My priority right now is professional boxing. Mga ganito ganyan (endorsement), 'yung sa show business ay kapag wala pa akong laban," he said.
In the interview, Pacquiao also shared his experience doing an acting project for the first time, as he is set to appear in a television series.
"Yes, na-enjoy ko at kinabahan ako at the same time," he said. "Ganoon pala kahirap 'yon."
Asked how he balances boxing and acting, he replied: "If boxing, boxing lang talaga. Focus lang ako sa boxing. Kapag matapos 'yung mga boxing nandoon na ako sa mga endorsements. Focus. One at a time."
Getting out of Manny's shadow
The young athlete also opened up about his current relationship with his father, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
"Ina-advice-an niya po ako minsan sa training na always stay disciplined. Kumain ng tama. Matulog sa tamang oras," Eman said.
When asked when he might train again with his father, Eman said it could happen as early as his next fight this year. “Maybe sa next fight, kaya abangan niyo na lang po. This year, yes,” he said.
He also addressed how he plans to step out of his father’s shadow and build his own identity in the sport.
“They will know the difference because Manny Pacquiao is Manny Pacquiao. Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is Eman Bacosa Pacquiao,” he said. “In terms of being godly, we are both the same in faith. We are both loving.”
No love life?
Eman, who has been romantically linked to actress Jillian Ward, was also asked about the real score between them.
He said his focus remains on boxing and family for now. “Right now, naka-focus lang ako sa boxing ko at sa pamilya ko,” he said.
Eman described Ward as a “good friend,” and when asked if he is courting her, he declined to elaborate, saying only: “Secret.”
Endorser
In his newest endorsement I Am Worldwide, Eman worked with actor Piolo Pascual, who also gave him advice.
"Sinasabi ko sa kanya (kay Piolo) kinakabahan ako sa ganito-ganyan, kasi hindi talaga ako sanay sa mga ganitong bagay. Ina-advice-an niya ako na huwag ako kabahan at i-enjoy ko lang ang mga moment na ganito," Emann said.
"Sabi niya (when it comes to showbiz) be thankful and enjoy lang," added Eman, who also shared his dream to work with Pascual again.
Eman is currently the brand’s face for IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies.
As a boxer, Eman maintains a strict fitness routine that includes healthy eating and regular workouts.
"I eat healthy food. I Exercise. I keep my body shaped all the time para rin sa mga fight. Para kapag mayroon akong fight hindi ako mahirapan mag-reduce ng timbang o magpa-condition ng katawan," he explained.