Young boxer Eman Bacosa Pacquiao revealed that his mother, Joanna Bacosa, has a longtime crush on actor Piolo Pascual, who happens to be his fellow ambassador for a wellness brand. In the same interview, he also opened up about his family upbringing and journey in boxing.
Eman is the son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and Joanna, whom the boxer met while she was working as a waitress. Earlier this month, the rising boxer was named as an official ambassador for IAM Worldwide Amazing Barley Gummies and Barley Drink alongside Piolo, appearing in advertisements together and even sharing billboard space along EDSA.
READ: Manny Pacquiao’s Son Eman Bacosa wins hearts of netizens, dubbed as Piolo Pascual lookalike
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN during the IAM Worldwide press conference on March 19, Eman spoke about what it was like to collaborate with Piolo, especially after being widely dubbed online as the Ultimate Heartthrob’s lookalike.
“Very exciting po siyempre. Meron din siyang mga naturo pagdating sa acting and endorsements,” Eman said.
As their professional paths crossed, Eman also shared a candid revelation that made the experience even more meaningful, saying that Piolo has been his mother’s celebrity crush.
“Yes, [crush niya]. Noon [and] hanggang ngayon din naman,” he revealed.
Eman recalled the unforgettable moment when his mother met Piolo in person, laughing as he said: “Grabe ‘yung hug ni mama!”
“Masaya si mama na na-meet niya ‘yung idol niya,” he continued.
READ: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is the new ambassador of a PH wellness brand
Beyond the lighthearted story about his mother’s celebrity crush, Eman also opened up about his passion for boxing, which started at the age of nine after joining a boxing match during a fiesta. At that time, his mother asked him to stop.
At the age of 12, he moved to Japan with his mother and stepfather, Sultan Dino. It was from there that his passion for the sport was given the chance to grow with consistent training and support from his stepfather.
“Actually, ako ang nagsabi sa kaniya na ‘Pa, gusto kong mag-boxing. Pwede mo ba akong suportahan?’ Sabi naman niya, ‘Yes, susuportahan kita.’ So ‘yun, every day nagta-training ako, hinahatid niya ako sa gym.”
That same support extended to more personal aspects of his life, particularly when he began expressing his longing to reconnect with his biological father, Manny.
“Support naman siya kasi alam naman niya ‘yung pakiramdam [ng] longing for a father,” Eman said, referring to his stepfather.
“I think I was 13 or 14 [years old] nung in-open up ko sa kaniya na nami-miss ko si daddy (Manny). Sabi naman niya okay lang naman ‘yan kasi it’s normal for all of us,” he continued.
Eman said that his mother also understood his desire to meet his father: “Siyempre, naawa rin siya pero it’s normal naman for everyone na hanapin [yung tatay nila].”
READ: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao shares ultimate goal as a boxer
The mutual support of his mother and stepfather led to his eventual reunion with Manny in 2022, which marked a new chapter in his life that continues to influence his journey today. Speaking further with friends from the media during the event, Eman said he receives guidance from Manny, particularly when it comes to discipline and training in boxing.
"Ina-advise-an niya po ako minsan sa training na always stay disciplined. Kumain ng tama. Matulog sa tamang oras," Eman said.
As for the possibility of sharing the ring in training, Eman hinted that it may happen sooner than expected, saying: “Maybe sa next fight, kaya abangan niyo na lang po. This year, yes.”
Still, as he moves forward in his career, Eman remains firm in building his own name that stands distinct despite the legacy he carries.
“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.”