Eman Bacosa Pacquiao opened up about the pressure of carrying the Pacquiao name, admitting that expectations weigh heavily on him, especially in boxing.
The 22-year-old boxer is the son of Manny Pacquiao and Joanna Bacosa, whom the boxer met while she was working as a waitress.
Speaking with PUSH ABS-CBN during the IAM Worldwide press conference on March 19, Eman said that he remains deeply connected to his roots, especially with his relationship with his father.
“Maayos naman po. Minsan nag-uusap kami sa phone tsaka ina-advice-an niya po ako about sa boxing. [Sabi niya], always stay disciplined and train hard.”
With both of them busy, communication is often limited to quick check-ins.
“Masyado akong busy ngayon eh tsaka si daddy so nagta-talk lang kami minsan sa phone.”
He also said that his relationship with Jinkee Pacquiao and his half-siblings remains positive and supportive.
“Okay naman si tita. She’s very supportive rin naman po.”
“Very supportive sila. Lagi silang support sa ginagawa ko sa boxing.”
While he has already met his half-siblings, Eman admitted they have yet to spend much time bonding.
Still, carrying the Pacquiao name comes with undeniable pressure, which is something he openly acknowledged, saying: “Yes, meron.”
“Mostly sa boxing kasi malaki ‘yung expectation ng mga tao.”
Instead of letting it weigh him down, Eman chooses to focus on what truly matters.
“Hindi ko masyadong iniisip [‘yung pressure]. Ginagawa ko na lang ‘yung best ko sa mga kaya kong [gawin]. Hindi ko na masyadong iniisip ‘yung mga sinasabi ng mga tao. Nagpa-pray lang ako kay Lord, saan man niya ako ilagay sa buhay ko.”
Meanwhile, during the interview, he also spoke about his surprising entry into showbiz and brand endorsements, saying that everything happening in his career now was something he never expected.
Early this March, wellness company IAM Worldwide officially welcomed Eman as one of its newest ambassadors, marking another milestone in his growing career. The brand expressed confidence in the young athlete, saying in a press release that he “embodies the discipline, humility, and relentless mindset required to succeed at the highest levels.”
Now the face of IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies and Barley Drink, Eman shares the spotlight with none other than the Ultimate Heartthrob, Piolo Pascual.
“Siyempre, super blessed kasi ‘di ko inaasahan ‘yung mga blessings na darating sa akin. Tsaka I feel so loved and supported [ng] mga taong sumusuporta sa akin.”
“Actually, hindi ko akalain na mage-endorse ako or [papasok sa showbiz]. Lagi lang akong nagpa-pray kay Lord na i-guide niya ako sa lahat ng gagawin ko. Super blessed ako na meron din kasi akong supportive na mga magulang at mga kapatid,” he continued.
Among the opportunities he values most is his partnership with the wellness brand, which he says has even helped him physically prepare for fights.
“Syempre unang-una, yung IAM Worldwide. Malaking tulong ‘yung [products] lalong lalo na sa mga training ko.”
Despite the growing fame, Eman admits that showbiz was never something he envisioned.
“No. Never ko naisip na makakapasok ako ng showbiz kasi naka-focus lang talaga ako sa boxing. Hindi ko talaga akalain na magiging endorser ako or artista.”
His rise to public attention began in October 2025, when he secured a unanimous decision win against Nico Salado in their six-round lightweight bout in Thrilla in Manila 2. Since then, many have taken notice not only because he is the son of Manny, but also due to his striking resemblance to Piolo.
What started as online comparisons soon turned into reality. The two eventually met in November, and now they stand side by side as co-ambassadors featured in advertisements and even a billboard along EDSA.
“Very exciting po siyempre. Meron din siyang mga naturo pagdating sa acting and endorsements,” he said, pertaining to how it was working with Piolo.
Piolo, for his part, had also spoken warmly about the young boxer in a previous interview with ABS-CBN News last November.
“I think it’s a compliment, you know, to be compared to him… He visited me yesterday. We had an interview together. Yeah, actually, my feed is full of Eman Pacquiao—puro links,” he shared at that time.
“Finally, I got to meet him yesterday, and I would say he was raised well—very humble, very God-fearing. He’s a good kid. I’m happy there’s someone like him in that field, which is boxing.”