Manny bonds with sons Jimuel and Michael over music, sports

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao fully supports the chosen career paths of his two sons Jimuel and Michael. Jimuel is a showbiz newbie, while Michael is an aspiring music artist.

“Suportado naman namin (with wife Jinkee) yung mga anak namin,” the boxing champ-turned-politician said during the recent media conference for the fundraising concert Isang Tinig, Isang Lahi, “as long as makita lang namin na mabuti para sa kanila, wala kaming hadlang or tutol dun sa gusto nila.”

Manny’s eldest child Emmanuel Jr., also known as Jimuel, recently signed up with ABS-CBN’s Star Magic and is a member of the Squad Plus. In a virtual interview for the series Click, Like, Share last month, he explained why he joined showbiz. “Sabi po nila, when you are young, you try anything. Do everything you can. Maximize because you’re still young. You have time on your side. That’s why I am here.”

Michael Stephen, on the other hand, inherited his father’s interest in music. The rap artist was just nominated in the R&B/Hip-Hop Video of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories at the MYX Awards 2021 after releasing his debut album Dreams.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao says he fully supports the decision of sons Michael to pursue showbiz and music, respectively.

Manny would love to see Jimuel and Michael perform on stage and have musical experience. “Gusto ko magkaroon sila ng experience sa pagkanta, especially Michael. Gustong-gusto niyang kumanta at gumawa ng kanta. Gusto niya siya rin nag-co-compose, nag-a-arrange,” said he, who had released albums in the past. “‘Yung anak ko na si Michael mahilig talaga sa music. ‘Yung kuwarto niya, puro gamit ng music eh. Sana makita ko sila na kumakanta sa stage.”

In a Father’s Day video posted on Sunday by Jinkee on Facebook, his children Jimuel, Michael, Princess and Queenie shared their thoughtful greetings for their dad and their favorite moments with him.

Michael said, “We love you so much. We are blessed, happy and honored to be your children. Hope you with the best.”

Jimuel followed with this sweet message, “I just want you to know that you always inspire us. Especially me, when it comes to what I want to be. I want to follow in your footsteps. You help a lot of people and I just want to be like you. You’re not only an inspiration to me but also to a lot of people. I look up to you, dad.”

Michael shared that his best moment with dad Manny is when they play basketball. “‘Coz we always play together. If I have the opportunity, I would ask if I could play with him. Then he would play basketball, sa GenSan, sa Dasma. That’s one of the best memories I’ve had because (it’s a) father-and-son (thing). I love basketball as well. It really has a place in my heart. Good luck sa fight,” the 19-year-old said. Manny’s next boxing match is with Errol Spence Jr. in August.

Meanwhile, apart from acting, 20-year-old Jimuel also enjoys boxing as a sport and he considers it as his favorite moment with father. He recalled during quarantine how they would bond together through boxing. “We were able to train together. He actually trained me. We do the (punching) mitts together. And he gave me a lot of pointers when it comes to footwork and boxing. That was very memorable to me, especially boxing, which is my favorite sport. It’s fun learning from the best.”

The uploaded video also featured snippets of the 42-year-old senator as a doting family man, including how he is with their youngest son, Israel.

Meanwhile, the Filipino sports icon is also the major supporter of the upcoming Isang Tinig, Isang Lahi music event where he will render his songs Para Sa ‘Yo Ang Laban Na ‘To and Lalaban Ako Para Sa Pilipino, and probably a duet with Pilita Corrales. “Posible naman. Maganda ‘yan (duet with Pilita). Gusto ko ‘yung mga kanta niya dati.”

Manny will join other local and international music icons for the free virtual concert organized by Filipino American Voice United (FAVU) and spearheaded by Cory Quirino on ABS-CBN’s digital venue KTX.ph on June 26 at 8 p.m. and June 27, 10 a.m.

Manny with wife Jinkee and their children Jimuel, Michael, Princess, Queenie and Israel.

Photos from Instagram

“The event is so unique. Magkakaroon tayo ng online concert. Malaking bagay ito at karangalan (to be part of it). Isa itong (paraan) na makakapag-bigay ng encouragement and inspiration to all our kababayan,” said Manny.

The digital concert will be headlined by renowned musicians and singers, namely, David Pomeranz, Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, Apl De Ap, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Joe Mari Chan, Ogie Alcasid, Bamboo, Maymay Entrata, Ian Veneracion, Moira dela Torre and many others.

The charity music event will also have a simultaneous donation drive for the benefit of Caritas Philippines projects, the Caring Hearts Foundation, Inc. in the United States, PGH Medical Foundation, Inc., Tuloy Foundation, Inc., ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc., Philippine Relief and Development Services, Inc. and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC).