Up close with the Pacman

MANILA, Philippines - A three-day sojourn on a private resort island in Bicol with Sarangani Rep. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao unraveled his inner character and versatility.

Invited over by the management of Misibis Bay Island Resort for a diving-cum-scuba session, Team Pacquiao and his family finally made the surprise visit to Legaspi City and Misibis Bay amid frenzied coverage by media.

As it was a rest and recreation trip, the group was treated to an excellent massage service upon arrival, followed by a sumptuous dinner and socials.

The following day was reserved for scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking and surfing. Evening was for a karaoke session where everyone enjoyed singing to his heart’s delight.

In one instance, the boxing icon drove the Yamaha jet ski at high speed around the resort, worrying the service attendants of Misibis Bay due to the presence of a shallow sunken barge and several protruding rocks which could be dangerous to one unfamiliar with the water. Instinctively, they rode their jet ski to warn Manny of the looming danger.

Adventurous as he is and high in energy, Manny rushed by jet ski to Legaspi City (Embarcadero) from Misibis Bay — a good 50-minute ride by motorized boat, passing by scenic Mayon Volcano viewed from the sea.

Manny is also a skilled billiard, dart and pingpong player, plays basketball with his peers in Congress, and indulges in other sports.

A cursory chat with this living boxing legend readily shows his being a down-to-earth person with no pretensions, humble, sincere in his advocacy, caring for the less fortunate, and undyingly loving to children.

Pacquiao poses with the author, Rep. Alfredo Garbin and the support team of Misibis Bay Resort.

Manny helps bring out the best in you. A case in point is Buboy Fernandez who was once a helper in a gym, but later became a substitute trainer in the absence of Freddie Roach. Manny taught him to excel in his job.

While still an amateur boxer, Manny once asked his province mate: “Buboy, do you believe that someday I would be a world boxing champion?” Buboy naturally replied yes. Manny then retorted: “Buboy, mark my word that so long as you remain faithful and dedicated to me, I will take care of you.” Buboy confirmed to us the fulfilled promise of the Pacman.

For it was Buboy, the former gym attendant, who relayed to Manny the various strategic moves and coaching that he had observed from other boxers and trainers in the gym during Manny’s amateur years.

A nocturnal person by nature, Manny reverses his schedule 10 weeks before a fight. He becomes focused on his training during the day. “No sex for 10 weeks with his wife before an important fight,” quipped his aide.

Manny’s zest for a super active, meaningful, fulfilled life is enviable and incomparable. He finds time to study in school despite his stature. He has delivered speeches in Congress. He has learned the values of persistence and determination as the highway to success. He has learned to live life to the fullest and to make the most of it. He has planned for his future after boxing.