Layout by: Mark Louie Pocot
Published by: Jielian Lobete
Date published: December 8, 2025
Time published: 3:07 PM
When it rained talent and charm, there’s no doubt that Eman Bacosa Pacquiao was outside, heavily drenched by the downpour. With fame-magnetizing visuals and a remarkable boxing track record, the 21-year-old athlete has recently been appearing on feeds and TV screens, earning public recognition in a flash.
As the son of the boxing legend himself, Manny Pacquiao, many eyes are intently watching Eman, particularly in his chosen sport. While he follows in his father’s footsteps, the crowd can’t help but wonder: will he be the next Pacman?
Still, Eman’s boxing background is just a snippet of the reason behind his moment in the limelight. Because, as he threw jabs and dodged hits, something else captured netizens’ interest—a face card similar to that of Piolo Pascual.
Now, with praises and comments flocking in left and right, Eman’s story trails not too far behind, and it does not miss the public’s watch. Among the other things he’s known for, Eman’s journey before the sounding name resurfaces, and people are curious what life was like for the rising star before being tagged as the Piolo Pascual lookalike.
STUDENT IN THE MORNING, ATHLETE AT NIGHT
Seeing how far Eman has come in boxing, imagining him living a double life could be quite out of the picture. Yet, that was exactly the case for his younger self, holding pens and papers during the day while he fastened his gloves as soon as it was dark. It wasn’t entirely because Eman was extremely passionate about the sport—to be fair, he was—but rather because his mother, Joanna Rose Bacosa, was still standing at a crossroads with Eman wanting to pursue boxing.
In a podcast hosted by Jessica Soho, the promising fighter recalled his first encounters participating in a boxing match. His hometown, Tagum, was celebrating Fiesta, and Eman decided to join a small tournament for experience. After the game, he received 200 pesos, although he lost because he was out of breath.
From then on, Eman’s love for boxing grew even stronger. But as it did, his mom’s disapproval also became firmer. This didn’t stop him, though, as he sneaked out with his dad to train while he was staying in Japan without his mom knowing. Eman studied when the light shone and honed his boxing skills when the moon claimed its spot in the sky.
As time passed, Eman and his dad were eventually caught in the act, yet not even his mother’s hesitation and worries could dissipate his burning passion for boxing. The ring called his name, and as his mother finally showed support, Eman answered.
FOUR CORNERS OF THE RING
At the age of 19, Eman took a significant leap in his boxing career, deciding to turn pro. At this stage, every move he made mattered because it would determine how his name would sound in the bigger league.
While his first match in 2023 against Jommel Cudiamat ended in a split draw, Eman made sure to put the fruit of his hard work on display. Because, in the following year, his athletic path reached new heights, as the boxer claimed successive victories.
With his talent and dedication to the sport, Eman’s most recent record holds seven wins, one draw, and zero defeats. Now, as he proves his boxing skills and is progressively building his career, he can be seen growing even closer to the ring. Inside its perimeters, Eman is not just living his passion but also marking his very own identity.
Yet, behind every powerful swing, there lies a deeper force and a soul-stirring meaning.
WEIGHT OF EVERY PUNCH
Even the strongest people carry unseen battles, and Eman is no stranger to this.
In his early years, the now-professional boxer endured hardships. From having an abusive former stepfather to financial struggles, Eman experienced life’s bitterness and harsh realities even before he was a teen.
Carrying the Pacquiao surname was of no use in mitigating these challenges either, as it instead became one of the reasons for Eman’s rather melancholic childhood memories. Being Manny Pacquiao’s illegitimate son, he was bullied in school and dared to fight just because the eight-division world champion of boxing was his father. Eman’s mother didn’t have it easy either, as she couldn’t escape others’ judgmental views.
However, as fate turned in his favor, the athlete conquered and overcame these obstacles alongside his loved ones. While it was painful for Eman to look back on, he didn’t let his past take control or override his future. But rather, he used it as motivation to become a better, stronger boxer.
Guided by faith and a strong will, Eman’s life before fame now drives him to push even further and bag greater achievements. Each jab thrown and fist blocked is a step forward from the old times and a sign of a brighter tomorrow.
Beneath his smile and thoughtful demeanor, Eman holds grim memories. Yet, he chose not to dwell on them. He chose to focus on how to rise from the shadows and get back up again.
For a person like Eman, even the roughest roads aren’t enough to stop him from living the way he wants to. He keeps moving forward, every challenge only strengthening his resolve. Because, although he had an imperfect past, it shaped the person he is today.
REFERENCES:
[1] GMA Public Affairs. (2025, November 10). Ang mapapait na karanasan ni Eman Pacquiao bago pasukin ang boxing | Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Podcast. YouTube. https://youtu.be/FFliJVuKe5Q?si=By4HWcIXbB2sdPuj
[2] Asian Journal. (2025, November 17). His father’s son: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is finding his own way in the ring and in the legacy he now carries. https://asianjournal.com/entertainment/sports/his-fathers-son-eman-bacosa-pacquiao-is-finding-his-own-way-in-the-ring-and-in-the-legacy-he-now-carries/
[3] Giongco, M. (2025). Eman Bacosa making his own name and embracing Pacquiao legacy. Philippine Daily Inquirer. https://sports.inquirer.net/646945/eman-bacosa-making-his-own-name-and-embracing-pacquiao-legacy
[4] Bravo, F. K. S. (2023, October 7). Eman Bacosa starts professional boxing career. PEP.ph. https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/lifestyle/176365/eman-bacosa-starts-professional-boxing-career-a5128-20231007
[5] Wei, B. (2025, November 11). Eman Bacosa – Carrying Pacquiao’s legacy. The Mending Playbook. https://www.themendingplaybook.org/athletes/b2ggds6x9981b0w7gpu11cj1uinobx
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