At the age of 32, Manny Pacquiao has showed no sign of slowing down. Even at the face of his growing responsibilities as lone representative of Sarangani province, Pacquiao said he is still very much willing to fight it out in the boxing ring.
“Kaya ko pa naman (I can still do it),” said the Filipino boxing hero in an interview with ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol while celebrating his 32nd birthday at the KCC Convetion Center in General Santos City (Gensan).
Pacquiao merely shrugged off the request of some of his close family members, including his mother, for his early retirement from the sports he has grown to love.
His mother, Mommy Dionisia, is very much afraid that boxing might take its toll on her son’s body.
“Kung may nararamdaman naman ako, kung iba na ang tingin ko sa katawan ko, a-ayaw na ko (If I’m beginning to feel something bad, I’ll stop boxing),” said Pacquiao.
While still healthy, Pacquiao said he will still give it a go for several more fights.
“Palagay ko kaya ko pa ng dalawang laban o tatlo (I think I’m still good for 2 or 3 more fights),” said the boxing superstar.
Mommy Dionisia earlier said she’ll be requesting Pacquiao’s coach, Freddie Roach, to convince her son to retire.
Lavish party
More than a thousand guests attended Pacquiao’s modern Greco-themed party at the KCC Convention Center.
Among the “very important personalities” who attended the party were boxing promoter Bob Arum and his wife; Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson; Puerto Rican boxing champion Juan Manuel Lopez; musician Lito Camo; Camarines Sur Gov. LRay Villafuerte; and beloved boxing coach Freddie Roach.
Pacquiao said he has spent up to P3 million for the party.
The boxer said he has no problem about the expenses as long as he keeps his friends happy.
“OK lang. Basta masaya ang mga kasama ko, OK na ako,” said Pacquiao. “Sa akin hindi importante ang materyal, sa akin importante ang mga kaibigan ko.”
(It’s OK. As long as my friends are happy, I’m OK. For me, it’s not about the material value. What’s important for me are my friends).
Among the things Pacquiao is raffling off in the party are a Toyota Vios, 2 motorcycles and 3 flat screen televisions.
When asked if he has anything to wish for himself, Pacquiao said he wishes he’ll be properly guided in helping others.
“’Yung pangarap ko natupad ko na, sobra sobra pa. Ang hiling ko naman sa Panginoon ay kung gaano niya ako itinaas sa kalagayan sa buhay at sa boxing, sana tulungan niya ako na makatulong sa mga kababayan nating mahirap,” he said.
(I have already fulfilled my dreams, even more that what I’ve dreamt. What I ask from the Lord is to help me help others, just like the way he has helped me in life and in boxing).
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