We would like to pay tribute today to one of the Philippines’ heroes, a renowned world-class athlete who can float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.  Known as Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao by boxing enthusiasts and friends, Pacquiao’s story is diverse and inspiring.

On a return flight from the Philippines, Joseph from TryBPO.com had the great pleasure of briefly meeting Manny Pacquiao.  While they were waiting to get off the plan, Joe looked over his shoulder and was surprised at what he found.  The conversation started with Joseph exclaiming, “You’re Manny Pacquiao,” almost in disbelief and it ended with excitement and a happy photo.  After a few minutes a crowd began to gather as more people were interested in getting a glimpse of the star.

The Rise of a Renowned Boxer

Pacquiao was born and raised in the Philippines.  He started training as a professional boxer in his teens.  His debut fight at the age of 16 marked the start of an exciting journey for Pacquiao.  While his career started out slow with fights taking place in small, intimate venues, it has gathered steam steadily in the last decade.  Over the past few years, Pacquiao has stepped into the ring with well-known professionals like Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez and even Oscar De La Hoya.

From Boxing to Politics

Outside of the boxing ring, Pacquiao has been known to take on different types of bouts.  The athlete is a skilled negotiator, public speaker and a hard advocate for his beliefs.  He dabbles in politics and campaigned for a congressional seat in the Philippines.  There is much controversy about Pacquiao’s professional sports career and the impact that politics may have on his future in the Philippines.  Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing effective in August 2009 to concentrate on a full-time career in politics.

There are other interesting facets that set this athlete-business professional-politician apart from others.  In his lifetime, he became the first Filipino athlete to be depicted on a postage stamp.  A full length feature film based on his life was also released in 2006.  At one point, Ring Magazine dubbed Pacquiao the #1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.  He is an active participant in corporate endorsements and appears regularly on television commercials and at special events as a spokesperson.

The Future of His Legacy

With his diverse set of accomplishments, Pacquiao is a true icon in both Filipino and international culture.  Time Magazine recently ranked him as one of the world’s most influential people for the year 2009.  Pacquiao takes his reputation and buying power seriously and actively contributes to the development of business in the Philippines, as well as politics on a regular basis.  He is more than just a star athlete making a career change.  Pacquiao is a natural born leader and innovator who has leader to apply his skills in unique ways to change the world around him. 

Related articles

• ‘The Greatness’ of Manny Pacquiao (telegraph.co.uk)
• Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr: Who will emerge as boxing’s King? (bleacherreport.com)
• Oscar De La Hoya announces boxing retirement (cbc.ca)