While his followers cannot get enough of his success as a celebrated prize fighter, Manny Pacquiao actually has things in mind that are far from boxing.
His dreams, he tells Gulf News in an exclusive interview, transcend boxing. The sport in which he excels only serves to prepare him in his pursuit of a life-long passion of helping his countrymen.
"I can't resist the urge to help; it's in my system. I want the Filipino people to always remember that Manny Pacquiao always fought for them, for the people," he says.
When the Gulf News team sent to cover Pacquiao's training arrived in Manila, it was during the aftermath of a major typhoon that ravaged the capital, flooding huge sections of the metropolis and rendering roads impassable.
So as the team prepared for the long, uphill drive up to Baguio City, the venue of the first half of Pacquiao's preparations for his upcoming fight against Miguel Cotto, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that the champion himself was coming down to Manila.
It was a risky decision to leave his training base, break off from his regimen and roam the flooded and potentially dangerous streets of the capital.
But as Pacquiao would later tell Gulf News, it was a small sacrifice compared to what his kabayans [compatriots] in Manila had to endure.
Pacquiao spent a few precious hours in Manila to distribute relief goods and inspire the people to persevere amid adversity. He also donated one million pesos (around Dh80,000) to relief efforts.
"Nobody can stop Manny from helping other people, not even the typhoon. He is a strong man and firm with his decisions, especially when it comes to situations where people need his help," says politician Chavit Singson, one of Pacquiao's closest advisers, who is famed for being the whistle-blower in the landmark impeachment trial of former president Joseph Estrada.
Rex "Wakee" Salud, a local boxing luminary who is also part of Pacquiao's inner circle of friends, adds: "Manny is an approachable person. If he has time he will always be there for his friends or anybody who needs his help. A truly kind-hearted man."
Born in poverty
One thing that makes Pacquiao connect easily with those in need is that he himself was born in poverty. Having experienced homelessness, deprivation and hard labour, he says he is now intent on helping make a difference in the lives of poor people.
"I fight to help provide for them. I really feel good to share my blessings with others. All the blessings I have right now are from God and I have to give them back to the people who need help. I believe that the more you give, the more you'll get in return. That's what I truly feel in my heart. Nobody can change that," says Pacquiao.
Pacquiao's friendliness and outgoing nature is easily recognisable even when he's in the thick of preparations for his upcoming fight. After training, he finds time to meet and greet his fans. He is also usually seen playing and clowning around with his team, who are all former boxers.
"Manny is a playful and a very generous person, especially to us, his fellow boxers," says Onyok Velasco, a former Olympic silver medallist who is now part of Team Pacquiao.
"He never fails to help, especially if he sees that you are a sincere person," adds Dodie Boy Peñalosa, another member of Pacquiao's entourage who is himself a former IBF flyweight and light flyweight champion.
Pacquiao's generosity is common knowledge among all people in the country. His friends even worry that the boxing superstar may be giving too much for his own good.
Pacquiao nonetheless assures them that he remains firmly in control of his philanthropic activities. He recently demonstrated "self-control" when a woman approached him after one of his daily training regimen to ask for financial help.
Pacquiao, remembering that he had already given cash assistance to the lady, politely explained to her why he had to decline.
"I already gave you money yesterday. I think that was enough," he was overheard saying.
