Christian boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, who is now a Philippine senator, expressed his pride for his country by recently posting a photo of himself on his Instagram account (@mannypacquiao) wearing the country's national costume, the barong tagalog, while his wife Jinkee wore a purple gown.
"My wife and I love our country. We pray everyday that God will bless this country and bless the Filipino people," he captions the photo.
Pacquiao, who grew up in poverty, shot to fame and success after he became a professional boxer. Because of his rags-to-riches story, Pacquiao easily empathises with those who are constantly struggling to make ends meet.
"I remember as a little boy, I ate one meal a day and sometimes slept in the street. I will never forget that and it inspires me to fight hard, stay strong, and remember all the people of my country, trying to achieve better for themselves," he writes.
But despite his entry into the world of politics, Pacquiao still has not given up his passion for boxing. Just recently, it was announced that he would be making a comeback on November 5, and he will be fighting at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao was immediately criticised for this move, with bashers saying that he will be neglecting his Senate duties just to train and fight. In a press statement, Pacquiao said those accusations are untrue.
"I want to make it clear--my priority is my legislative works," he says, adding that any future fights "will not interfere with my Senate duties."
"When I ran for senator last May 9 elections, I made a promise to be present in all sessions. I owe it to the people," he says. Pacquiao points out that "boxing is my only means of livelihood to support my family and to help those who are in need," since he considers politics as a vocation and "not a means to eke out a living."
"I want to maintain that belief. I want to keep my dignity intact while in public service. May God continue to guide and bless all our endeavours," he says.
