Manny Pacquiao: 'Foundation of happiness is built on contentment, not possessions'

Manny Pacquiao enjoys a simple Filipino meal in a cramped room in a photo he posted on his Instagram account. (Instagram/Manny Pacquiao)

There is no question that Filipino boxing champ and congressman Manny Pacquiao has received so much blessings from God. His life story is truly one of rags to riches.

But if you would ask the Christian boxer about the true measure of his success, he would most likely answer that it can be found not in his possessions, but in his sense of contentment as a Christian.

On his Instagram account (@mannypacquiao), Pacquiao shared a happy photo featuring him and his son Israel as well as his wife Jinkee. He wrote, "The foundation of true happiness is built on contentment, not possessions. May God Bless everyone and have a blessed day."

He then added the Bible verse taken from Luke 12:15. It says, "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

This was not the first time that Pacquiao discussed his financial wellbeing on his social media account. Previously, he posted a photo of him eating a traditional Filipino dish with rice inside a cramped blue room. Pacquiao was wearing a plain white t-shirt with shorts, and was seated on a plastic chair.

The boxer wrote in Filipino, "I am used to hardships in life that is why with or without money I'm always like this, because my heart is always humble before God and before man. That's why (I) feel (for) the hearts of poor people who are in need. Thank you."

Before he became popular, Pacquiao used to box for only $1 to $2 per fight. He said he got into boxing because it was a good way to earn money. Even if he lost, he would still take home something, and he would often use his earnings to buy rice for his family.

related articles
Christian boxing champ Manny Pacquiao to run for senator in 2016 Philippine elections
Christian boxing champ Manny Pacquiao to run for senator in 2016 Philippine elections

Christian boxing champ Manny Pacquiao to run for senator in 2016 Philippine elections

\'Unity can be done if all the people know more about God\'—Manny Pacquiao
'Unity can be done if all the people know more about God'—Manny Pacquiao

'Unity can be done if all the people know more about God'—Manny Pacquiao

Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao go on Israel tour, share reflections about God\'s love and blessings
Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao go on Israel tour, share reflections about God's love and blessings

Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao go on Israel tour, share reflections about God's love and blessings

Manny Pacquiao builds housing units for the homeless, tells beneficiaries: \'Thank God, not me\'
Manny Pacquiao builds housing units for the homeless, tells beneficiaries: 'Thank God, not me'

Manny Pacquiao builds housing units for the homeless, tells beneficiaries: 'Thank God, not me'

Manny Pacquiao raves about new Miss Universe, says her win will inspire his next match
Manny Pacquiao raves about new Miss Universe, says her win will inspire his next match

Manny Pacquiao raves about new Miss Universe, says her win will inspire his next match

News
Cuban bishops warn oil sanctions could deepen hardship and unrest
Cuban bishops warn oil sanctions could deepen hardship and unrest

The message, read in Catholic parishes nationwide, warned that further pressure on fuel access would fall most heavily on vulnerable families already struggling to survive.

Turkey taken to task over Christians banned from the country
Turkey taken to task over Christians banned from the country

Foreign pastors are often labelled "national security" threats.

Church of England directs £600,000 towards clergy mental health and financial support
Church of England directs £600,000 towards clergy mental health and financial support

The funding package includes new grants for two national charities working with clergy facing psychological strain and financial pressure.

St William shrine fragments return to York Minster after 500 years underground
St William shrine fragments return to York Minster after 500 years underground

Fragments of a long-lost medieval shrine honouring St William of York have returned to York Minster for the first time in nearly 500 years, marking a major moment in the cathedral’s history and a highlight of its programme for 2026.