Pacquiao: I learned boxing from mom, not dad

MANILA, Philippines – Unlike Manny Pacquiao's flamboyant celebrity mom, Mommy Dionisia, "Pacdad" is happy to be out of the limelight.

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN's Korina Sanchez, Pacquiao's father, Rosalio, said just watching his son from the sidelines makes him happy.

He said life was very different before he was reunited with his famous son.

For years, Rosalio stayed away from Dionisia and their children after the couple separated. Manny was only 12 years old at the time.


But despite the separation, he said he always made an effort to check on his children.

"Kahit lumayo ako, hindi naman ako nakalimot, kinukumusta ko sila lagi," said Rosalio.

He said he always dreamed of reuniting with his children someday.

"Kahit wala ako, lagi ko silang iniisip, pangarap ko na makasama sila uli."

This dream was fulfilled when Pacquiao visited his father shortly after his initial success as a boxing champion.

Pacquiao gave his father a house and a car.

Recently, he even toured Rosalio in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao said his father is a quiet man who was never violent.

"Hindi nga marunong sumuntok," said the boxing champion.

Pacquiao even joked that it wasn't his father who inspired him to box.

"Sa Mama ako [natuto], nung binubugbog si Papa," he said, laughing.

source: abs-cbnnews