Pacquiao’s Top 10 lessons in life

Flying to Kuala Lumpur to watch for the first time the fight of one the world’s boxing icons, our very own Manny Pacquiao, against Argentine boxer Lucas Matthysse, was a very memorable experience.

As we entered the Axiata Arena, we could feel the excitement that grew even more intense as Manny Pacquiao came in with his team waving the Philippine flag through the cheering crowd who all wanted to get a closer glimpse of their idol going up the boxing ring.

With wife Jinkee.

Earlier, one could feel and hear talks from the concerned audience getting anxious most especially after seeing up-close  Manny’s young and strong opponent. But as the fight progressed, all worries slowly turned into excitement and joy as we watched our champ, the Philippines’ pride, throw his calculated punches to claim his 60th victory in the ring and proving once more to the world that Manny Pacquiao is indeed one of the greatest boxers of our time.

Read on as Senator Pacquiao shares with us  the valuable lessons he has learned in life.

Manny with Prince Harry in 2015.

1.Always believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. Who would have thought that a simple probinsyano like me would end up being a boxing champion? It all starts with a dream. Once you know what you want most in life, you should do everything you can to make it come true.

2. Never give up. There will always be hardships and obstacles as you move closer and closer to your goal. But you should always try to focus on your goal. You may stumble, you may fall, but you should always get back on your feet right away.

3. No pain, no gain. Every athlete knows this. The only way to reach your best fighting form is by literally punishing yourself through intense training. Pain takes on a different meaning when we transcend it.

President Rodrigo Duterte with Jinkee and Manny, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Chavit Singson.

4. In life and inside the ring, size does not matter. Never underestimate your opponent, especially if he appears to be smaller than you. Always remember the story of David and Goliath.

5. Stay humble. No matter how rich, famous or powerful you may be, remember that all these things are only temporary. We are all just instruments of God, and our lives are meant to have a higher purpose.

6. Always help those less fortunate than yourself. Despite how successful I have become, I never forget my humble beginnings and the people who have helped me in making a better life for myself. Now, it’s time to pay it forward and take my turn helping out.

Manny, the author and Arnold Vegafria.

7. Believe in God and live a righteous life in Jesus’ name. It is our relationship with God that gives meaning and purpose to our lives. If we follow His ways, we will always be blessed.

8. Always put your family and those you love first in your life. No matter how busy I get with work, I never fail to spend quality time with my wife and kids. They are the ones who continue to inspire me to do my best every time.

9. Always be a gentleman. My best opponents know that I am a gentleman inside and outside the ring. And why not? It’s just a game anyway. Why take it too seriously? Respect begets respect. This is something that I try to teach my sons.

10. Invest your money wisely. I feel fortunate for having the right advisers to guide me in making the right investment choices that will help secure my family’s future. In the end, it’s not really a matter of having a lot of money. It’s more of knowing how to spend it wisely.

Manny and Jinkee with their children Emmanuel, Michael, Mary Divine Grace, Queen Elizabeth and Israel.

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