Childhood and Education Journey of Manny Pacquiao in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Manny Pacquiao. A timeline of key moments.

Manny Pacquiao, nicknamed "PacMan," is a Filipino boxing legend and former politician. He is celebrated as one of the greatest boxers ever, uniquely holding world titles across eight different weight divisions. Beyond his boxing achievements, Pacquiao served as a Senator in the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, marking a significant transition into public service after his illustrious sports career.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

December 17, 1978: Birth of Manny Pacquiao

On December 17, 1978, Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines, to Rosalio Pacquiao and Dionisia Dapidran.

December 17, 1978: Manny Pacquiao Born

On December 17, 1978, Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr., famously known as Manny Pacquiao, was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines. He later became a celebrated professional boxer and politician.

1990: Inspired by Buster Douglas Victory

In 1990, Manny Pacquiao was inspired to pursue boxing after watching James "Buster" Douglas defeat Mike Tyson with his Uncle Sardo, an experience that significantly influenced his life.

May 10, 1999: Marriage to Jinkee Jamora

On May 10, 1999, Manny Pacquiao married Jinkee Jamora. Together, they have five children: Emmanuel Jr. (Jimuel), Michael Stephen, Mary Divine Grace (Princess), Queen Elizabeth (Queenie) and Israel.

January 2004: Birth of Emmanuel "Eman" Bacosa

In January 2004, Emmanuel "Eman" Bacosa, Manny Pacquiao's child with Joanna Rose Bacosa, was born. Joanna Rose Bacosa disclosed the existence of her child with Pacquiao in 2006.

April 27, 2006: Enlistment as Military Reservist

On April 27, 2006, Manny Pacquiao enlisted as a military reservist in the Philippine Army with the rank of sergeant. He rose to Technical Sergeant on December 1 of the same year.

2006: Joanna Rose Bacosa discloses the existence of her child with Manny Pacquiao

In 2006, Joanna Rose Bacosa, a KTV receptionist, disclosed the existence of her child with Manny Pacquiao, Emmanuel "Eman" Bacosa, born in January 2004. Although initially unacknowledged, Pacquiao later trained with Eman, who pursued boxing.

February 2007: Earned High School Diploma

In February 2007, Manny Pacquiao passed a high school equivalency exam and was awarded a high school diploma by the Department of Education, marking a significant achievement in his education.

October 7, 2007: Promotion to Master Sergeant

On October 7, 2007, Manny Pacquiao was promoted to Master Sergeant, which is the highest rank for enlisted personnel in the Philippine Army reserve force.

2007: Enrollment at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University

In 2007, Manny Pacquiao officially enrolled at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) under the bachelor's degree of business administration major in marketing management program.

2008: Philippine Delegation's Flag Bearer

At the 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, Manny Pacquiao participated in the parade of nations as the Philippine delegation's flag bearer, the first-ever non-participant to hold this role.

2008: Continuation of Studies at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University

In the Academic Year 2007–2008, Manny Pacquiao continued his studies at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) under the bachelor's degree of business administration major in marketing management program. However, Pacquiao was not able to finish the program and NDDU did not grant him a college degree.

May 4, 2009: Promotion to Senior Master Sergeant

On May 4, 2009, Manny Pacquiao was given the special rank of Senior Master Sergeant and was designated as the Command Sergeant Major of the 15th Ready Reserve Division in the Philippine Army.

June 25, 2010: Completion of Development Legislation Course

On June 25, 2010, Manny Pacquiao completed a 10-day crash course on Development Legislation and Governance at the Graduate School of Public and Development Management of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).

2010: Representation of Sarangani District

In 2010, Manny Pacquiao began representing the lone district of Sarangani as a congressman. He officially resided in Kiamba, Sarangani, the hometown of his wife, Jinkee Jamora, from 2010 to 2016.

2010: Elected as Representative of Sarangani

In 2010, Manny Pacquiao entered politics and was elected as the representative of Sarangani, beginning his political career.

April 15, 2015: Release of Kid Kulafu

On April 15, 2015, Kid Kulafu, a film based on Manny Pacquiao's early life in boxing, was released. The movie featured actor Buboy Villar portraying Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and dramatized his childhood experiences.

2016: Executive Coaching Program

From June 8 to 17, 2016, Manny Pacquiao underwent a 9-day Executive Coaching Program crash course conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines, the Ateneo School of Government, the Asian Institute of Management, and the Philippine Public Safety College after he won a senate seat in 2016.

2016: Declined 2016 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao had the opportunity to compete in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, but he decided not to participate.

2016: Elected as Senator of the Philippines

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao was elected as a senator of the Philippines, marking a significant step in his political career.

2016: End of Congressional Term

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao's term as the congressman representing the lone district of Sarangani came to an end. Upon his election to the Senate of the Philippines in 2016, he returned his official residence to General Santos.

2017: Pacquiao founds Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League

In 2017, Manny Pacquiao established the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which started as a semi-professional league.

December 11, 2019: Graduation from University of Makati

On December 11, 2019, Manny Pacquiao controversially graduated from the University of Makati with a bachelor's degree in political science, majoring in local government administration. He completed the degree through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) in one year.

2019: Pacquiao announces plans to own an NBA team

In 2019, Manny Pacquiao declared his intention to own a National Basketball Association (NBA) team after his boxing career concludes.

2020: Became Leader of PDP–Laban Party

In 2020, Manny Pacquiao became the leader of the PDP–Laban party, marking his rise within the political landscape (though this was disputed since 2021).

September 19, 2021: Declared Candidacy for President of the Philippines

On September 19, 2021, Manny Pacquiao officially declared his candidacy for President of the Philippines in the upcoming 2022 election.

September 29, 2021: Announced Retirement from Boxing

On September 29, 2021, Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing in a post on social media, marking the end of his professional boxing career at the time.

2022: Master's Degree from Philippine Christian University

In 2022, Manny Pacquiao graduated from Philippine Christian University with a master's degree in management, majoring in public administration.

2022: End of Senate Term

In 2022, Manny Pacquiao's term as a senator of the Philippines came to an end, concluding his service in that role.

2022: MPBL turns professional

In 2022, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which was founded by Manny Pacquiao, transitioned into a professional league.

August 2023: YouTube Channel Subscribers Count

As of August 2023, Manny Pacquiao has a YouTube channel with 990,000 subscribers. The Pacquiao family actively posts content about their activities on their separate YouTube channels.

May 27, 2024: Princess Pacquiao's Secondary School Graduation

On May 27, 2024, Manny Pacquiao's daughter, Princess Pacquiao, graduated from secondary school at Brent International School.

November 2025: Eman Bacosa Publicly Carries Pacquiao Surname

In November 2025, Eman Bacosa began officially carrying the Pacquiao surname publicly. Prior to his professional boxing debut, he reconciled privately with Manny Pacquiao, and was legalized.

2025: Unsuccessful Senate Campaign and Retirement Announcement

Following an unsuccessful campaign in the 2025 Senate election, Manny Pacquiao announced his intention to retire from politics and came out of retirement from boxing.