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 icon celebrated as one of boxing's all-time greats. He holds the distinction of being the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, demonstrating unparalleled versatility and skill across weight classes. Beyond his boxing achievements, Pacquiao also served as a senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, showcasing his commitment to public service and his nation.

Sections (7)

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

December 17, 1978: Birth of Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao was born as Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao on December 17, 1978, in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines.

December 17, 1978: Manny Pacquiao's Birth

On December 17, 1978, Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines.

1990: Inspired by Buster Douglas Fight

In 1990, Manny Pacquiao was inspired to pursue boxing after watching James "Buster" Douglas defeat Mike Tyson with his uncle Sardo Mejia.

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.

2005: Yielded Flag Bearer Role

In 2005, Swimmer Miguel Molina, the Southeast Asian Games' Best Male Athlete, yielded the Philippine flag bearer role to Manny Pacquiao upon request of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

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.

2006: Disclosure of Eman Bacosa's Existence

In 2006, Joanna Rose Bacosa disclosed the existence of her child with Manny Pacquiao, named Emmanuel "Eman" Bacosa. Pacquiao initially did not acknowledge him but was later seen training with Eman, who pursued boxing.

February 2007: High School Equivalency Diploma

In February 2007, Manny Pacquiao passed a high school equivalency exam and was awarded a high school diploma by the Department of Education.

October 7, 2007: Promotion to Master Sergeant

On October 7, 2007, Manny Pacquiao was promoted to Master Sergeant, the highest rank for enlisted personnel, in the Reserve Force of the Philippine Army.

2007: Enrollment at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University

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

2008: Continued Studies at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University

In 2008, Manny Pacquiao continued his studies at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) in the Academic Year 2007–2008. However, he was not able to finish the program, and NDDU did not grant him a college degree.

2008: Philippine Flag Bearer

Manny Pacquiao was the Philippine delegation's flag bearer at the 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, being the first non-participant to hold the role.

May 4, 2009: Special Rank of Senior Master Sergeant

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

June 25, 2010: Completion of Development Legislation and Governance Course

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

2010: Elected as Representative of Sarangani

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

April 17, 2014: Joined Philippine Basketball Association

On April 17, 2014, Manny Pacquiao announced his intention to join the Philippine Basketball Association as the playing coach of Kia Motors Basketball team.

2014: Player-Coach in PBA

From 2014, Manny Pacquiao served as the player-coach for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team Kia/Mahindra.

April 15, 2015: Release of "Kid Kulafu" Film

On April 15, 2015, the film "Kid Kulafu", based on Manny Pacquiao's early life in boxing, was released. The film, starring Buboy Villar as Manny Pacquiao, portrays the boxing superstar's childhood.

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2016: Executive Coaching Program

From June 8 to 17, 2016, Manny Pacquiao underwent another 9-day Executive Coaching Program crash course conducted by several institutions after he won a senate seat.

2016: Elected as Senator

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao was elected as a senator of the Philippines.

2016: End of Term as Congressman of Sarangani

In 2016, Manny Pacquiao's term as the congressman representing the lone district of Sarangani ended. He then returned his official residence to General Santos upon his election to the Senate.

2016: Declined 2016 Olympics

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

2017: End of PBA Coaching Career

In 2017, Manny Pacquiao's tenure as player-coach for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team Kia/Mahindra ended.

December 11, 2019: Graduation from University of Makati

On December 11, 2019, Manny Pacquiao graduated from the University of Makati with a bachelor's degree in political science through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

2020: Pacquiao helps bring COVID-19 test kits to the Philippines

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Manny Pacquiao collaborated with Jack Ma of Alibaba Group to facilitate the delivery of 50,000 COVID-19 test kits to the Philippines through their respective charity foundations.

2020: Became Leader of PDP-Laban Party

In 2020, Manny Pacquiao became the leader of the PDP–Laban party.

September 19, 2021: Presidential Candidacy Declaration

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

September 29, 2021: Retirement from Boxing

On September 29, 2021, Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing.

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: Presidential Election Loss

In 2022, Manny Pacquiao lost the presidential election in the Philippines to Bongbong Marcos.

2022: End of Senate Term

In 2022, Manny Pacquiao's term as a senator of the Philippines came to an end.

August 2023: Pacquiao's YouTube Channel Subscribers

As of August 2023, Manny Pacquiao's YouTube channel had 990,000 subscribers. The Pacquiao family members have their own separate YouTube channels, posting content about their activities.

September 23, 2023: Eman Pacquiao's Professional Boxing Debut

On September 23, 2023, Emmanuel "Eman" Bacosa, Manny Pacquiao's son with Joanna Rose Bacosa, made his professional boxing debut, which ended in a draw.

December 15, 2023: Eman Pacquiao Dedicates Win to His Father

On December 15, 2023, Emmanuel "Eman" Bacosa dedicated his win against Noel Pangantao to his father, Manny Pacquiao.

May 27, 2024: Mary Divine Grace "Princess" Graduation

On May 27, 2024, Mary Divine Grace "Princess" Pacquiao, one of Manny's daughters, graduated from secondary school at Brent International School.

2024: Failed Olympics Qualification

In 2024, Manny Pacquiao signified his interest to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in France, but was disallowed to participate due to the age limit.

November 30, 2025: Jimuel Pacquiao's Professional Boxing Debut

On November 30, 2025, Jimuel Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao's eldest son with Jinkee, made his professional boxing debut, which resulted in a majority draw.

2025: Senate Election Loss and Boxing Comeback

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.