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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Eman Pacquiao's next fight? Acting - and he's taking on 'Never Say Die'

Eman Pacquiao's next fight? Acting - and he's taking on 'Never Say Die'

Published Mar 20, 2026 10:11 am
Rising Filipino boxer Eman Bacosa Pacquiao says romance is the last thing on his mind right now, as he channels his energy into his boxing career and budding showbiz ventures.
Eman Pacquiao
Eman Pacquiao
Although netizens have been linking him to Kapuso actress Jillian Ward, Eman shares that he genuinely enjoys her company and describes her as a special friend he holds close. Eman said that, for now, it's his choice not to be in a relationship.
"Kami ni Jillian, we are good friends. Nag-uusap kami minsan. Naka-focus talaga ako ngayon sa mga pangarap ko at sa pamilya ko. (Jillian and I are good friends. We talk sometimes. I'm really focused on my dreams and my family right now)," says Eman during an interview after he was introduced as the celebrity endorser for IAM Worldwide held in Quezon City on March 19.
Eman adds, "Kung meron man akong type (na babae), siguro kikilalanin ko muna and then bahala na ang Panginoon. (If I have a type (of woman), maybe I'll get to know her first and then let the Lord take care of it.)
Despite his busy schedule, Eman says he just wrapped up scenes for the Kapuso series "Never Say Die," which stars David Licauco and Jillian Ward.
"Nag-enjoy ako sa set and action ang role ko sa serye. Nag-enjoy ako kasama sina David, Jillian, and Kim Ji-soo. Vibes ko silang lahat," he said. "Hindi pa ako puwedeng magbigay ng ibang details, basta abangan na lang nila."
The 22-year-old athlete-actor says he enjoys his life now, believing he is being guided by the Lord. "I enjoy the blessings na binibigay sa akin. (I enjoy the blessings that are given to me.) I am trying to show Him that I deserve the blessings I am receiving."
On his hobbies, Eman says, "I dance, but I don't really sing. Marami akong gustong songs pero hindi ako updated sa trending songs. (I like a lot of songs, but I'm not updated on trending songs. I am more into Christian songs.) I am more into Christian songs."
Eman has just finished senior year in school. However, he said that school has to take a backseat as he concentrates on boxing. "But if I have the chance, I still want to pursue mechanical engineering."
Endorsing the same health brand, Eman says he also enjoyed working with Piolo Pascual. "Masayang kasama si Piolo. (It's fun to be with Piolo)," says Eman, adding that he and the Kapamilya star talked business.
At present, Eman is managed by his father's promotion company, Manny Pacquiao Promotions. In November 2025, Eman signed with GMA's Sparkle GMA Artist Centre for his showbiz ventures.
Eman also announces that he is scheduled for another fight this year, with details to be announced soon.
In February, Eman won his bout against Indonesian boxer Reynold Kundimang in Bohol. When asked about his gift for himself when he won the fight, Eman answered, "May mga bagay akong binili para sa akin at para sa pamilya ko. (I bought some things for myself and my family.)"
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