Pacquiao still at his prime: ‘I feel like I’m 27 years old’

Happiness, Filipino boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao reveals, is the secret to maintaining youthful energy and stamina.

“Even now, kahit mag-40 na ako sa December, but I feel 27, 28 years old,” Pacquiao said Wednesday night during his congratulatory dinner hosted by GMA Network in Makati City.

Pacquiao reveals, “You know my secret bakit ganu’n ‘yung pakiramdam ko, ‘yung feeling ko? Ang sikreto pala, kailangang maging masaya ka. Kailangan maging masaya ka para maging bata ka.”

“Kasi the more na maging malungkot ka, problemado ka, nakakatanda, pero ‘pag laging happy ka, huwag mong pansinin ‘yung problema,” the Senator continued.

Pacquiao underwent an aniogram procedure, a CT scan, and a drug test on July 8 before his bout with Argentine Lucas Matthysse to determine whether he is suffering from a heart problem. He was cleared in all the tests.

He was then victorious against Matthysse and claimed the WBA Welterweight belt.

Pacquiao told reporters that he wants to have another boxing match by December.

“I can see myself that I feel like I’m 27 years old, 28 years old, so I agree that my journey in boxing is not done yet... So expect more fights to come, giving honor to our country of course, and the most important thing is I want to glorify God.”

Being a public servant

Pacquiao said he views his work as an elected government official as a task from God, as he recalled that he came from humble beginnings.

“Also, ano man ‘yung narating ko ngayon, not only a champion in boxing, but also a public servant. Ito ‘yung task sa akin aside boxing, to help the people, to serve the people honestly because I feel what they feel. Kung ano ‘yung naramdaman ng mga mahihirap, damang-dama ko sa puso ko because I’ve been there. I think more than na-experience nila.”

“Being a public servant, hindi ko matiis na may mga taong mahihirap, makita na may mga taong nagugutom. Ilang beses kong inuulit-ulit ito, parang tinutusok ‘yung damdamin ko, ‘yung puso ko dahil alam ko ‘yung nararamdaman nila eh, alam ko ‘yung walang pagkain eh. ‘Yung nahihilo ka tapos nagugutom ka iinom ka na lang ng tubig to survive. Naranasan namin matulog na walang bahay, sa kalye lang,” he continued.

Thus, the senator said he will remain faithful to his job in public service, a task from above which he cannot “refuse.”

Open for presidency?

Also at the welcome dinner, GMA Network chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon expressed his opinion that Senator Pacquiao could be president or vice president some day.

“Hindi ako magtataka, kasi ‘pag senador ka na, what is the next step? Hindi ba vice president or president? Kaya hindi ako magtataka that some day, may be sooner or later, iba na ang itatawag natin kay Senator Manny,” Atty. Gozon said.

Pacquiao, in his speech, said he is open to the possibility.

“Kung beyond this position, wala akong [karapatan tumanggi] pero right now I’m focused to my job as a Senator. Doing my best, my ability. And of course, continuing my boxing career.”

Pacquiao thanked all of those who supported him in his fight against the Argentinian boxer, including his staff, those who helped in the promotions, and the fans.

“I want to thank all of you who are always there na nakasuporta, nagdarasal. Upside down, nandiyan kayo palagi nagmamahal sa akin. And that love, I will never forget it. Of course that’s the love from God and my love for you is always there, as a brother and sister in Christ. Thank you so much all of you, mga Kapuso.” — BAP, GMA News