Manny Pacquiao: The Year-Round Santa Claus of the Philippines

Manny Pacquiao: The Year-Round Santa Claus of the Philippines | Daily Tribune

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum said it best.

“In the Philippines, they have a social security system and it’s called Manny Pacquiao,” Arum, who heads one of boxing’s foremost promotional outfits, said.

Arum — known for hyperbole — as he has promoted the very best since 1966, wasn’t exaggerating.

Even when it is not Christmas, Pacquiao gives away money to the poor and needy, a practice he started almost three decades ago.

Wherever he goes, there would be people asking for financial assistance.

Name it and Pacquiao has heeded the call to lend a helping hand.

Hospital bills? Check.

Medicines? Check.

Funeral expenses? Check.

School tuition? Check.

Birthdays? Check.

For Pacquiao, it doesn’t have to be December for him to give away cash to just about everyone who asks for help.

But during the holidays — and especially during his birthday on 17 December — a big group of people gather at his house asking for money.

In the past, he would wake up early in the morning to help in the distribution of goods — and again — cash to the destitute.

He would return home extremely tired so he can get ready to celebrate his special day in the evening with friends and family.

During the night affair, he would again do the very same thing that he did hours earlier.

Those who were lucky to attend his birthday are included in a mega raffle that happens later in the event.

Guests have won major prizes, including cars and motorcycles and other attractive prizes.

And in his latest birthday bash, it was same old, same old.

Marilou Jamora, who oversees many of Pacquiao’s business ventures and affairs, told DAILY TRIBUNE that Pacquiao could not turn his back on those who came by.

“Boss was getting a massage because he just got back from a long ride (on his motorbike) and he just gave instructions to one of his aides to attend to the people’s needs,” Jamora said.

Even those who comprise his household staff in General Santos City and Forbes (Park) were also treated to a night of fabulous prizes and great food.

“Boss raffled off motorcycles and cash to his staff,” she added.

Even before he became big, Pacquiao made it a point to provide help to those in need, a trait that fascinated not just Arum but the international media that covered his fights not just in the United States but elsewhere.

At one point, Freddie Roach even expressed concern with his spending, fearing that Pacquiao would end up bankrupt.

But even if he has retired from the sport, Pacquiao continues to deliver when asked.

Because for Pacquiao, Christmas is all year round.