Eman Bacosa Pacquiao opens up on celebrity crush, showbiz plans

Eman Bacosa Pacquiao may be carving his name inside the boxing ring, but his recent television appearance revealed that there’s more to him than flawless footwork and knockout power.

The young athlete—steadily gaining attention for his undefeated professional record—showed a lighter, more candid side during his guesting on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, where he openly shared his admiration for one of today’s brightest young actresses, Jillian Ward.

In a rare moment of sweetness, the usually reserved boxer admitted that he has a soft spot for the Sparkle teen superstar. When asked who his local celebrity crush was, Eman didn’t hesitate to mention Jillian—prompting delighted reactions from the studio and netizens alike. Prodded further on how much he’d like to pursue her, he offered a shy but sincere “five,” staying true to his unassuming and grounded persona.

But Eman’s revelations didn’t stop there. When the King of Talk asked about his interest in entering showbiz, the boxer surprised viewers with a confident “seven.” Though careful not to spill too much, he teased that whether or not he’s signed under Sparkle GMA Artist Center remains a “secret”—a playful hint that left the audience curious about what’s next for him beyond the ring.

Capping the interview, Eman sent a simple message to Jillian, expressing hope that they could meet someday—a gesture that further endeared him to fans who have been following his rising career.

Eman’s name first made headlines at the recent Thrilla in Manila 2, organized by his father, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Dominating the event with calm precision and impressive skill, he extended his spotless record to seven wins, zero losses, one draw, and four knockouts. His presence—calm but commanding—caught the attention of viewers who couldn’t help but point out his striking resemblance to Piolo Pascual. The two eventually crossed paths during an episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, fueling more buzz around the young boxer’s growing mainstream appeal.

A son of Manny Pacquiao and Joanna Rose Bacosa, Eman is quickly becoming a standout name—one to watch not only in the world of sports but possibly in entertainment too. With talent, humility, and a promise-filled future, he emerges as one of the most intriguing young personalities of his generation: a fighter in the ring, a rising heartthrob outside it, and a young man boldly stepping into the spotlight on his own terms.