Manny Pacquiao is well aware of how it feels to have nothing because he was once there. He grew up in poor conditions with his family in the Sarangani Province in the Philippines and had to leave school at the age of 10.
There were days when he drank only water because they had no food. They were a family of 7 living in a shack made of cardboard.
At the age of 15, he left home and spent several nights on the streets of Manila, scrounging for food and shelter and this is when he began pursuing a career in boxing too.
This is why today this boxer and senator and the only 8 division champion in boxing gives so much to the less fortunate. He knows what it’s like to struggle. Unfortunately, in his home country, the number of people who have nothing is high.
“I’ve Been There & I Know What They’re Feeling”
Several years ago, when asked about the motivation behind his efforts, Pacquiao said that he feels what they’re feeling as he was there. He slept on the streets and this was his life for some time. It was so hard, he recalled.
His promoter Bob Arum pointed out how people would line up by the thousands around his home in the Philippines as the boxer gave away the millions he earned from fighting in the US.
Arum said in 2010 that he just sat in front of his house and gave money to the people. He says he gave away money and food and that he believed that’s part of his higher purpose as once he gives it away, he believes that God will give him back.
He’s Now Helping Build Homes for the less Fortunate
Today, at the age of 37, Pacquiao is again doing so much to help the poor. His plan and latest project is to build 1000 houses in the Sarangani province and give it to the poor and less fortunate.
He will pay for everything-he already purchased the lots and the preparations are happening.
He said that in boxing, the fight is in the ring for fans’ enjoyment. In the Senate, the fight is for improving the life of the citizens of Philippines. And, being a senator is an inspiring work for him.
He has spent more than 2 million dollars on building homes for the poor and homeless.
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