Manny P and Mommy D at ‘52^nd Street’

    On the news, Dionisia Pacquiao was telecast airing her indignation at her son, for having concealed his shoulder injury from her. According to her statements, his purpose for doing so was to prevent any potential actions she would take to postpone the much-awaited Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. This may suggest that the acclaimed Filipino boxer may be ungrateful for his mother’s concern regarding his well-being; or that he is getting back at her for her own personal decisions which he also disapproves of.

    During the earlier years of his career as a professional boxer, Manny Pacuiao and his mother knew a bond which was perceptible to the public. There were circumstances shown when both gave each other the mutual affections of a parent and a child. But apparently, after she began a relationship with a man who was, undeniably, her junior; that bond seemed to have vanished.

    If a son does not consent to his mother’s choices in life, but finds it a futile attempt to contradict the prerogative of the elder; the next best thing he can do is get back at her in his own way.

    Manny Pacquiao did not contest the actions of his mother even if he was not in agreement with her. Perhaps, since he allowed her to have her way with her life; he may have just found the reason to demand that she grant him his freedom with his.

    “Mommy D” even showed her disfavor for her son’s generosity; freely giving his wealth to so many individuals. The challenge she raised was to ask him about the time when THEY were still living a hard and strenuous life; and if anyone showed them charity; stressing the fact that they never received even one peso out of kindness. From her viewpoint, she might see her son too blinded with his faith that he takes it too literally and to an extreme level.

    But again; Manny might just feel confident that he has the liberty to do what he wants; whether to face an opponent while suffering from an injured rotator cuff or carry  out biblical teachings with regards to munificence. It may be his manner of insinuating that the bond between him and his mother are already immaterial. If he was even aware of it, maybe he could sing her a few lines from Billy Joel’s 1978 classic hit, 'My Life':

“I don’t care what you say anymore,

This is my life

Go ahead with your own life;

Leave me alone”

*Billy Joel, My Life, 52nd Street, 1978