Jinkee reveals love story with Manny in interview

CEBU, Philippines - Just like how he tackles opponents inside the ring, Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao courted and wooed Jinkee Pacquiao relentlessly before she became his wife, according to an online report.

In an exclusive interview with Yahoo! Southeast Asia, Jinkee revealed that she was introduced to Manny in a shopping mall by her uncle, who also served as Manny’s then-trainer. He was still an unknown and fledgling boxer then, while she a sales attendant for a cosmetics brand in General Santos City.

“Pinakilala kami ng uncle ko, kasi yung uncle ko trainer niya before. Ayun, star struck sa akin nung unang punta niya,” she was quoted as telling Yahoo! Southeast Asia. 

For three months, Manny courted her persistently, visiting her everyday. Seven months later, they got married. Today, they now have four kids: Jemuel, Michael, Princess and Queen Elizabeth. 

Nevertheless, little did Jinkee know at that time that the unknown boxer who would become her partner in life would achieve global superstar status not only in boxing, but in the world of sports some years after.

But she has been content to stay in the sidelines, and to let her man enjoy the spotlight. “Siyempre kapag idol, talagang nilalapitan ng tao. Pinapabayaan ko para may time siya sa mga fans niya,” she told the Yahoo! Southeast Asia. “Pwede ko naman siyang ma-solo.”

Even as the marriage went through some rough patches lately, at the end of the day, they are still very much together, and for her part, her support remains stronger than ever. “We pray together before his practices, usually one week before the fight. I also kiss him and tell him good luck even if he’s just going to the gym.”

Manny Pacquiao’s next fight will be with Joshua Clottey of Ghana on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Texas.