FOR 11 years, Dionisia Pacquiao has been in a relationship with a man 26 years her junior and she insists their love is real, not about money.
The 76-year-old mother of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao shared how she and partner Mike Yamson, 50, met through text messages while he was still working as a seaman. Eventually, Mike traveled to General Santos City to meet her in person, unfazed by her famous sons.
From the start, Mike said his feelings for Mommy D deepened with time. “Parang lumalim siya. Habang tumatagal, gusto ko na siyang makilala nang lubusan,” he said in an interview with broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano.
For Mommy D, proof of Mike’s love was his persistence. Even after arguments where she told him to leave, he would end up tearfully pleading with her bodyguard not to drive him away. “Kung hindi totoo ang pag-ibig ni Michael sa akin, hindi niya ako hahawakan sa harap ng tao. Yung mga tao, tingin lang sa amin, sasabihin, ‘Ang sweet naman,’” she said.
Over the years, the couple has faced constant whispers that Mike is only after her wealth. The two admit they encounter harsh words from bashers online. “Hindi mo naman kasi puwedeng itago yung nararamdaman kung nagsisinungaling ka. Hindi mo maitatago ‘yan for almost 11 years,” Mike said.
Mommy D, for her part, is emphatic: “Hindi siya humihingi ng pera sa akin. Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Kamatayan lang ang hiwalayan natin. Sino mauna sa atin, kamatayan lang maghiwalay sa atin.’”
The couple already has wedding rings and plans to marry. In the meantime, Mike continues to take care of her, something Mommy D says makes friends envious. “Ang daming naiinggit sa akin. Kasuwerte,” she beamed.
