NOAH Pacquiao isn't really sure if he is related or not with eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
But you bet, he'd like to find out.
"Not that I know of," Pacquiao responded when SPIN.ph asked the question, adding that since he arrived from Perth, Australia, he's never crossed paths with the 'Pacman' or his immediate family.
What's certain for the Fil-Aussie is his desire to make a name for himself in the country as he braces for his first year in Adamson in the UAAP after spending a year with the Falcons' Team B.
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Hard to believe, however, that this was never in his plans.
"I didn't really know much about the Philippines," he admitted of the home country of his mother Aida Pacquiao, who hails from Bulacao, Pardo in Cebu.
Serving as a bridge for him to this side of his life was former La Salle big man PJ Walsham, who is now based in Australia and opened doors for him in Manila.
"He took me here to meet some schools," Pacquiao said. "PJ showed me the ropes and that's how I ended up here."
When he got to Adamson and the coaches led by coach Nash Racela expressed their interest in acquiring him, everything felt providential.
"I liked the school, I liked the atmosphere, I liked the people and the coaches," he shared. "As soon as I came in, I kind of knew that this was the school for me. I came back home [to Perth] and returned a week or two later."
Like any other talent coming from overseas, the 6-foot-3 Pacquiao didn't really have it easy as he dealt with a slew of injuries which sidetracked his first months with the Soaring Falcons.
But through it all, he stayed the course thanks to the help of his teammates and particularly - a special someone in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball MVP Shaina Nitura.
"She helped a lot," he said smiling. "She's great at what she does and I try to pick and choose and learn from what she does as well. She's a big help."
And as he prepares for the upcoming UAAP Season 89, Pacquiao is as motivated as ever to contribute to Adamson's cause.
A proof to that is how he has been one of the constants for the San Marcelino crew, performing as one of the key rotation pieces for the Soaring Falcons in their campaign in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup.
"I just want to bring energy and space the floor. That's what people should expect from me the most," the 22-year-old said.
Pacquiao also promises that no matter how things get heated inside the floor, throwing a punch will be the last he'll ever do inside the hardcourt.
"No, never," he vowed. "I'll stay away from that."
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