Like her son Manny Pacquiao, Dionisia Dapidran-Pacquiao, known as ‘Mommy D,’ has become a celebrity herself.

She’s the quintessential Filipino mother: devoted, tenacious and self-sacrificing but feisty and fiercely protective of her children.

This mother’s day, we take a look at some of Mommy D’s thoughts on motherhood, and the challenges, as well as rewards, of single-handedly raising her six children.

Indeed, Manny Pacquiao would not have become one of the greatest boxing champions in history if not for Mommy D’s strength, fortitude and inspiration.