MANILA, Philippines – A "reborn" Manny Pacquiao is staying true to his promise in spreading the word of God.
During his special appearance at the ABS-CBN Christian Fellowship on Thursday, Pacquiao stressed the importance of Bible reading among Christians.
“The Bible is the manual to life,” said the boxing champion and Sarangani representative.
The boxing icon compared the Holy Scriptures to manuals used in vehicles and electrical gadgets.
“‘Pag bumili ka ng sasakyan na bago, bago ka mag-drive kelangan basahin natin ‘yung owner’s manual. Para kung may sira sa gulong, may sira sa makina, malalaman natin kasi binasa natin ang owners manual. Tulad ng isang iPhone, may iPhone akong ginagamit. Anung binasa ko? Binasa ko ‘yung information guide, ‘yung manual n’ya,” said Pacquiao.
“Sa atin, anong manual natin? Ang manual natin ay The Bible. The Bible is our manual to life,” he added.
Pacquiao, who is due for a June 9 fight against Timothy Bradley, gave his testimony on how his faith changed his ways.
He said God spoke to him in a dream many years ago.
“Noong gabing ‘yon… ala una y media ng madaling araw, napanaginipan kong nasa gubat ako, nakaluhod daw ako’t umiiyak ako. ‘yung mga dahon may hamog hamog pa, ‘yung mga punong kahoy ang lalaki… iyak daw ako ng iyak. Tapos lumabas daw ang araw, tumatagos ang sinag ng araw sa katawan ko,” said Pacquiao.
“Tapos nagsalita ang Diyos, sabi: ‘Anak bakit ka lumayo sa akin?’” he said.
Pacquiao said he woke up crying.
Apart from offering a short prayer, Pacquiao said he paid little attention to his dream.
But years later, when he started reading the Bible, he realized that God indeed spoke to him.
“May nabasa ako doon na kinausap ng Panginoon ang isang tao sa dream. Naalala ko ang panaginip ko,” he said.