Manny Pacquiao plays the piano at his home in General Santos, Philippines. The musically inclined Pacquiao also includes among his hobbies playing the guitar and singing. Mike Young for The National / June 27, 2013
Manny Pacquiao prepares to scuba dive in Cebu Bay, Philippines, early last year. Mike Young for The National / January 25, 2014
Manny Pacquiao’s dog, “Pacman” watches as the boxer works out in General Santos, Philippines, last year as he prepared for his fight with Timothy Bradley. Mike Young for The National / February 24, 2014
Manny Pacquiao shown during a religious radio show in the Philippines in 2013. Mike Young for The National / August 7, 2013
Manny Pacquiao shown at his hotel suite in Macau, China last year during a promotional tour for his fight with Chris Algieri. Mike Young for The National / August 24, 2014
Manny Pacquiao goes for a jog with his younger brother Bobby in General Santos City, Philippines last year. Mike Young for The National / March 3, 2014
Manny Pacquiao shown meeting with his congressional staff in Manila, Philippines in December. Mike Young for The National / December 12, 2014
Raines “Nonoy” Neri, in blue, Manny Pacquiao’s long-time assistant trainer prepares a meal for the boxer in the early morning in March last year. Nonoy is responsible for Manny’s diet during training. Mike Young for The National / March 9, 2014
Manny Pacquiao playing chess after a photo shoot in Manila last year. Mike Young for The National / February 10, 2014
Manny Pacquiao at a scuba diving session in the Philippines last year. Mike Young for The National / January 25, 2014
Manny Pacquiao ties his shoes in Los Angeles last year as he prepares for afternoon training and spends a minute with his dog "Pacman". Mike Young for The National / April 4, 2014
Part 2 of 3: As the build-up to the biggest payday in sports history continues, The National brings you exclusive photos of Manny Pacquiao ahead of his megafight with Floyd Mayweather on May 2. In the second instalment, we look at Manny and his life away from the ring through the lens of Mike Young, former photographer for The National, who spent 18 months on the inside with Team Pacquiao.
When a 20-year professional career has taken you down to the coalface so many times your teeth are charred black, it’s only right that downtime is spent relaxing away from the rigours of training: pounding the roads as well as the pads, jumping rope, doing sit-ups, squats, press-ups, weights and every other machination of physical intensity to turn your body into a fighting machine.
Manny Pacquiao is a man who loves to be surrounded by friends, such as long-time companion Nonoy Neri, and family; a home-cooked meal is just as satisfying as a serving in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Filipino boxer has many strings to his bow; as well as an eight-division boxing champion, Pacquiao is a talented musician. He has composed a song for his entrance music for the showdown with unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Here we see him relaxing at his home in General Santos City in the Philippines, serenading his always-large entourage.
Away from the training regiment of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao still likes to stay in shape by taking runs. Here we see him out on the track with his brother, Bobby, while his terrier, Pacman, is a near-permanent fixture by his owner’s side.
One of the WBO welterweight champion’s favourite pastimes is to scuba dive; he can often be seen exploring the waters of Cebu Bay.
As well as a world-class fighter and philanthropist, Pacquiao also holds the position of congressman in the Philippines House of Representatives.
They say a week is a long time in politics, so Pacquiao squeezes in his duties by meeting with his congressional staff at his home long into the night. We can also see him enjoying a morning stroll with vice president Jejomar Binay, who was in Sarangani province last October to deliver medical equipment.
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
Man of the match: Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace)
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023 More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues. Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE) Where: Allianz Arena, Munich Live: BeIN Sports HD Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
Travel distance: Limited
Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
Duration: Can linger for days
Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
