Name of AAPI Figure	Manny Pacquiao
What is the person’s Asian heritage or ethnicity?	Filipino
Area of Influence	athlete
Date of birth or time period	1978
How did this individual make a contribution to their field or to society/culture at large?	Manny Pacquiao is one of the most famous boxers with a record of 62 wins 7 losses and 2 draws. Manny Pacquiao boxed since he was young winning his first major title at only 19 years of age. Since then he has continued to box although he has also focused his life on doing other things. In 2006 he joined the Philippine army reserves and over the next few years worked his way up to become a senior master sergeant. Manny also took up a career in politics serving one term in the 15th philippine congress and then serving as a senator ever since.
What surprised you as you were learning about this person?	I knew Manny Pacquiao from his boxing career but I was surprised to find that he took up a career in politics and joined the army reserves. On top of this when I first found this out I assumed he had quit boxing to pursue this but throughout his political career he has continued to box although much less frequently. I find it surprising that he wanted to take this career path while still boxing because he had a passion for both.
Submitted by	Parker Lin-Butler
Age	17
City, State	Lexington