Michael Pacquiao, son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, is an aspiring rapper who just released his debut single ‘Hate.’
In his song, Michael wrote about wanting to achieve something on his own. The 18-year-old young man wanted to show the people that he can be successful in his musical career because of his hard work and passion, and not just because he bears the family name ‘Pacquiao.’
Michael’s performance of ‘Hate’ on Wish 107.5 has already gained 8.7 million views and landed at number 4 trending topics on YouTube.
The track is part of his 11-track debut album Dreams which was released on the music streaming platform Spotify in July.
Although he came from a wealthy family, Michael wanted to showcase that he has a talent and don’t just rely on his parents.
“I wanted to prove that I can. I have talent and I have something. I don’t just rely on my parents,” he said.
“People would say, it has to do with my last name. But, you know, I understand naman,” he said. “But at the same time, it’s, like, I work hard to achieve what I am,” he added.
He also mentioned that he doesn’t want to just dwell on his father’s success as he wants to work hard for his own success as well. He wants to give back to his family especially to his parents who have done so much for their family.
“I wanna work hard as well ‘cause my dad worked hard for everything he has [done] and also for us,” Michael said.
“And I wanna do the same—work hard for everything that I will have, that I want to have, and give back to my mom and dad because they did so much,” he added.
He thanked all his fans and supporters for believing in his talent. He said that it was a dream come true for him because he is passionate about his music.
https://twitter.com/PacquiaoMichael/status/1291053861017235457
“I was just dreaming of being in there and now it actually came true.. Ima cry thank you all for supporting and believing in me even when I doubt myself,” he wrote.
Michael created the song ‘Hate’ with Michael Bars whom he also collaborated with on the song “Pac-Man” which was inspired by his dad. Some people loved and supported the track, while some critical of it.
R&B artist Jason Dhakal, one of the inaugural artists under 88rising’s new Philippine label Paradise Rising, expressed his reaction to Michael’s song which showed that he was not impressed.
shit like this makes me want to stop making music honestly lol https://t.co/4XWcSn9OLM
— jason dhakal (@jasondhakal) August 10, 2020
“shit like this makes me want to stop making music honestly lol,” Dhakal wrote.
Netizens were dismayed by Dhakal’s comment saying that he was only being envious of Michael’s success.
But fellow Paradise Rising musician Leila Alcasid, daughter of veteran Filipino singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, defended Dhakal saying that society is unfair for having biases and favoritism.
very much agree w this. he isn’t saying kids of artistas (like myself) can’t make music, but you cannot pretend favouritism and bias doesn’t exist in the industry. recognise privilege when it is present and uplift the artists that work harder to be given the same platform https://t.co/2v0262tAjC
— Leila (@leilaalcasid) August 10, 2020
“very much agree w this. he isn’t saying kids of artistas (like myself) can’t make music, but you cannot pretend favouritism and bias doesn’t exist in the industry. recognise privilege when it is present and uplift the artists that work harder to be given the same platform,” she said.
Sharon Cuneta’s daughter Frankie Pangilinan defended Dhakal saying that she appreciates his talents and said that he deserves more attention rather than someone with mediocre talent.
https://twitter.com/kakiep83/status/1293204774704226304
and he’s talented af and he along w so many local artists deserve more hype srsly why was everyone so mad
— kakie (@kakiep83) August 11, 2020
it’s not entitlement either wouldn’t u likewise be heartbroken to be working ur pwet off at ur passion only to see something relatively mediocre take off so fast? the video had its own value and it was fun but listen to jason’s music that rly takes tiiime and energy to cultivate
— kakie (@kakiep83) August 11, 2020
She said that Michael’s career took off so fast despite his talents being not so impressive because of the influence of his father. But he did not blame the up-and-coming rapper as she explains that it’s just one of the biases of the society.
i’m on the receiving end of that anak-ni culture too and yea it’s wrong and it sucks and it needs to stop
— kakie (@kakiep83) August 11, 2020
it‘s not michael’s fault either it’s nobody’s fault it’s just a flaw in the cultural landscape we can hopefully repair one day soon
— kakie (@kakiep83) August 11, 2020
However, Michael gained the support of Quest as the singer, rapper and songwriter shared that being in the music industry is challenging, but what’s important is that artists will continue to improve.
Its a tough industry. Its always changing. Some will have to fight for thier spot some will have it easy. But always think long term. So keep creating. Keep growing your craft. Keep releasing songs. Your music is your legacy. Compete with yourself.
Stay in the grind.
— Quest (@officialQUEST) August 11, 2020
This was pre spotify, Soundcloud, and all them streaming platforms that you guys enjoy now. TV, Radio, and gigs were the only avenue for us before. But we just kept creating. I believe it paid off for me eventually.
So fight for your spot. Fight for your position. Keep creating.
— Quest (@officialQUEST) August 11, 2020
Chito Miranda, lead singer for the band Parokya ni Edgar, also applauded Michael’s song. He said that he found the song cool.
https://twitter.com/chitomirandajr/status/1293136050056028162
“Ayus din yung tugtugan ng anak ni Pacquiao a…nakakabilib. Orig nya ba yun? Kung oo, sobrang astig. Kung hindi, ok lang…ang galing nya pa rin,” he wrote.
Michael is the second child of boxing champion Senator Manny Pacquiao and Jinkee Pacquiao. His older brother is Jimuel, 19, and younger sisters Mary Divine Grace, 13, Queen Elizabeth, 11, and younger brother Israel, 5. He loves music, dancing, he plays the piano and can beatbox.
