‘Mommy Dionesia’ prays to Saint Isidore
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Dionesia Dapidran-Pacquiao, more popularly known as “Mommy D,” said she always relied on the power of prayers every time her son–eight-division world titleholder Manny Pacquiao — entered the ring.
Mommy D was present at Saturday’s weigh-in at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center ushering in Pacquiao’s world title bout today against World Boxing Association welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.
“Hanggang kaya, todo suporta talaga ako sa kanya sa pamamagitan ng walang tigil na dasal para sa pamilya at hindi lang naman para sa amin para sa buong mundo na rin [As long as I can, I will fully support my son through endless prayers for our family and I am doing it not only for us but for the whole world as well],” Pacquiao’s mother told The Manila Times.
Dionesia Dapidran-Pacquiao
Mommy D is confident that her son still has got speed and power despite his age (39), and could snatch the title from his Argentine foe.
“Okay ang edad niya, nagtaas pero yung lakas tuloy tuloy lang dahil sa mga prayers. Nag-pray ako ng madaling araw, mga alas singko na makuha niya ang timbang at nakuha naman [His age is okay, he is older but his strength is still there because of prayers. I prayed at dawn, about 5 a.m. for him to make the weight and he did],” she said.
Mommy D is a devout Catholic while Pacquiao is an Evangelical Christian though Mommy D said there is no conflict between her and her son as far as religion is concerned.
“Wala naman, iisang Panginoon lang naman kami [No conflict, because we have the same God],” she added.
“Ang patron ko ay si San Isidro [Saint Isidore], at halos isang oras ako nagdadasal sa malaking simbahan ni Saint Michael. Hangad namin manalo siya at support nila si Emmanuel [My patron saint is Saint Isidore, and I also prayed at the big church of Saint Michael for almost one hour. We want their support to make Emmanuel win],” Mommy D said, calling Manny by his real name.
She said she believes Pacquiao (59-7-2 win-loss-draw record with 38 knockouts) is capable of at least one or two more fights before quitting boxing.
Mommy D added that she does not feel fear or pressure heading into the fight.
“I’m excited and waiting. I’m not nervous and pressured. Everything is going smooth,” she said in Filipino.
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