LionhearTV

Who would have thought that at 60 years old, Dionisia Pacquiao will still find her big break in showbiz? This native of General Santos City has become equally popular like his world boxing champion son Manny Pacquiao. After appearing on TV shows and on commercials with Manny, Mommy Dionisia is set to make her debut on the big screen via Star Cinema’s next offering Ang Tanging Pamilya.

The movie also stars Toni Gonzaga, and during the film shoot in Gen. Santos, Toni and Mommy Dionisia sat down for an Entertainment Live exclusive interview.The ‘Pac Mom’ said that she is very thankful to all the people who look up to her as a celebrity.“Natutuwa ako kasi bata at matatanda kapag dumadaan sila sa bahay namin hinahanap nila ako at sabi nila, ‘Hoy hindi ko nakikita ang bagong artista!’Oohh!Kaya lumalabas ako, sabi ko, ‘Nandito na ako!’Ha ha ha!”

But Mommy Dionisia clarified that she is not keen on being active in showbiz like Manny. She said that her son cautioned her that the hectic schedule might take its toll on her health.“Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Mamang, nasa sa inyo na kung magtuloy kayo (sa showbiz).Basta napagdaanan ko na ‘yan, mahirap talaga.’Sinabi nga niya na nakakapagod ang shooting kasi aabutin ka ng umaga sa set.Ngayon dito sa ginagawa kong pelikula nalaman ko na totoo lahat ng sinabi ni Manny.Pero masaya naman ako.Sabi rin niya mabuting huwag na lang ako magpirma ng kontrata para kung sakaling gusto kong tumigil na (sa pagaartista) e pwede.”In fact during the shooting in Gen. San, Mommy Dionisia was accompanied by a doctor hired by Manny to watch over her mother’s health.

The family comedy Ang Tanging Pamilya boasts of a star-studded cast lead by former President Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada in his grand movie comeback, Comedy Queen Ai-ai Delas Alas playing his wife, and Toni as their eldest daughter. Mommy Dionisia talked about her role in the movie. “Ako ang nanay ni Sam Milby na papakasalan si Toni.Ayaw na ayaw ko kay Toni, pero sa totoong buhay gustong gusto ko siya, ha ha ha!” She added that she immediately said ‘yes’ to this project when she heard she will get to work with Erap and Ai-ai.“Masaya ako talaga kasi nakasama ko si Erap, ang ating dating presidente. Lalo na si Ai-ai kasi noon ko pa hinihiling na magkasama kami. Sa set naglalambingan kami kaya pagkatapos ng shooting talagang mami-miss ko silang lahat.” Mommy Dionisia happily invited everyone to catch Ang Tanging Pamilya set to premiere this October. “Sa lahat ng mga fans namin sana abangan ninyo ang Ang Tanging Pamilya. Sana manood kayo kasi napakaganda talaga ng pelikula namin. Thank you very much!”

Aside from doing minor showbiz jobs, Mommy Dionisia spends her time ballroom dancing. ‘Yung mga kaibigan ko dito sa Gen. San niyaya akong sumama sa kanila tuwing Friday kasi nagbo-ballroom dancing sila.Nagsimula akong magpaturo sa bahay lang.Tatlong buwan pa lang ako nag-aaral sumayaw sabi na ng dance instructor ko sa akin, ‘Tingnan mo ‘yung ibang eight years nang sumasayaw hindi pa rin makasayaw kasing galing mo,’” she candidly bragged.

Now that she has become visible on TV and in different social events, Mommy Dionisia revealed that she had attracted several suitors.But after being separated from Manny’s father for a very long time, she said she is contented with the love she is getting from her children and grandchildren.“Siyempre naman maraming nanliligaw sa akin pero sa akin na kung sasagutin ko sila.Pero sa isip ko ayaw ko na.Ang puso ko ang para na lang sa pamilya ko.”