Kapuso star Jillian Ward and Sparkle boxer Eman Pacquiao sparked kilig online after the actress was spotted supporting the athlete during his recent boxing match.
Eman, the son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, received what GMA Network described as a “sweet surprise” when his celebrity crush appeared ringside at the Kumong Bol-anon XXIV event held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, where he competed in the main supporting bout.
During the match, Pacquiao secured a Technical Knockout (TKO) victory against Indonesia’s Reynold Kundimang, whom the boxer knocked down five times before ending their fight with a body shot in the fourth round.
Photos circulating online showed Jillian at the venue with a supportive presence, proudly sporting a “Team Eman” jacket.
In an exclusive interview with Powcast Sports, the breakout athlete expressed his gratitude to Ward and her family for showing their support during his match.
“Lalo po akong na-inspire sa laban at tumapang lalo nung nalaman ko po na pupunta po sila at susupport po sila,” Eman said.
When asked about their real score, the young boxer simply replied, “Friends po… for now,” before laughing and playfully adding, “Secret.”
The actress’s appearance sparked amusement and kilig from netizens, with some even drawing comparisons between the young pair and Manny and his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao.
It was in November 2025 when Eman signed a contract with GMA Network, officially becoming part of its talent management arm, Sparkle, and placing him in the same network as Jillian.
