Before he became one of the world's greatest boxers Manny Pacquiao was a young boy living a hand-to-mouth existence, trying to survive from one day to the next.

When he discovers his natural talent for boxing, he embarks on a brutal and intense journey that takes him from the mountains of the Philippines to the streets of Manila, and must risk everything to become a champion - for himself, his family, and his country.

The executive producers of the film are Malou N. Santos, Charo Santos-Concio, Evangeline Del Rosario, and director Soriano.

Two years were spent in doing research and conducting interviews with Pacquiao and the boxer's relatives, friends and former trainers.

[7] Pacquiao allowed Soriano creative freedom to depict events on his early life both good and bad.

Soriano also spoke of Villar being "like a sponge" noting that he "absorbed" everything he taught to him while he remarked that the rest of the cast were willing to learn.

[5] Villar spent three months in building muscles and learning how to box in a Southpaw stance for his role as Pacquiao.

[7][9] Pineda remarked on Alessandra de Rossi's portrayal of Dionisia Pacquiao, the mother of the boxer.

The producer comments that de Rossi "was able to capture Manny’s mom’s humor and strong personality without making it too much of a caricature.