GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Determined to earn a college diploma, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao went to the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) here on Wednesday afternoon to take an entrance exam.
NDDU president Bro. John Tan told reporters that Pacquiao must take the test to determine which course he wanted to take.
Pacquiao expressed interest in taking up AB Political Science. But in a radio interview in Manila, he said he wanted to take up a business course because a political science course was just for people who wanted to become lawyers.
The Filipino ring idol was warmly welcomed by Tan, some faculty members and students.
Ready for tests
Before proceeding to the office of the guidance counselor where he took the exams, Pacquiao dropped by the office of Tan and talked briefly with the president.
Tan asked Pacquiao, “Are you ready now to take the exams?” The champ smiled and replied “Yes.”
Tan escorted him to the guidance counselor’s office.
Before they parted, Tan tapped Pacquiao in the back, saying, “Good luck.”
When asked by reporters about Pacquiao’s chances of passing the test, Tan said: “I am optimistic that he’ll make it considering his exposure and basic knowledge. The fact that he was accelerated by the DepEd is indicative that Manny is capable (of passing the test).”
Inclinations
Tan noted that Pacquiao was inclined toward taking arts and business courses.
“Maybe, he (Pacquiao) would do well in political science, governance and social services or business administration and management,” the NDDU president said.
Pacman’s course, he said, would depend on the results of the test.
Tan added the test was sort of an ability and aptitude test.
It was composed of three categories—mental ability (40 percent), numerical reasoning (30 percent) and verbal ability (30 percent).
Aurna de Leon, officer in charge of the NDDU Guidance and Testing Center who acted as proctor for Pacquiao, said the exams would last for one hour and 40 minutes.
As of late yesterday afternoon, Pacquiao was still taking the exams. If he hurdles the exam, he would be meeting again with Tan to discuss how he was going to pursue his studies.
