Vlad Bunoan

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ABS-CBN News

Dyan Castillejo

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777614655611viber_image_2026-05-01_10-46-58-146.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="ABS-CBN News"/>ABS-CBN News</div>The 3rd Pacquiao-Elorde Awards Night lit up the grand ballroom of Okada Manila, celebrating the country’s finest athletes, trainers, and supporters in a night anchored on legacy, perseverance, and national pride.Leading the evening was boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, whose heartfelt keynote speech reflected on his humble beginnings and the deeper meaning of success.“Tonight, we honor warriors, not only for the victories they achieved in their sports, but for the battles they have fought in life. And as I stand before you, I stand not as someone who has found their army, but as a living testimony of God’s grace. I came from nothing. I knew hunger. I knew pain. I knew what it means to sleep without certainty of tomorrow,” he said in his speeach.Pacquiao emphasized that true greatness goes beyond titles and accolades.“True greatness is not about how many championships you win. But about how strong your faith is when the fight is over. Victory is not the belt. Victory is not the title. Victory is not the applause of the crowd. Victory is knowing God. Victory is rising every time you call,” he said.Boxing’s only 8-division world champ also shared an inspiring message for the young athletes.“To the young people who are here tonight, I want to speak directly to you. I was once like you. No car, no bed. People doubted me. I believe, and more importantly, if I made it, you can make it. Do not let your circumstances define your future. Do not let your struggles stop you. Do not let fear hold you back. Dream big. Work hard. Stay humble. And always put God first,” he said.Highlighting the event’s purpose, Pacquiao added: “Greatness is not just about achieving success. It is about inspiring others. It is about lifting people up. It is about giving hope.”In her welcome address, Liza Elorde paid tribute to the community behind every athlete’s journey.“This evening is a tribute to the athletes who carried our flag with pride. To the trainers and managers who guided them. To the promoters and supporters who believed in their dreams. And to every individual who continues to uplift the sport of boxing in our nation,” she said.Guest speaker Francis Tolentino described the awards as a symbol of Filipino resilience.“This is a celebration of discipline. Sacrifice. And the relentless Filipino spirit,” he said. “The Pacquiao-Elorde Awards… has become more than an event. It is now the Oscars of Philippine sports.”Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio lauded the unwavering discipline of athletes and underscored the importance of grassroots development. “Success isn’t about how many times you win but how many times you rise,” he said.Gregorio also expressed optimism for the continued growth of boxing alongside other sports programs, as he himself was honored with the Distinguished Ring Award.A touching moment came from singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla, who received her father Carlo Padilla’s Ring Excellence Award.“Manny has always been my idol. Backstage, I asked him for an autograph because I bought his CD. He remembers that!” she shared, adding that her father recently turned 92.Among the night’s top awardees were Melvin Jerusalem, reigning WBC strawweight champion, and Pedro Taduran, IBF world mini-flyweight champion, who were named Boxers of the Year.Other standout honorees included tennis star Alex Eala, MMA champion Joshua Pacio, and bare-knuckle fighter Rolando Dy, who shared an emotional moment on stage with his father, former professional boxer Rolando Navarrete.Other boxing greats honored were Luisito Espinosa, Rolando Navarrete, Donnie Nietes, and Nonito Donaire.

The 3rd Pacquiao-Elorde Awards Night lit up the grand ballroom of Okada Manila, celebrating the country’s finest athletes, trainers, and supporters in a night anchored on legacy, perseverance, and national pride.

The 3rd Pacquiao-Elorde Awards Night lit up the grand ballroom of Okada Manila, celebrating the country’s finest athletes, trainers, and supporters in a night anchored on legacy, perseverance, and national pride.

3rd Pacquiao-Elorde Awards honor Filipino boxing greats Eala, Jerusalem, Taduran

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3rd Pacquiao-Elorde Awards honor Filipino boxing greats Eala, Jerusalem, Taduran

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 01, 2026 01:56 PM PHT

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3rd Pacquiao-Elorde Awards

Boxing Greats

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