The grand ballroom of Okada Manila was transformed into a beacon of national pride on Thursday night as the 3rd Pacquiao-Elorde Awards recognized the exceptional achievements of Filipino athletes, coaches, and sports icons.
The event, themed around legacy and perseverance, brought together the biggest names in Philippine sports to celebrate the “warrior spirit” of the nation.
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao delivered a poignant keynote address, drawing from his personal journey from extreme poverty to global stardom.
He reminded the audience that the true measure of a champion lies in the struggles overcome outside the ring.
“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.
Pacquiao, the world’s only eight-division champion, emphasized that titles are secondary to faith and the resilience to rise after every fall.
“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 added.
A Night of Champions
The evening saw several major awards handed out to the country’s top performers:
- Boxers of the Year: Melvin Jerusalem (WBC strawweight champion) and Pedro Taduran (IBF world mini-flyweight champion).
- Special Honorees: Tennis sensation Alex Eala, MMA star Joshua Pacio, and bare-knuckle fighter Rolando Dy were recognized for their international contributions.
- Legacy Awards: Boxing greats Nonito Donaire, Donnie Nietes, Luisito Espinosa, and Rolando Navarrete were honored for their historic careers.
- Ring Excellence Award: Received by Zsa Zsa Padilla on behalf of her father, legendary referee Carlo Padilla.
Directing his closing remarks to the younger generation of athletes in attendance, Pacquiao urged them to remain undeterred by their current circumstances.
“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.
Organized by the Elorde family in partnership with Pacquiao, the awards night served as a reminder that the ultimate goal of sporting success is to uplift others and provide a sense of hope for the entire country.