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Philippines, 07 Mar 2026 |
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Remembering Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde: A Pilgrimage of Gratitude By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT PhilBoxing.com Sun, 07 Sep 2025  (March 27, 2024 @ Sucat, Parañaque) Some moments in life never fade. They don’t just pass by— they stay with you, shaping how you see the world and reminding you of the people who left a lasting mark on history. Standing before the graves of Gabriel “Flash” Elorde and his beloved wife, Laura Sarreal Elorde, resting side by side at Manila Memorial Park, I was overcome with a profound sense of reverence and remembrance. This wasn’t just a visit. It was a moment of reflection, of gratitude, and of deep respect for a man and his beloved whose names will always be spoken with honor in the world of boxing.  A Journey That Began Long Ago I walked through the doors of the Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat, Parañaque, a place that had long been a part of my childhood. The scent of worn leather, the steady rhythm of gloves meeting the heavy bag, and the echoes of trainers giving instruction to the aspiring boxers— it was as if time had folded back on itself. This wasn’t just a gym. It was sacred ground. A place where warriors were made, where discipline was forged, and where the spirit of Flash Elorde still beams. But this visit was more than mere reminiscence— it was about keeping a promise. A promise to honor a man I first met as a boy. I can still hear my father’s voice— Hermie Rivera, the late boxing journalist who spent his life telling the stories of the sport’s greatest warriors. “Noel, you’re about to meet someone important.” At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what that meant. I only knew I was stepping into a world where everything felt larger than life. Then, from behind a swaying heavy bag, he emerged…Flash Elorde. There was no need for grand introductions. His presence spoke for itself. His sharp eyes didn’t just watch fighters— they studied them. He could see everything: the rhythm of their footwork, the intent behind every punch. My father nudged me forward. “Bai, meet my son, Noel,” he said. Flash smiled, warm and knowing. “Ganito,” he said, effortlessly slipping into his stance. His left hand moved with grace, his right hand coiled with quiet precision. Then, in a single motion, he threw a combination— flawless, effortless, timeless. “Gusto mong matuto? Tuturuan kita,” he offered. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but the way Flash moved— the way he made boxing look like poetry in motion still mesmerized. I had no way of knowing it then, but I was standing before a legend. And now, all these years later, I found myself standing before his son and grandsons, the ones carrying on his legacy.  A Meeting with Johnny, Migz, and Nico Elorde Back at the Elorde Sports Complex, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Johnny Elorde, the son of Flash, along with his sons Migz and Nico Elorde. Johnny carries his father’s name with quiet strength, never seeking the spotlight but always upholding the values that made his father a champion. A Southeast Asian Games Gold Medalist, Johnny knows firsthand the sacrifices it takes to step into the ring. His son Migz Elorde, now retired from professional boxing, has stepped into a new role— shaping the future of the sport from behind the scenes. As a key figure in the WBC Ratings Committee, he ensures that fighters— especially Filipino boxers— get the recognition they deserve on the world stage. He has the mind of a strategist, someone who understands both the fight game and the business behind it. Then there’s Nico Elorde, who has taken his family’s athletic bloodline into a different arena— professional basketball. Whether in boxing or basketball, the Elorde name continues to stand for dedication, perseverance, and honor.  During my visit, I had the privilege of sharing a painting of Flash Elorde with the Elorde family, a beautiful work created by Jun Aquino. A visual reminder of who Flash was, what he represented, and the legacy that continues through his family.  After catching up at the gym, Johnny and Migz invited my eldest son Grant and I to lunch at Mary Grace Restaurant. With sincere humility, I handed them a story I had written long ago about Flash Elorde. I had held onto it, waiting for the right time to pass it on. This was that moment. It was an afternoon I won’t forget. We talked about boxing like any group of fight fans would— sharing stories, reminiscing about legendary moments, especially the Thrilla in Manila. But as I sat across from them, I knew this was no ordinary conversation. I was in the presence of boxing royalty. Sir Johnny shared stories about his father, moments that aren’t written in history books but are just as meaningful. Migz spoke about his own journey, about what it means to wear the name Elorde— not just inside the ring, but as someone carrying the legacy forward. Through it all, Mrs. Liza Elorde has been the steady force behind the Elorde legacy. Though we didn’t meet in person, our conversation made one thing clear—she is the heart of the family. Her unwavering dedication ensures that Flash’s memory not only endures but thrives, reflected in the Pacquiao-Elorde Awards Night at the elegant Okada Hotel on Thursday, March 20, 2025.  A Humble Offering at Flash’s Final Resting Place Later that day, my oldest son Grant and I stood in quiet reverence before Gabriel “Flash” Elorde’s resting place. We knelt and placed a belt— a humble offering from my family and the Philippine Boxing Historical Society and Hall of Fame— a tribute to a champion whose spirit endures. The commemorative belt was our small way of saying Thank You— to a man who dedicated his life to the sport and left behind a family that continues to honor his name. Mabuhay at Salamat po sa Pamilyang Elorde. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.  |
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