Mabuhay at Salamat: Long Live and Thanks
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 28 Nov 2024
How does one say “thank you” long after the fact? Eight months ago, we gathered with old and new friends at the historic Manila Grand Opera Hotel in Santa Cruz for what was meant to be a solemn yet joyful event—and it truly was.
The quest to rediscover the hallowed grounds where Philippine boxing began—a site long lost to time, the ravages of the Philippine-American War and World War II, and the relentless blows of typhoons, floods, and earthquakes—was both daunting and humbling.
What was I thinking? Was I chasing friendly ghosts? The builders of the Olympic Stadium? The champions who rose from “Little Brown Dolls” to become giants of the ring?
The Gala of Champions was the culmination of this journey to reconnect with our rich past through the lens of boxing. It far exceeded my dreams and expectations. Together, the attendees and I found that the spirit of sportsmanship through boxing has helped knit a tight community—fans, friends, and disciples of the Sweet Science of Bruising. We saw in each other’s faces and felt in our handshakes and embraces that it is boxing that continues to represent our identity as Filipinos—magiting, magalang, at maginoo (brave, respectful, and honorable).
https://youtu.be/YHvBgT9kr7M?feature=shared
We were 150 strong that day, each one contributing to the tapestry of an unforgettable afternoon. While we cannot name everyone here, please know that we hold each of you in our hearts. We will reach out to you, hopefully before our next gala, to express my gratitude more personally.
Despite their request to remain in the background, I heartily extend my deepest thanks to my sister, Charina Rivera, who facilitated, coordinated, and transported mementos, souvenirs and artifacts; her daughter, my niece Keana Christine Rivera; our friend Chris Sykes; and the Rueda Presente family, especially Jene Presente and Elmar Presente, whose contributions were invaluable. Without your dedication, the dream of launching the Philippine Boxing Historical Society and Hall of Fame would have remained just that—a dream.
We are proud to have shared that moment on and off the stage with the late Manolo “Chino” Trinidad and an extraordinary group of individuals who represent the heart and soul of Philippine boxing:
• The Godfather of Philippine Boxing and his wonderful family, who came all the way from Cebu
• The founder of PhilBoxing.com, modern boxing’s premier portal
• A living legend, one of only seven boxers in history to win both the bantamweight and featherweight crowns
• The current top boxer in Philippine boxing, who takes pride in his Ifugao heritage
• A top boxing trainer, whose fighting name include the initials ALA
• A rising Cebuano fighter with the makings of a future champion
• A renowned public media consultant, reporter, and campaign manager with a Princely name
• An artist of renown, who immortalizes champions and legends with his paint brush
• A family of reporters—mother, father, and son—united in their dedication to beating deadlines and making headlines
• A self-taught tattoo artist who learned to paint through YouTube tutorials
• Long-lost high school friends, with whom I hope to rekindle past connections
• A gregarious and renowned public historian who helps us embrace and learn from history’s lessons
• A judge whose daughters are successful lawyers, continuing the fight for justice
• Popular singers who lifted our spirits with moving renditions of The Prayer and The Impossible Dream
• Celebrity lookalikes who were even more fascinating than those they emulate.
• A Filipino youth dance troupe whose mesmerizing performance left us in awe
• The exceptional staff—waiters, waitresses, managers, attendants, security guards, front desk personnel, and the venue’s director of hospitality
• A promising documentarist, video editor and his accomplished cameraman whom I look forward to working with soon
• The top internet reporter whose moniker sounds like a power shot
• A makata— A poet—who regaled us with poetry infused with rap
• A recording artist with a golden voice whose talent shines via the airwaves and the internet
• Filipina beauty queens young and bright
• A rising young actor whose famous father made hot air cool to the touch
• Rising artistas from a top television drama series who graciously accepted our invitation without hesitation
• And many more fellow fans of the fight game
The gathering was a reminder that boxing is more than just a sport—it is a reflection of who we are as Filipinos. It embodies our resilience, courage, and heart.
To all who were part of this journey and narrative, Mabuhay.
To our heroes of the ring, who carried the weight of a grateful nation on their shoulders, and to the many supporters who continue to keep their legacy alive, Salamat.
Emmanuel Rivera, Founder and Curator and your friends at the Philippine Boxing Historical Society and Hall of Fame
November 8, 2024 Heathrow Airport (London, England)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
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