Until Manny Pacquiao came along, the country's greatest boxer has always been considered to be the late, great Gabriel 'Flash' Elorde. Long after he retired from the ring, Elorde was able to maintain his celebrity status. He was also a smart and savvy entrepreneur who put up a sports complex along Sucat Road in Paranaque, but I believe it was only after he passed away that members of his family decided to turn his name into a brand, and set up boxing gyms all over the metropolis.
Competing with the numerous Elorde gyms are the Penalosa Boxing Gyms, of which there is a relatively new one along Dona Soledad Avenue in Bicutan, Paranaque.
Some may ask, who is this Penalosa guy. For those who are in the dark, there were actually two Penalosa brothers who became world boxing champions. The older one was Dodie Penalosa, who won a world crown despite being a polio victim. But it was his younger brother Gerry who had a longer career in pro boxing. To this day, Gerry Penalosa remains active in training young wannabe champs. He is also frequently seen helping out Manny Pacquiao by attending Pacman's workouts, giving tips and generally supporting the Pinoy champ.
Gerry Penalosa has also lent his name to the string of boxing gyms challenging the Elorde gyms for marketing supremacy. The gym in Better Living is quite airy, which is important when working out. Surprisingly, there are ladies who are also into boxing now. This place trains both male and female in the sweet science that is boxing. read more