CEBU, Philippines — They live just a stone’s throw away from each other.
But it’s not the crawling distance from their respective homes that enabled them to strike a golden friendship that lasted for over a decade now.
It’s their flaming passion for combat sports, albeit in a completely different field.
One in the indigenous Filipino martial art of stick-fighting and the other, in the realm of boxing.
These two young, dynamic sportsmen with shared vision are no other than Doce Pares Master Gerald Cañete and boxing aficionado Joeric Calisang.
Now, they’re ready to bring their partnership to the next level.
With the blessings of Cañete, Calisang has found a home at the hallowed halls of Doce Pares International Headquarters along Eagle Street in Sto. Nino Village, Barangay Banilad, Cebu City for the Joeric Boxing and Fitness Club he is now slowly establishing and is expected to open shop in the first quarter of 2022.
“Joeric is a sports lover. He has a kind heart and passion to promote boxing and help local boxers that is why I am very supportive of his plans,” said Cañete, the Executive Vice President of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF).
“I like the direction he wants to take for boxing here at Doce Pares. Having known him for quite some time, I see his willingness to help poor but deserving fighters. He has somehow created an impact in the boxing community that is why I yearn to see him grow and succeed someday,” Cañete furthered.
Calisang, for his part, is grateful to his longtime pal for giving him the opportunity to further advance his wonderful plans for Joeric Boxing.
“Ever since, it’s really been the desire of my heart to help aspiring boxers reach their aspirations in life,” said Calisang, who is eyeing to incorporate Zumba and other fitness sessions in his Joeric Boxing at Doce Pares.
“I may not be a big time manager or promoter but I feel a sense of happiness and fulfillment that in my own little way I have guided young dreamers in their journey towards achieving their goals without expecting in return. That is enough for me,” Calisang ended.