Alex Eala is the long-overdue “hero” Filipinos needed. She has been criticised as being a “nepo baby” who had more opportunity than most to jumpstart her spectacular rise to international stardom; a reference to her privileged upbringing by her affluent parents, her studying in elite Philippine private schools and, all that, before finally spending her most formative years both studying and training at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain.
Of course, tennis is an expensive sport and getting to the levels Eala plays in today can only be achieved through a rare alignment of genes, talent, and discipline — and the financial resources and social connections — that accompanied Eala on that journey.
Most important of all is what is behind what many an investor have already seen in her that sets her apart from her fellow elite tennis stars (many of whom, even at this stage, have achieved far more than she has). She is someone brand managers would like to have long-term relationships with and are willing to pay to secure those relationships. Carter Lin, Eala’s lead agent points out, “she is this unbelievably marketable girl, so well-spoken, and you want to build a long-term relationship with someone like that.”
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Carl E. Balita, in his Manila Times op-ed piece published in early August was spot-on with the specifics underlying all that…
Alex Eala demonstrated a quieter yet more enduring form of nationalism — represented the Philippines with dignity. National pride is strongest when it inspires others to dream bigger.
The Philippines does not merely need another tennis champion. It needs scientists, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, farmers, health professionals, innovators and public servants who pursue excellence with the same discipline, humility and love of country.
Patriotism is often misunderstood. Patriotism is not merely singing the national anthem. It is honoring one’s roots through excellence, integrity and service. She politely declined to sign the Philippine flag, explaining, “Bawal sa flag,” demonstrating respect for the country’s national symbols — a reflection of her well-placed patriotism.
Dignity and grace — above her world class tennis — is what Eala really brings to the table. She is a personality people want to follow closely — thus her massive following today. She is someone who represents a level of character that is within the reach of Filipinos — and any ordinary person, for that matter — to step up to. Very few people can be elite international tennis players. But anyone can be like Alex Eala the person.
- Very few of us can play world class tennis, but we can ALL be like Alex Eala - September 5, 2026
- The US Open will make — and make — Alex Eala whatever way it goes for her - August 31, 2026
- How the political camps that presume to represent “civil society” might learn from the debacle the Ateneo finds itself in today - June 21, 2026