Her victories are especially meaningful because she opens new possibilities for Filipino women and young people.
Will Alex Eala get back at two-time tormentor and friend Iva Jovic when they collide in the third round of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York?
JULIAN FINNEY/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
At a time when many Filipinos are carrying the weight of rising prices, uncertain livelihoods, corruption, and recurring floods, Alexandra “Alex” Eala has given our nation a beautiful reason to lift its eyes and believe again.
The 21-year-old Filipina advanced to the third round of the US Open after defeating Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, 6-1, 6-4. Inside Louis Armstrong Stadium, Philippine flags fluttered as Filipinos loudly and proudly celebrated one of their own.
Alex’s rise reminds me of Manny Pacquiao’s journey. At the height of his boxing career, Manny’s victories briefly made us forget our differences and difficulties. Streets became quiet, families gathered around television sets, and an entire nation prayed and cheered together.
Alex is now creating similar moments of unity, but in her own distinct and graceful way.
Her victories are especially meaningful because she opens new possibilities for Filipino women and young people. She shows every little girl holding a racket or simply holding on to a dream that excellence has no gender and that being born in the Philippines need not limit how far one may go.
Her story also resonates with millions of Filipinos living and working abroad. When Alex steps onto courts in New York, London, Melbourne, or Paris, she carries something familiar to every overseas Filipino: the courage to leave home, face an unfamiliar world, and compete with the best while remaining proud of where one came from.
One grandmother at the US Open shared that her granddaughter began playing tennis because of Alex. Another young Filipino-American player who had the opportunity to practice with her described the encounter as a lesson in humility, excellence and grace.
These may seem like small stories, but this is how hope multiplies.
Generosity is not measured only by the money we give. We can be generous with our time, encouragement, gratitude, and example. Alex offers these gifts whenever she acknowledges her family, supporters, and Filipino roots. Even as her fame grows, she remains gracious, focused and thankful.
She reminds us that success becomes more meaningful when it inspires others to begin their own journey.
The Bible says in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Alex’s light is shining brightly today. But perhaps her greatest contribution is not found only in trophies, rankings, or historic victories. It is found in the young Filipina who now believes she can become an athlete, the overseas worker who feels proud upon seeing the flag, and the struggling family given a moment of joy.
Like Manny before her, Alex has become more than a champion. She is a generous bearer of hope and our nation needs that hope now more than ever.
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