Alex Eala humbled, grateful to represent PH after winning SEA Games gold

Alexandra “Alex” Eala has always proudly carried the Philippine colors whenever she competes in international tournaments, but her victory in the women’s tennis event at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games proved to be especially emotional for the Filipina tennis ace.

Eala was overcome with emotion during the medal ceremony as the Philippine national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” played and the national flag was raised.

“I think ‘yung talagang pinakanakaiyak sa akin is when they played Lupang Hinirang,” Eala said in an interview with Philippine Olympic Committee media, as reported by Jonathan Andal on 24 Oras.

“Matagal ko nang pinapangarap ‘yon—na ako ‘yung makakadala ng ganong pride sa Pilipinas—so I’m so thankful. I’m so humbled to be able to represent the country,” she added.

In the ongoing edition of the biennial meet, Eala not only clinched the gold medal but also secured two bronze medals—one with the Philippine women’s team in the team event and another alongside Francis Casey Alcantara in the mixed doubles competition.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News