(UPDATE) THIS is Alex Eala’s home.
Eala joins Philippine sports icons Manny Pacquiao, Carlos Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz, Robert Jaworski, and other notable athletes in a mural at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, venue of the 2026 Philippine Women’s Open 125.
The artwork, created by Archie Oclos, puts Eala in the company of the country’s greatest sports heroes.
For the 20-year-old tennis star, seeing herself with the country’s finest athletes means so much to her.
“I feel very flattered, especially being alongside so many great names. It’s hard to grasp, especially since it’s a mural, so it’s there,” she shared.
“It’s a first for me. I think it’s my first mural for me. It’s a new experience. It’s a new emotion. But I am very proud to do what I can, and I’m so happy to be alongside these great athletes,” she added.
An old bodega with a scoreboard was transformed into a vibrant display of red, yellow, and blue, featuring the nation’s sports heroes.
“In 1934, it was just a scoreboard, and look at it now, it’s very different. Archie Oclos made it possible, if you see the beautiful murals in BGC, Archie also made it possible,” Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio proudly said.
PSC and Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) Secretary General John Rey Tiangco emphasized that Eala made the historic WTA 125 hosting in the Philippines possible.
Entering the newly refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, Eala’s face and action shots are everywhere.
The tennis star shared that she could not believe how Filipinos rally behind her and has a message for her 12-year-old self.
“I think she would just be so happy. At 12. I was already training a lot. Every day I was on the court, and I really loved it.”
“And I think deep down she knew that one day all of this would happen, but to be able to experience it for real and to see all of it come to life, it’s a very full circle and very emotional.”
Being the favorite of the Filipinos, Eala’s heart is full.
