Photo from the Philippine News Agency
The country’s pride, Filipina tennis ace Alexandra ‘Alex’ Eala, has returned home, arriving on Sunday afternoon, following her historic run at Wimbledon in London, where she became the first Filipino singles player to reach the tournament’s round of 16.
The 21-year-old lass from Quezon City, received a hero’s welcome upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)’s Terminal 3 with her parents Mike and Rizza Eala.
She was welcomed by Philippine Tennis Association (PhilTA) secretary general and Navotas mayor John Rey Tiangco, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, and officials of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS).
Before returning to Manila, Eala took a short European vacation, highlighted by an upclose encounter with Puerto Rican rapper ‘Bad Bunny’ at the latter’s concert in Stockholm, Sweden, on Saturday.
She will be having a meet-and-greet session with fans and supporters this coming Wednesday, July 15, at the Glorietta Activity Center.
This is the first time Eala has returned to the Philippines since playing at the Philippine Women’s Open last January.