‘That’s how people bond’: Alex Eala lauded for embracing Filipino language, Pinoy roots

December 18, 2025 – 6:59 PM

How logistics industry experts plan to ‘move forward’ after COVID-19

Reasons why Filipinos love Korean culture and products

Why Batangas is the destination for budget-friendly family holidays

Pinay tennis sensation

Alex Eala’s

thoughts on preserving her Filipino roots through language have sparked buzz online.

A clip of the 20-year-old tennis ace sharing her perspective on language and culture went viral, with Alex explaining how she stayed connected to her Filipino heritage while training in Spain.

Alex moved to Spain to train at the Rafael Nadal Academy, where she spent six years before turning professional and graduating in 2023.

The tennis star emphasized that regularly exposing herself to the Filipino language was key to embracing her roots during her extended stay abroad.

“Sa tingin ko, malaking bagay ‘yung lenggwahe sa kultura,” Alex said.

“To be completely transparent, I moved away at 13. Syempre bumabalik ako for Pasko and New Years from time to time, but, naturally, minsan, medyo pumapalpak na din ‘yung Tagalog ko, and I made it a point — this is being very transparent, ha — and I made it a point na magbasa ng mga libro na Tagalog,” she added.

Alex also said she does not have any friends in the Philippines who read in Filipino.

The interview clip caught the attention of many Filipinos, who praised her for her insights on the country’s national language.

“Mahiya tayong lahat kay Alex Eala na sa Spain na nakatira for [seven] years pero mas articulate at malalim pa satin mag-Tagalog,” an online user said.

“Then you have these sh1tty parents who refuse to help their kids be more fluent in Filipino. Gusto nila ‘yung ingla-ingla na may accent, pang gaya nung kay Discaya pero ‘pag na-isolate anak nila sa iskul, galit na galit,” another

wrote

“Interesting soundbites from Alex Eala sharing how she’s kept up with Pinoy culture while living in Spain most of her last [six] years,” journalist

TJ Manotoc

said.

“So young and accomplished yet so grounded,” another

“That’s why I always support her no matter what. She brings pride and honor to our motherland and staying true to her identity as Filipino. A symbol of true patriotism and integrity!” a different X

Alex Eala and her tennis partner

Nino Alcantara

clinched the bronze medal in mixed doubles at the 33rd

Southeast Asian (SEA) Games

on Wednesday, December 17, in Thailand.

Sawangkaew Mananchaya.