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.
“Nakikinig ako sa OPM [Original Pilipino Music], ganoon, pinapanood ko ‘yung news. Basta lahat ng magawa ko na ma-sustain ‘yung Tagalog ko, ‘yung level ng Tagalog ko, ginagawa, kasi sa akin, malaking bagay ‘yan sa pagiging Pinoy eh, kasi that’s how people bond,” she shared.
“‘Yung mga Pinoy humor, ‘yung mga trending sa TikTok na Pinoy jokes, ‘yan, I’m into it because I feel like — this is a very vulnerable spot for me, actually, this topic — because being Filipino has brought me so many blessings and that’s why I’m so proud,” Alex added.
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.
Mahiya tayong lahat kay Alex Eala na sa Spain na nakatira for 7 years pero mas articulate at malalim pa satin mag tagalog 🤧
Kaya malutong mag P.I kasi she puts effort in trying to maintain her fluency in our language chz pic.twitter.com/lNN5J66t0r
— loona_02 (@estepbit) December 16, 2025
“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 commented.
“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 user commented.
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.
The following day, Thursday, December 18, Alex secured the gold medal in the women’s singles final after defeating host country contender Sawangkaew Mananchaya.
