Filipinos expressed amusement after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority offered free popcorn to those who resemble a younger tennis sensation Alex Eala at its watch party.
The MMDA is organizing a watch party for Alex’s match against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini at Wimbledon 2026, widely regarded as the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.
READ: Fast-rising Eala takes on Paolini at Wimbledon, Fritz faces Bublik test
It is the first time that a Filipina player has reached the fourth round of Wimbledon.
If Alex wins the match, she will once again make history as the first Filipino to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal, following Felicisimo Ampon’s milestone at the 1953 French Open.
To support her, the MMDA has launched a watch party at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City at 8:30 p.m., with gates opening by 5:30 p.m.
It also said it will give free popcorn to attendees who resemble a younger version of Alex, based on the following criteria:
- Chubby cheeks
- Ruffled socks
- Light-up shoes
The post drew attention on social media, with several online users reacting to the criteria.
“Ready na po chubby cheeks ko. Saan ba nakakabili ng ruffled socks at light-up shoes na pang-adult?” host and singer Ai dela Cruz asked.
“Please, this is sooo cute! I guess the Manny Pacquiao watch party craze is back, and now it’s to support Alex Eala. I always love to see this sense of community we have, really,” another wrote.
“Hahaha, napaka-cute!!” a different Pinoy commented.
“Props to the organizers,” another wrote, adding a grinning-squinting face emoji.
“Ayyy, bonggacious. Seated sa mga manonood ng naka-light-up shoes,” a different Pinoy wrote.
Meanwhile, the aesthetic refers to Alex’s appearance when she was younger, when she would play tennis daily after school with her brother and grandfather .
In a post-match interview over the weekend, she described her look as having “ruffled socks,” “light-up shoes” and “chubby cheeks.”
“You know, I went to train with my brother and my grandfather every day after school with my ruffled socks and my light-up shoes and chubby cheeks. So, to her, this is everything,” Alex shared.
