Romwel Anzures

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) with Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala (right). Presidential Communications Office.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785142042445IMG_1512.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) with Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala (right). Presidential Communications Office.MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted Alex Eala&#x27;s influence as he encouraged more Filipinos to take up sports during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.</div>&quot;Sa nag-uumapaw nating suporta kay Alex Eala, sana ay marami ang ma-engganyo para matuto at maglaro hindi lamang ng tennis, kundi ng iba pang sport,&quot; said Marcos Jr. as he discussed the health and fitness of Filipinos.<div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/7/13/alex-eala-embracing-role-in-helping-unite-filipinos-amid-social-political-divisions-1417">READ: Eala embracing role in helping unite Filipinos amid social, political divisions</a></div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/7/5/alex-eala-embraces-slow-serve-to-dethrone-world-no-3-iga-swiatek-1552">Eala recently made history at Wimbledon 2026</a>, becoming the first Filipino to reach both the third and fourth rounds of the tournament in the Open Era.For Marcos Jr., Eala&#x27;s continued rise on the world stage goes beyond bringing recognition to the country, as he hopes it also inspires more Filipinos to embrace an active lifestyle.&quot;Mahalaga rin sa atin ang sports,&quot; he said. &quot;Itinaas natin nang triple ang suporta natin dito. Hindi lamang dahil sa aliw na hatid nito, kundi para sa kalusugan.&quot;Eala returns to action on Tuesday against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen of China in the first round of the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open in Washington.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted Alex Eala's influence as he encouraged more Filipinos to take up sports during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted Alex Eala's influence as he encouraged more Filipinos to take up sports during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

SONA: Marcos Jr. hopes Eala's influence inspires more Filipinos to take up sports

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

SONA: Marcos Jr. hopes Eala's influence inspires more Filipinos to take up sports

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 27, 2026 05:20 PM PHT

Read More:

SONA

SONA 2026

State of the National Address

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Sports

Tennis

Alex Eala

ABSSports

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.