Dyan Castillejo on Alex Eala: Such a sweetheart off court
Alex Eala didn’t exactly lose to Jasmine Paolini in Wimbledon. She almost won.
There’s this funny quote that goes, “Love means nothing to a tennis player” since Love is Zero in the sport of Eala. But love for tennis, family and the Philippines served as Alex’s adrenaline shot in her phenomenal Wimbledon journey. Thank you and bravo, Alex. Win or lose, you will always be Alexandra the Great to us.
Another Pinay tennis legend, Dyan Castillejo, was in Wimbledon cheering Alex on. I reached out to Dyan to share her thoughts about Alex and the game vs. Paolini of Italy. Thanks so much to our good friend, Louie Heredia, for hooking us up.
Here goes Dyan’s story:
I admire Alex’s tenacity, her bravery to take shots in crucial moments, her fearlessness even when she’s up against higher-ranking players and how respectful she is to her parents, brother and coach. It’s rarely sunny in London during a Wimbledon match. But during the game of Alex and Paolini, it was extra sunny. Alex is sunshine on and off the court, so the weather followed her lead.
It was a close match. It could have gone either way. What clinched the victory for Paolini was that she served a little bit better, approached the ball at crucial points, came to the net at the right time and was able to match Alex’s power.
Next in line for Alex is the hardcourt swing in the U.S., which leads to the U.S Open. With her very high ranking already at such a young age, she will go even deeper. She’s always willing to put in the work. I have no doubt that she will win a grand slam someday soon.
I was seated near her parents during the match. They were so calm and cool even during the pressure-filled moments. They didn’t cry naman when she lost to Paolini. Alex got her composure from her mom and dad. Their all-out support is a key factor in the success of Alex.
As a Filipina, it was so touching to hear the staff and media at Wimbledon praise Alex not just for her awesome performance on the court but also her being such a sweetheart off the court.
ANNEmazing journey
The only rightful Diyosa of showbiz, Anne Curtis, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for the entertainment press in celebration of her 29th year in the biz (and counting!).
She teared up when she recalled how Boss Vic promised her dad that he would make her a big star.
“Boss Vic and my Viva fam opened doors for me. They took a chance on me when I was only 12 even if I could not speak Tagalog,” she said, “I’m indebted to them. That’s why I will forever be a Viva baby. Before my dad passed away, he told me that Boss Vic really kept his promise and even exceeded it.”
Newbies can learn a thing or two from Anne. Aside from loyalty to her home studio, she also values other people’s time. Even if she’s a superstar, Anne is no prima donna. She arrived as scheduled, 6 p.m. sharp. Her warmth is genuine. Anne is so down-to-earth that it almost makes you forget how famous she is.
After almost three decades in the biz, Anne looks back and looks forward with a full heart. She will keep slaying, soaring and blooming in a way that only she can.
Here are quotes from Anne:
“One of my dreams is to attend the Cannes Film Festival as a star of one of the featured films. I’ve been invited by brands to Cannes, but it will be a different thrill if I have a movie to be screened during the festival. Hopefully, the right project to qualify for Cannes will come my way.
“I’m happy to represent the Philippines in global fashion events and to be invited to interview global superstars. It feels good that the Philippines is now given a seat in such events and we are now on the global fashion map.
“I dedicated two years of my life making ‘Buy Bust’ with direk Erik Matti. We poured our blood, sweat and tears into making it. But after seeing the outcome, it was all worth it. I can’t wait for the world to watch our nine-part series on Netflix.
“I hope that my nomination for Outstanding Asian Star at the 2026 Seoul International Drama Awards marks the beginning for Filipino actors. Thailand had their moment, and so did Korea. Maybe our moment has finally come.
“I don’t post about my Dream Machine Foundation. I don’t need to broadcast my charity work. In my own lil way, I want to help make dreams come true.
“I’m flattered to be a fashion icon. But I don’t dress to impress. I dress up depending on my mood. Fashion doesn’t have to be high end and branded. It’s knowing what suits you. Don’t be a fashion victim.
“I’m proud to be a halfie, but I’m extra proud of my Filipino roots. That’s why when I’m on the global stage, I represent the Philippines, not Australia because this is my home.
“My advice to newbies is not to rush things. Enjoy the journey and take it all in. If you rise too fast, you can fall just as fast. Better to be slow but sure. My journey was a slow climb.
“My core group of real friends keeps me grounded. In this age of social media, bashers are all over. But my core group serves as my shield. Honesty and not being envious of each other have kept our longstanding friendship intact.
“If Dahlia wants to join showbiz. I will nurture her. But I want her to take it seriously. She should take voice and acting lessons. While I was preggy with her, I prayed that she would have a good singing voice. And voila! It’s an answered prayer.
“My marriage is sooo chill. Erwan matches my level of crazy. We have no major fights. Sometimes, we fuss over silly things like putting socks back in the drawer.”
New Releases of VMX
The boundary-pushing universe of VMX keeps casting its spell on subscribers.
Here are the latest releases from the country’s No. 1 streaming platform:
“The Cheating Wife,” an erotic drama that delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and desire when a woman is torn between the husband she thought she had lost forever and the unexpected romance that helped her move on.
Starring Allison Ross, Cess Garcia and Vince Rillon, the film explores how grief, passion and deception collide, leading its characters down a path where every choice carries a price.
“Hibla 2” is the sequel to the 2002 hit erotic movie. Directed by Toppel Lee, it stars Aliya Raymundo, Margaret Diaz and Albie Casiño. They take on the roles played by Maui Taylor, Rica Peralejo and Ricky Davao. It’s about two childhood best friends — the conservative weaver Jillian (Margaret) and the liberated city girl Carla (Aliya). When Carla returns to their rural hometown, their clashing lifestyles ignite tension. It turns into a tangled web of jealousy and revenge.
“Kainan” is set to satisfy your deepest desires Directed by Ray Gibraltar, it explores the erotic possibilities of food, blending the sexiest moments of past VMX titles. The feature is divided into five mouthwatering segments: “Almusal,” “Tanghalian,” “Meryenda,” “Hapunan” and “Midnight Snack.”
Guiding viewers through this provocative feast are Ashley Lopez and Vern Kaye. More than a compilation, “Kainan” delivers a premium sensory experience that combines playful nostalgia with modern eroticism.
VMX lets you stream beyond your wildest dreams.
- Latest
- Trending
