Rarity

Alex Eala gave the Filipinos more reasons to like her. When asked if she feels more pressure playing at home, she answered she does, but was quick to qualify it is nothing compared to the pressure Filipinos face to provide for their families everyday. Or where to find the next meal.

Such sensitivity and compassion from a 20-year-old who lives a comfortable life even before she earned millions playing on tour. It tempers those who whine about inconvenience while millions struggle for survival.

The good daughter added it is nothing compared to the sacrifice of her parents to bring her to where she is today. Indeed, parents do everything to make sure their children live a life better than theirs, some even pave the road for their children, instead of preparing them for the road.

Alex was raised by her parents well, who also raised their adult selves well. They have not stolen the thunder from their popular daughter. Thankfully, Eala’s parents know their place. They stay in the sidelines while their daughter is on court, center or otherwise. No drama. Just chill. The mother had her share of athletic glory in the past, a national swimmer who medaled in the regionals. But she knows her time is done, and is now content watching her daughter doing way better than she did or could ever do.

In one match, Alex corrected a miscall against her foe. She did not hesitate to lose a point. She wants to win it clean. Integrity, forgotten by the men and women in government, business and politics. Even in the academe. Even in church. Practically everywhere, where there is a human being.

Alex is a rare exception. She is royalty in a country of indignity. Lydia de Vega was the last female athlete the country fell in love with. Hidiliyn Diaz too, except that she rewrote history when the people are busy revising it. But Alex belongs to a league of her own. She not only speaks the Filipino language without verbiage, she also feels the agony of her countrymen and women who survive on uncertainty. Be careful though Alex, the troll army lurks, ready to ambush once you say or do something they hate. Like telling the truth.