Pacquiao, Eala in one special event

MANILA, Philippines — Six Filipino celebrities led by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will join Alex Eala in her homecoming event on Dec. 8 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Anne Curtis, Piolo Pascual, Andrea Brillantes, Donny Pangilinan and Julia Barreto will join Pacquiao and Eala in a celebrity match.

The event will include matches between Filipino junior players and rising stars under the supervision and development of the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA).

The main act in “Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate” will be Eala’s exhibition match against fellow Southeast Asian star Janice Tjen of Indonesia.

Eala, ranked No. 18, and Tjen, No. 51, are their respective countries’ No. 1 players and considered two of the best young stars in the WTA pro circuit right now ahead of their gigantic duel at the 55,000-seater arena.

Tickets, ranging from P618 to P63,705 including a live gala dinner, are already on sale on Ticketworld.

“I love playing tennis in the Philippines, and I’m really excited to come home and share this moment with Filipino fans,” said Eala.

“Having the opportunity to play at the Philippine Arena, in front of tens of thousands of fans, is something truly special. I’m excited to be part of a moment that brings people together, celebrates our culture, and hopefully creates a historic moment for Philippine tennis.”