PBA avid fan now at the center of flood control controversy

The Filipino people have witnessed the remarkable journey of tennis star Alex Eala, whose resilience and determination have shone through despite facing numerous challenges on the tennis court.

While her previous matches, particularly in the past year, were difficult, one thing became abundantly clear: Eala is not one to give up. Her unwavering spirit and passion for the sport, especially her dream of securing a championship, continue to fuel her pursuit of greatness.

At the young age of 13, Eala set off for Mallorca, Spain to join a training camp at the famous Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy.

This is where Eala's talent was shaped, where she won several junior division titles, including Grand Slam victories, with her most notable achievement being her triumph in the girls' singles at the US Open in 2022. She also captured the girls' doubles title at the Australian Open in 2020 and the French Open in 2021, further establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world.

Eala proved to herself and the Filipino people that one day she will also get the championship she had always dreamed of.

And she was not wrong, Eala made a statement at the prestigious Miami Open held in Miami, Florida. She knocked out world-class tennis players, including a memorable victory over reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the United States and World No. 2 Iga Świątek.

These wins solidified her status as a rising star on the global tennis stage and demonstrated her ability to compete with the very best.

Amidst her growing success, Eala hopes that it will greatly help tennis expand further in the Philippines and the entire Southeast Asian and Asian regions. Her victories have opened doors for tennis in regions that are traditionally less represented in the sport, and she hopes to continue paving the way for aspiring athletes in the region.

As of April 7, 2025, Eala has risen to 73rd place in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, a significant achievement for the 19-year-old athlete.

Because of this, Eala’s chances of having a direct entry into the four major tennis tournaments around the world that are mainly attended by tennis legends have increased.

This includes the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

The young Filipina’s breakthrough in Miami and her continued success on the international stage have made her one of the most promising young talents in the sport today.

Her hard work, discipline, and passion for tennis have earned her the respect of the global tennis community and many young people in the Philippines want to emulate her and follow in her footsteps, especially in achieving dreams and ambitions in life.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Unity Games is more than a multi-sport event—it’s a celebration of faith, fellowship, and brotherhood that stretches far beyond the playing field.

Launched by the INC’s Church administration through the leadership of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, it aims to strengthens the Christian Family Organization inside the Church and to unite it's members from various congregations, districts, and regions, the Games have grown into a global showcase, featuring basketball, volleyball, football, badminton, track and field, and more. 

Athletes of all ages display their skills and competitive spirit, but the true foundation is faith.

Unlike typical tournaments, the Unity Games of the Iglesia ni Cristo focuses on discipline, unity, that promotes Christian values. 

Every effort on the court or track is viewed as service to God and a reflection of their doctrine and Church’s teachings.

The Games are inclusive, welcoming men, women, children, youth, and adults. 

Families and church communities cheer on their teams, creating an atmosphere that blends competition with the warmth of fellowship.

Held both nationwide and internationally, the Unity Games symbolize INC’s global reach and its commitment to nurturing both the physical and spiritual well-being of its members.

Ultimately, the greatest victory is not in medals, but in the strengthened bonds among brethren, healthy lifestyles, and the living proof that with one faith and one God, true unity is achieved.

The PBA 2025 Rookie Draft is set for September 7, with the application deadline on Friday, August 29, before the close of office hours. Among those who have already submitted their names are three prospects projected to be top picks: Jason Brickman, Juan Gomez de Liaño, and Will Gozum.

There’s a significant development in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as the Board of Governors has approved a new rule that imposes a three-year ban on players who refuse to sign or re-sign with their mother teams and instead choose to play in other leagues, whether local or international.

It may have ended in a majority draw, but make no mistake: Manny Pacquiao proved once again why he is one of the greatest boxers of all time.

At 46 years old, Pacquiao stepped back into the ring after years of retirement, not just to chase glory, but to test the limits of human possibility—and he nearly pulled off the impossible. He didn’t lose to a younger, stronger Mario Barrios. 

He stood toe-to-toe with the reigning WBC welterweight champion, frustrated him with footwork, confused him with rhythm, and at times, clearly outboxed him with the legendary precision we’ve come to expect from the only eight-division world champion in history.

While one judge narrowly scored it for Barrios (115-113), the two others saw what millions did: a fight that was too close to call. 114-114. A draw. But in truth, Pacquiao's performance meant far more than what the numbers on the judges' cards reflected.

Here was a man nearly two decades older than his opponent, outworking, outsmarting, and outlasting a fighter in his prime. Pacquiao didn’t just hold his own—he made Barrios dig deep just to escape with his title intact.

Even Barrios admitted he was awed.

“That’s crazy — his stamina, he can still crack and he’s still strong as hell… He was still a very awkward fighter to figure out.”

That wasn’t just respect—it was recognition of what the world saw: Manny Pacquiao still belongs on boxing’s grandest stage.

Pacquiao may not have officially claimed the WBC belt that night—but his performance was a resounding statement. He showed the heart, skill, and championship mettle of a fighter half his age, and left the MGM Grand Garden Arena crowd in awe.

This wasn’t just a fight—it was a celebration of greatness, of resilience, of what it means to chase history even when the odds are stacked against you.

And if this fight proved anything, it’s this:

Manny Pacquiao is not done. The dream of becoming the oldest world champion in boxing history is still alive.

And the boxing world would be wise not to bet against him.