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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Tennis star Eala, solon-polo player Romero cited by House

Tennis star Eala, solon-polo player Romero cited by House

Published Jun 7, 2025 02:46 am

At A Glance

  • The House of Representatives has adopted several resolutions hailing Filipino athletes led by tennis sensation Alexandra "Alex" Eala who have recently scored landmark victories in the international sports scene.
Alex Eala (left), 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero (Facebook)
Alex Eala (left), 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero (Facebook)






The House of Representatives has adopted several resolutions hailing Filipino athletes led by tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala who have recently scored landmark victories in the international sports scene.

Also commended by the lower chamber were the Philippine Men’s Curling Team, and 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero for his team’s historic win in an elite polo tournament in the United States (US).

The resolutions were adopted by the chamber during its resumption of sessions last week following a four-month recess.

Eala, 19, made history by becoming the first Filipina to break into the Top 100 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings after an impressive run in the 2025 Miami Open. 

A wild card entry ranked No. 140, she stunned the world by defeating three Grand Slam champions – world No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko, world No. 5 Madison Keys and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek – before falling to world No. 4 Jessica Pegula.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Eala climbed to World No. 72, making her the highest-ranked Filipina tennis player in WTA history and the second highest-ranked teenager in the current standings. 

Prior to this, she had already made her mark by winning the 2022 US Open Girls’ Singles title, which is another historic first for the Philippines.

“For her impressive performance in the 2025 Miami Open and numerous achievements in tennis, 19-year-old Alexandra Maniego Eala deserves the highest commendation, as her unwavering dedication, exceptional talent and relentless perseverance serve as an inspiring testament to the power of hard work and the right opportunities,” stated House Speaker Martin Romualdez, author of House Resolution (HR) No. 2287.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Men’s Curling Team brought home the country’s first gold medal in the 9th Asian Winter Games held in Harbin, China last February. 

The historic win also marked the highest achievement by any Southeast Asian country in the sport’s history and earned the team a slot in the 2026 Winter Olympics pre-qualifiers.

Composed of Marc Angelo Otida Pfister, Enrico Gabriel Otida Pfister, Alan Beat Frei, Christian Patrick Haller, Benjo Delarmente, Miguel Gutierrez and Coach Jessica Sarah Pfister, the team’s story was made even more remarkable by the diverse backgrounds of its members, who include a construction worker, an electrician, a businessman and a banker.

“The excellent performance of the Philippine Men’s Curling Team during the 9th Asian Winter Games deserves utmost distinction and commendation for bringing honor and glory to the Philippines,” another measure, HR No. 2285, stated.

Both resolutions were principally authored by Speaker Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr, House Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre.

Deputy Speaker Quezon 2nd district Rep. David Suarez co-authored the resolution that commended Eala. 

Also commended by the chamber through HR No. 2283 was Romero, who led Globalport to a 15-10 victory over defending champion Park Place in the CV Whitney Cup held in Wellington, Florida, marking the first time an Asia-based team competed and won in the event.

“It was a historic win for Globalport… and a greater victory for Honorable Romero as the first Filipino player to score a goal in the opening leg of three prestigious events making up the Gauntlet of Polo,” the resolution read.

Romero, who is serving his final term in Congress, was also recognized for his longstanding support and involvement in various sports, including basketball, volleyball and baseball, and for his leadership role in the development of polo in the Philippines. 

Romero is a former deputy speaker. 


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