BANGKOK, Thailand — Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala is still on cloud nine after proudly carrying the country’s flag at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Eala was one of the country’s flag-bearers along with Alas Pilipinas men’s team captain Bryan Bagunas in the athletes’ parade held at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
“It was surreal! It also helped that Kuya Bryan [Bagunas] was there. I think it was just good vibes to be with the whole delegation, and I am so blessed. It’s an experience of a lifetime,” said the 20-year-old tennis star.
Eala and Bagunas led the country’s delegation in the opening ceremony, which was dressed in barongs.
Alex’s father Mike is a proud father as he watches the 20-year-old make history again, while fulfilling their dreams as a family.
“So happy. It was a dream since she was a kid to see her carry the national colors. It’s a dream come true. Awesome. I am speechless,” he said.
Alex is giving a boost to the Philippine national tennis team, which will begin action in the women’s team event.
