Davao City dads urge action after couple killed by drag racer

By Ivy Tejano

Published Aug 5, 2026 10:54 pm

Photo via DCPO FB

DAVAO CITY – Davao City councilors urged immediate police action, strict accountability, and road safety measures after an alleged illegal drag race caused a fatal crash that killed a young couple on the Davao-Bukidnon Road here.

In a privilege speech before the City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 4, Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, chairperson of the Committee on Public Works and Highways, condemned the illegal street racing as a grave threat to public safety.

"What some view as a midnight thrill is a deadly gamble with public safety. Our public roads are meant for safe travel, not personal speed tracks," Bonguyan said as she condoled with the family of the victims.

Bonguyan pointed out that loud engines and roaring exhaust systems disrupt residential areas and endanger law-abiding motorists. She urged parents to monitor children driving vehicles and asked people to report any illegal racing.

Councilor Luna Acosta, head of the Committee on Peace and Public Safety, said that illegal street racing is considered reckless driving under the country's Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

She added that the illegal activity also violates Davao City's speed limit ordinance and warned that organizers of illegal drag races will be held criminally liable if investigations by the LTO, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office, and DCPO confirm their involvement.

"Organized racing on public roads shows a deliberate effort to circumvent the law. We will coordinate with the agencies involved so that those responsible can be held accountable," Acosta said during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos.

Acosta urged motorsport enthusiasts to hold drag races only in designated private venues with a permit and avoid using public roads.

The Davao City Police Office said that a  motorcycle with Angelou M. Isidro and partner, Lovely Kim E. Cadayona, 27, onboard was hit by an approaching motorcycle participating in an alleged illegal drag race before dawn on Monday, Aug. 3, in Barangay Catalunan Pequeño.

Police said the collision triggered a chain-reaction crash involving four motorcycles. Isidro and Cadayona died on the spot from severe injuries while another rider was seriously injured.

Three motorcycles were racing on the highway before the incident happened.

The DCPO filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property before the City Prosecutor's Office against the suspects on Tuesday morning.

The primary suspect, whose motorcycle directly collided with the couple, is under police custody while under treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center here.

Police are searching for the Yamaha motorcycle rider who fled the scene as well as other unidentified participants. Four individuals voluntarily surrendered to the Baliok Police Station on Tuesday afternoon and admitted active participation in the race.

DCPO director Police Col. Peter Madria said police have increased checkpoints and patrols from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. on major roads, including Davao-Bukidnon Road, Diversion Road, MacArthur Highway, and coastal road extensions.

Madria added that they are partnering with the LTO, CTTMO, and barangay officials to inspect illegal modification shops, impound altered motorcycles, and disperse pre-race gatherings to prevent future street races.

Alas Women absorb four-set loss to Indonesia, miss SEA V.Cup podium

 

By Mark Rey Montejo

Published Aug 6, 2026 

Alas Pilipinas came out empty-handed after bowing to Indonesia, 25-20, 19-25, 22-25, 16-25, at the conclusion of the 2026 Women's SEA V. Cup's first leg at the Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam Sunday, Aug. 2.

Alas Pilipinas came out empty-handed after bowing to Indonesia, 25-20, 19-25, 22-25, 16-25, at the conclusion of the 2026 Women’s SEA V. Cup’s first leg at the Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam Sunday, Aug. 2.

Similar to their last two games, the Nationals, powered by Niña Ytang, Alyssa Solomon, and Bella Belen, stepped on the gas pedal early on to take the opening set.

However, the Indonesians easily solved the riddle and stormed in the next three frames to frustrate the Filipina spikers.

Despite missing out on a podium finish, Solomon brought the Nationals on the spotlight after claiming the Best Opposite Spiker plum.

Indonesia, on the other hand, clinched the bronze honors with Maradanti Namira Tegariani earning the Best Middle Blocker nod.

Ytang delivered a breakout game for the Taka Minowa-mentored crew with 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Solomon and Belen chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Eya Laure, Dell Palomata, and Fifi Sharma combined for 18 points in a losing cause for the Philippines. Indonesia, for its act, leaned on Arsela Nuari Purnama who scored 18 points, while Chelsa Berliana Nurtomo and Mediol Stiovanny Yoku uncorked 16 points apiece.

Meanwhile, the formidable Thailand made quick work of Vietnam, 25-18, 25-17, 25-14, to keep its record pristine and capture the first leg of the annual tournament.

With all teams set for a three-day break, the Philippines will look to finally break into the win column when it faces host Thailand on Friday, Aug. 7, at the Chiang Mai Sports Complex.

BLACKPINK fans urge YG Entertainment to mark 10th anniversary with major group activities

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Aug 5, 2026 10:00 am

BLACKPINK (YG Entertainment)

Fans of BLACKPINK are calling on YG Entertainment to mark the group’s upcoming 10th debut anniversary with more significant group activities, saying the milestone deserves a celebration that reflects the K-pop act’s global influence.

BLACKPINK, composed of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa, debuted on Aug. 8, 2016, and will celebrate a decade in the music industry this year.

In a statement posted on X, fan organization BLACKPINK Blink Union said the anniversary is a rare milestone that should be commemorated with meaningful projects centered on the group.  

“BLACKPINK is not just one of YG Entertainment’s artists… they are the biggest girl group in the world. Their legacy has been built through their identity as a team, and a 10th anniversary is a rare milestone that deserves to be celebrated in a meaningful way,” the group said.

The fan union urged YG Entertainment to organize “significant group activities,” including new music releases, special performances and projects highlighting BLACKPINK’s decade-long journey.

The appeal comes as some BLINKs have expressed disappointment over what they see as limited anniversary preparations.

While YG Entertainment released a commemorative message and announced initiatives such as a “Heritage Collection” and a Weverse membership badge event, some fans said they hoped the celebration would include more substantial group content.

Fans also pointed to BLACKPINK’s relatively small discography compared with other artists of similar global stature, saying more unreleased or previously recorded songs could have been shared during long periods with limited group activities.   

“It is especially difficult to understand why previously recorded or unreleased songs have not been coordinated for release when there have been long periods with little group content,” BLACKPINK Blink Union said.

The fan group stressed that the statement was made out of support for BLACKPINK and not as an attack on the agency.

“We sincerely ask that our voices not be overlooked. The fans have been an essential part of BLACKPINK’s success, and we hope this milestone becomes a celebration shared by both the artists and the fandom that has supported them unconditionally for the past decade,” it said.

BLACKPINK (YG Entertainment)

Why does the German language have umlauts?

 

MosaicPalate

 ·

Jul 29

The two dots over German vowels (ä, ö, ü) didn't start as dots. They are the typographic ghosts of a tiny letter left behind by medieval scribes.

Before umlauts existed, ancient Germanic languages used a suffix containing an "i" or a "j" to make words plural or change a verb's tense. For example, the Old High German word for guest was gast, and its plural was gasti.

Saying "gasti" requires your mouth to start open in the back for the "a," then snap to the front for the "i." Speakers naturally started anticipating the front vowel while still saying the back vowel. This phonetic shortcut pulled the "a" forward in the mouth, creating an intermediate "ä" sound. Gasti began sounding like gästi. Linguists call this process i-mutation, or i-umlaut.

Over hundreds of years, unstressed word endings weakened into a neutral "e" or disappeared entirely. Gästi became the modern German Gäste. With the ending altered, the vowel change was left doing all the grammatical lifting. The mutated vowel was no longer just a lazy pronunciation habit; it was the only thing distinguishing singular from plural (Maus vs. Mäuse, Apfel vs. Äpfel).

When writing down Middle High German, those early scribes needed a way to show that a vowel had been mutated. They started by adding an "e" after the affected vowel (ae, oe, ue). To save space on expensive parchment, they eventually began writing a microscopic "e" directly above the a, o, and u.

A handwritten sample showing the typographic evolution of the umlaut from a small, superscript 'e' to the modern two dots. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In medieval German handwriting scripts like Fraktur and Kurrentschrift, the lowercase "e" consisted of two short vertical strokes. As handwriting sped up and typefaces modernized, those two little vertical slashes eroded into two simple dots.

Because the dots are technically a superimposed "e," German crosswords and official documents still treat ä, ö, and ü as "ae," "oe," and "ue." If a German keyboard isn't available, typing the "e" next to the vowel remains the officially accepted substitute—reverting the spelling back to exactly how scribes wrote it a thousand years ago.

 

Shaking my head

By

 Klaus Döring

 -

Thursday, August 6, 2026

“SHAKING my head,” commonly abbreviated as SMH, is a popular expression in online chats and internet slang. It is often used to convey disappointment, disbelief, disgust, or other similar negative emotions.

To shake your head means moving it from side to side to signal “no,” express disagreement, or convey sadness, frustration, or disbelief. Sometimes, a simple shake of the head says more than words ever could.

There are moments in life when crying or asking endless questions serves no purpose. Instead, we simply feel paralyzed. A good friend told me exactly that a few days ago. Words sometimes seem inadequate, yet as a writer, I always believe there are words capable of capturing even the most difficult emotions.

After long conversations with friends and colleagues, I have come to one conclusion: sometimes, all you can do is shake your head.

Just look around. Endless follow-ups seem to have become part of our national character. Every day, we encounter people whose indifference leaves us frustrated and discouraged. Sadly, indifference appears to have become one of the defining traits of today’s society.

We try to schedule an appointment, but the other party always seems to be “busy” every single day of the week. Naturally, we don’t want to intrude on anyone’s time, so we tell ourselves, “Maybe tomorrow.”

But how do you feel when you encounter employees or offices that are supposed to serve the public yet seem more interested in reading magazines, making personal phone calls, sending endless text messages, or even becoming downright rude after countless follow-ups? Then comes the familiar excuse: “The boss is out of town.” Grabe!

Yes, today’s column may not sit well with some readers, but honestly, what is the difference between someone who is genuinely busy, someone working hard to earn a living, and someone who is simply indifferent — or just not in the mood to deal with people?

I can say this without hesitation: many people feel powerless when they repeatedly encounter indifference, arrogance, and ignorance. These attitudes slowly drain enthusiasm, discourage initiative, and make even the simplest tasks unnecessarily exhausting.

When you promise to help or support someone, keep your word. Don’t hide behind endless excuses or delaying tactics. A “yes” should mean yes, and a “no” should mean no. If you cannot fulfill a promise, be honest about it. A straightforward answer is always more respectful than endless uncertainty.

Personally, I dislike making people wait — whether for a reply or for an appointment. I make every effort to respond promptly and follow through on my commitments. If I learn that someone tried to reach me but missed me, I do my best to return the call or reconnect. What’s so difficult about that? I simply dislike being late — or worse, remaining silent.

How many brilliant ideas, promising partnerships, and valuable business opportunities have been lost simply because of misunderstanding, indifference, or a lack of appreciation between people? Think about it. Can you see the pattern?

Yes, I, too, feel disappointed whenever I witness opportunities slipping away. We all know that nothing worthwhile comes without effort. But before we can expect progress, we must first learn to keep our promises, help one another, practice honesty, and become responsible contributors to our nation’s stability, unity, and development.

***

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter). Visit: www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com/PN

 

Volker Eichener

 · 

Following

Professor at Hochschule Düsseldorf

Those “some people” have either never been to Germany or, if they had been, they had traveled with eyes closed. Or they have looked for boring cuisine and selected the country’s most boring restaurants.

First, Germany has a diverse landscape, with sea coasts, plains, rivers, lakes, mild mountains and steep mountains. So, already geography provides a diverse cuisine, with fish and seafood, freshwater fish, beef, pork, chicken, lamb and lots and lots of venison (roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, wild boar, hare, pheasant, partridge…).

Second, Germany is located in the centre of Europe, with nine neighbouring countries. So, there are many cross-border influences.

Third, Germans travel a lot. And the bring holiday cuisine home.

Fourth, Germany has a lot of immigrants. Many of them have opened eateries in Germany.

As a result, we have an extreme variety of food: traditional German food from various regions, Dutch food, French food, Swiss and Austrian food, Czech food, Polish food, Danish food, Italian food, Greek food, Turkish food, Spanish food, Arabian food, African food, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian food and more. In every village you find ethnic eateries. In a city, you find cuisine from several continents.

These influences have been integrated in home cooking, of course. Every grocery store has ingredients for Italian, Polish, Turkish, Asian, Mexican, Russian cuisine. Many German families cook pasta with ragù bolognese, chili con carne, Thai curry, Croatian cevapcici, Spanish paella, French flammkuchen or other “exotic” dishes. They may not always be authentic and a mix of German and ethnic cooking traditions, but they add to culinary diversity.

According to a survey, here a few of the most popular dishes which are eaten in Germany (home cooked):

Lasagne, inspired by holidays in Italy and by migrant workers from Italy

Schnitzel Vienna style, imported from neighbouring Austria, but extremely popular (here with German potato salad)

Beef roulade with red cabbage and dumplings, traditional German

Thai curry with chicken

Stuffed bell peppers from the Balkan

Fermented herring (Matjes), traditional North German, but popular in the Netherlands and all Northern European countries

Königsberger Klopse - meat dumplings with anchovies and capers in a creamy sauce, usually served with red beet

Asparagus - extremely popular when in season

Chili con carne - German style. A popular party dish.

Maultaschen - Swabian ravioli.

Pike-perch on Savoy cabbage

Chicken stew

Rye bread with North Sea shrimps and scrambled eggs

Lentil stew

Leipziger Allerlei - spring vegetables with crayfish

Baked salmon with spinach

Dover sole roulades

Venison with chanterelles

Back and bigger than ever: The Philippine Readers & Writers Festival returns, now with Komikon

Happening at National Book Store, Araneta City Cubao

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 4, 2026 02:40 pm

National Book Store (NBS), the country’s largest bookstore chain, proudly presents the return of its flagship literary event: Philippine Readers & Writers Festival (PRWF) from August 14 to 16, 2026 (Friday to Sunday).

It is now happening at the 2nd and 3rd floors of the NBS Building in Araneta City Cubao, easily accessible via a multitude of transport options, from the nearby MRT to buses and jeepneys. This year’s Festival is the largest iteration in history, featuring over 40 events celebrating Filipino creativity, literature, and storytelling. And as with previous events, entry is completely free!

Book Launches, Panel Discussions, and Workshops

PRWF 2026 marks a historic milestone with its first-ever partnership with Komikon—the Philippines' first and longest-running annual comic book fan convention, founded in 2005 to celebrate local Pinoy komiks and visual creators.

The Festival brings together an unprecedented lineup of publisher-led sessions, workshops, and panel discussions that cater to storytellers and bookworms.

For Aspiring Authors & Illustrators

- From Reality to Fiction: Finding Stories Around Us, a panel discussion with Ronaldo Vivo Jr., Alvin Yapan, & Douglas Candano (Penguin SEA)

- Author Branding 101: Why Authors Should Treat Themselves as a Brand, an insightful talk by Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla (Paperkat Books)

- Manuscript Clinic: Meet the Editors, a special editorial consultation with R. Jordan P. Santos & Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla (Anvil Publishing & Paperkat Books)

For BookTok, Romance, & Young Adult Readers

- From the Philippines to the Bestseller List, a conversation between New York Times Bestselling Authors Thea Guanzon & Samantha Sotto-Yambao (Penguin Random House)

- BookTok, Trends, and Tropes: An Unfiltered Discussion with Filipino Book Content Creators, a panel discussion with Andrea Panaligan, Cedrix Eligio, Jucelle Garcia, Koji Arsua, & MJ Ampolitod-Busa

- Why Readers Keep Falling in Love with Romance, a panel discussion with Mica de Leon, Kyra Ysabel, Ines Bautista-Yao, & Bea Bustamante (Penguin Random House SEA)

- Flutter Fic Book Launch: Wake Up, Dreamers and You Again by AnakNiRizal & La Tigresa (Anvil Publishing)

For Komiks, Graphic Novel, & Pop Culture Enthusiasts

- 20 Years of KOMIKON and Pinoy Komiks, a retrospective talk with Jon Zamar (Komikon)

- Kenkoy and Velasquez, Continuing the Legacy, a talk on pop culture heritage with Ian Velasquez (Komikon)

- The Notebook: The Musical special live cast appearance and performance (Theatre Group Asia)

For Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, & Sci-Fi Fans

- What Makes Filipino Sci-Fi Feel Filipino, a panel discussion with Lucia Asul, John Ray, & Borg Sinaban (Makiling Made / Raygun Press)

- Building Worlds, Creating Monsters, a world-building panel with Karl de Mesa, Bea Bustamante, & Anthony Shieh — Penguin Random House SEA

- Where Horror Comes Home, a talk by the Queen of Philippine Horror Stories, Yvette Tan (Anvil Publishing)

For Foodies, History Buffs, & Growth Seekers

- Book signing with acclaimed historian and bestselling author Ambeth Ocampo (Anvil Publishing)

- Simpol Kitchen Stories, a talk and book signing with Chef Tatung (Vertikal-Kreatives)

- My Name is Morena, an inspiring conversation and book signing with Ayn Bernos & Myrza Sison (Summit Books)

- Rising Tigers Magazine Signing with former Cong. Mikee Romero, Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, & Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas (TAG Media and Public Relations)

For Parents, Educators, & Young Readers

- Makulay na Lakbay sa Bawat Linya, a middle-grade fiction discussion with Christine S. Bellen-Ang (Adarna House)

- Lifebooks Book Launch, a multi-author fiction showcase with Mayumi Cruz, VChesterG, Jonquil, & Keira Viresse (Acts 29 Publishing)

Discounts, Freebies, & More Deals

Apart from the multitude of talks, launches, and masterclasses, Festival attendees will also get to enjoy:

- Get up to 20% OFF on new releases and bestselling local and imported books

- Shop for sulit reads for as low as ₱99 and Buy More, Get More offers on participating titles

- Use free, limited edition stamps to decorate your books, journals, and planners

- Freebies & prizes from publishers and partners

- Free skeks cards drawn by a komiks exhibitor (first 100 attendees only)

- Free entrance passes to MIBF 2026

- Get to present your manuscript to publishing experts

- Opportunities to network with fellow authors, artists, readers, and publishers

Visit this page for the full event schedule and more details. Follow National Book Store on social media for more updates — @nationalbookstore on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok, @nbsalert on Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Barbie Forteza shows wild side in 'Saving Cherry': 'Iba talaga ito'

By Neil Ramos

Published Aug 4, 2026 11:18 am

It was Barbie Forteza's birthday on July 31.

She turned 29.

Hard to believe, isn't it?

For many of us, Barbie is still the same young girl we've been watching all these years on the small screen.

It didn't help that, for years, GMA cast her in roles that highlighted her youthful and innocent image.

That's why it comes as such a surprise to see and hear Barbie cursing and shedding that wholesome persona in the recently unveiled trailer of Regal Entertainment's latest film, "Saving Cherry."

Without question, it is her boldest and most mature role to date.

Barbie herself agrees, admitting that the film pushed her to do things she had never done before.

"Oo, parang ganun. Actually, meron kaming isang location na hindi aprub sa magulang ko. Ganung level. Pero excited sila. They're both very excited to see this dahil nga ibang-ibang Barbie ito."

It is exactly what she wants. 

"Alam ko rin naman na pelikula siya, at alam ko rin na gagastos ang manonood nito so, I made sure na, at least, hopefully, maging worth it yung ibabayad nila. Something na hindi pa nila nakita ever from me."

Given her string of successful projects, one might think Barbie would have hesitated before accepting such an audacious role.

Apparently, not.

"Nag-yes po ako agad. This was pitched to me noong February 2025 sa office ng Regal with everyone actually. Na-overwhelm ako kasi ganun yung treatment at ganun sila kaseryoso to have me on board. Doon pa lang, parang convinced na ako. Kapag ganun yung respeto sa'yo at ganun yung trato sa'yo ng mga katrabaho mo, bakit ka naman hihindi?"

Then there's the role itself.

"Tapos nalaman ko pa na bagong materyal siya para sa akin. I'm excited for everyone to see it. Sa ilang projects ko, laging sinasabi na ibang Barbie. Pero ito, iba talaga."

Barbie even has her own description for Cherry:

"The wildest virgin you would ever see."

"I play the role of Cherry. She is the wildest woman I have ever portrayed to date. Siya yung wildest and most freeing."

She is grateful that she and film director Ivan Payawal shared the same vision.

"Binigyan niya kaming lahat ng buong laya as to how we understood every scene. Nakinig siya sa amin. He is really a good captain."

It was such that she maintained she was able to "unleash" her "wild side." 

"Ang saya kasi, aminin naman natin, hindi naman lahat ng mukhang mabait, mabait. Hindi ko rin akalain na meron din akong ganoong side. Wild, pero may dahilan. May lalim." 

Note the film explores the subject of infidelity.

Asked whether cheaters deserve a second chance, Barbie didn't mince words.

"F*ck no!"

Joining Barbie in "Saving Cherry" are Mikee Quintos, AC Bonifacio, Sassa Gurl, Mika Salamanca, JC Alcantara, Khalil Ramos.

Senators file resolution honoring Alex Eala's historic DC Open victory

By Dhel Nazario

Published Aug 5, 2026 12:11 pm

 

Senators Joel Villanueva and Erwin Tulfo have filed separate resolutions congratulating Alex Eala for winning the 2026 Mubadala DC Open and becoming the first Filipino to capture a WTA Tour-level singles title.

The resolutions highlighted Eala's historic championship run, which included victories over four Top 10 players, culminating in a finals win against Jessica Pegula that also propelled her into the WTA Top 20.

Villanueva said Eala's achievements have brought honor and pride to the Philippines, recognizing her as an inspiration to future generations of Filipino athletes and a symbol of excellence in international sports.

Senators have filed separate resolutions on Tuesday, Aug. 4, congratulating and commending Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala for her historic victory at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open, where she became the first Filipino to win a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour-level singles title.

Alex Eala poses with her trophy after winning her breakthrough WTA Tour title in Washington DC. (Mubadala DC Open)

Alex Eala poses with her trophy after winning her breakthrough WTA Tour title in Washington DC. (Mubadala DC Open)

Senator Joel Villanueva filed Senate Resolution No. 554, which recognizes Eala's championship run in the WTA 500 tournament in Washington, D.C., calling it a milestone in Philippine sports and a source of national pride. Senators Lito Lapid, Bam Aquino, Mark Villar and Erwin Tulfo also filed Senate Resolutions 560, 564 and 565, respectively, honoring Eala.

In the resolution, Villanueva said Eala's triumph marked "one of the greatest achievements in the history of Philippine sports," noting that her victory firmly established her place in Philippine sporting history.

Eala defeated World No. 3 and tournament top seed Jessica Pegula in the championship match to capture the biggest title of her professional career. The resolution also cited that the victory made her the first Filipino to break into the Top 20 of the WTA singles rankings.

The measure highlighted Eala's impressive path to the title, which included victories over reigning Olympic women's singles champion Zheng Qinwen, defending DC Open champion Leylah Fernandez, former World No. 3 Elina Svitolina, and four-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka, before defeating Pegula in the final.

According to the resolution, Eala defeated four Top 10 players during her title run, underscoring the quality of her performance and signaling her emergence among the world's elite women's tennis players.

Villanueva also recognized Eala's earlier achievements, including becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam junior singles title at the 2022 US Open, saying she has consistently broken barriers for Philippine tennis and inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes.

The senator said Eala's accomplishments have elevated the Philippines' standing in international sports while showcasing the excellence, resilience, discipline, and world-class potential of Filipino athletes.

The resolution also praised Eala for exemplifying discipline, perseverance, humility, patriotism, and dedication to excellence, saying these qualities have brought honor, pride, and inspiration to the Filipino people.

Aquino emphasized that Eala’s victory underscored the need for the Philippines to increase investments in sports development so that more Filipino athletes are given greater opportunities to excel not just locally, but also on the international stage, and bring honor to the country.

“Eala's talent, hard work, discipline, and perseverance, culminating in this remarkable achievement, serve as an inspiration to young Filipinos to pursue their dreams with determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment,” he stressed.

Villar said Eala’s remarkable rise is a testament to years of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, adding that her achievements have inspired a new generation of Filipinos to believe that they, too, can compete with the world’s best.

“Vamos, Alex! Ang tagumpay mo ay patunay na world-class ang atletang Pilipino. Isa ka nang kampeon, ngunit naniniwala akong marami ka pang maaabot. Pag lumago, hindi na hihinto. Patuloy kang mangarap, magsikap, at ipagmalaki ang Pilipinas sa bawat laban (Your victory is proof that Filipino athletes are truly world-class. You are already a champion, but I believe you still have even greater heights to reach. Once your journey of success begins, there's no stopping you. Keep dreaming, keep working hard, and continue making the Philippines proud in every match. The entire Filipino nation stands behind you, cheering you on every step of the way),” Villar said.

Villar also praised Eala’s character, saying her humility and grace have made her an exceptional role model beyond the tennis court.

The senator also expressed confidence that Eala’s historic breakthrough is only the beginning of an even brighter career.

Senator Lito Lapid, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, wholeheartedly congratulated Eala on her historic win at the Mubadala DC Open Championship.

"She displayed unwavering resilience, courage, and excellence in the field of tennis that once again brought great honor to our country," Lapid said.

Meanwhile, Tulfo said that this victory is a defining milestone not only in Philippine tennis but also in the country's sporting history.

He added that her achievement serves as a powerful testament to the world-class potential of Filipino athletes and highlights the importance of sustained investment in grassroots sports development, athlete training, and international competition.

On the other hand, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan hailed Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala’s win, stating that Eala’s win must serve as an inspiration for the Filipino youth and highlighting the positive impact of sports in the lives of many young children.