Why Filipino Canadians are going wild for Alexandra Eala: 'Our communal spirit'
Filipino Canadian tennis fans are showing massive support for 21-year-old Alexandra Eala during the National Bank Open in Toronto. Her recent success has sparked a wave of community pride, with many comparing her impact to that of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
Why it matters
It highlights the role of sports in fostering community identity and cultural pride among the Filipino diaspora in Canada.
TORONTO — They were lined up at least six or seven deep on the one open side of a small practice court in hopes of getting a glimpse of the woman taking tennis by storm.
Dyan Castillejo, a travelling Filipino journalist and former tennis player, stood on a small grandstand, signing autographs and taking pictures with a loud and proud community that showed up in full force.
The fact that 21-year-old Alexandra Eala never actually showed up for her pre-match hit on Wednesday, opting instead to take some shots on Centre Court, did nothing to diminish the enthusiasm of those gathered behind Sobeys Stadium at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.
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