MANILA -- Alex Eala was effusive in her gratitude to her Filipino fans, who waited for hours at the Glorietta Activity Center on Wednesday for a glimpse of the rising tennis star.
Eala is in town after her historic campaign in Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round and ousted erstwhile defending champion Iga Swiatek. Her schedule in Manila was packed, with Eala having attended brand events in the past two days while also paying a courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacanang.
On Wednesday, Filipinos got the opportunity to show their appreciation for Eala, who has been carrying the flag throughout her campaign in the WTA Tour.
READ: Alex Eala thrills fans, receives hero's welcome
Among them was Lola Jessie, 78, who arrived clutching a thick photo album dedicated entirely to Eala. The album was filled with printouts spanning from her Les Petits As days all the way to her recent Wimbledon run.
"Gabi-gabi nagdadagdag kami," she said of the collection she builds night by night.
"'Yung mga bakante dito, hindi ko naidikit kanina," she added, pointing to the empty spaces.
Nicole, 25, traveled all the way from Naga City for the event with her parents. Asked for her message to the tennis star, she said: "Alex, magkita tayo sa Naga!"
A grandfather from London was there in a wheelchair, and expressed his disbelief at seeing Eala: "I can not believe that I would be able to see her."
Another fan, meanwhile, had a copy of his digital artwork signed by Eala. His six-hour wait, he said, was worth it.
"Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat. To everyone who's tuned in at nandito ngayon, maraming salamat sa suporta. Maraming salamat sa pagpupuyat, maraming salamat sa pagdadasal," Eala said in her message to her fans.
"I'm doing my best to make you guys proud. Sana subaybayan niyo ako sa aking next matches, and my journey to come," she added.
During the program, Eala played games with fans on stage covering pop culture, Filipino travel destinations, and facial expressions, with all contestants taking home prizes personally signed by the 21-year old star.
She stayed on stage for nearly an hour of one-on-one photos with guests too, including Pinay singer and actress Kuh Ledesma. At the end of the formal program, Eala circled the venue to take selfies with fans and sign autographs with those standing outside the barriers.
-- report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News