“HISTORY IN THE MAKING: After reaching a career-high World No. 54 — the highest-ever ranking for a Filipino player in WTA history — Alexandra Maniego Eala continues to inspire an entire nation. Following her remarkable performances during the Asian swing and her upcoming appearance at the Japan Open, Philippine President Bongbong Marcos personally honored Eala with a Special Presidential Award, recognizing her as a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and national pride. In his speech, Marcos praised Eala’s determination and spirit, encouraging her to ‘keep lifting the flag higher’ as she continues her journey toward even greater triumphs on the global stage.”

The post, which has since become unavailable, generated more than 508 reactions, 63 comments, and 10 shares as of October 21. Many commenters congratulated Eala for this supposed honor. However, upon verification, there is no evidence that President Marcos gave Eala any “Special Presidential Award.”

Official Statements and Verified Posts

“History has been written by Alex Eala as she becomes the 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗪𝗧𝗔 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲! Congratulations Alex Eala! Ang iyong tagumpay ay tagumpay ng buong bansa. Gagawin natin ang lahat upang mas marami pang atletang Pilipino ang susunod sa yapak na ito at maipakita sa mundo ang galing at puso ng Pilipino.”

“She’s only getting started! Congratulations @alex.eala! Kasama mo ang buong Pilipinas sa bawat laban mo” (“The entire Philippines is with you in every fight you have”) and “Sama-sama naming isisigaw sa mundo ang galing ng Pilipino!” (“Together we will proclaim to the world the greatness of Filipinos”).

About the Special Presidential Award

• Carlos Yulo, who received the Presidential Medal of Merit from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his gold medal wins at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The award was confirmed by official Presidential Communications Office coverage and media reports.
• Hidilyn Diaz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit by former President Rodrigo Duterte after her Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal victory — a recognition also detailed by the Presidential Communications Office.

Our Rating: FALSE

The claim that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted a “Special Presidential Award” to Alexandra Eala is false. No official record, press release, or announcement from the Presidential Communications Office or the Presidential Awards body supports this claim.

While President Marcos has publicly congratulated Eala for her historic achievements and expressed national pride in her success, there is no evidence that any “Special Presidential Award” was bestowed upon her. The viral Facebook post from “Tennis Together” therefore spreads an unfounded and inaccurate claim.

Our Fact-Checking Sources

• Viral Facebook Page “Tennis Together” post on Alexandra Eala’s award claim, October 9, 2025: Facebook
• President Marcos’ congratulatory Facebook post on Alexandra Eala’s WTA singles title win, September 7, 2025: Facebook
• Alexandra Eala’s Facebook profile mentioned in Marcos’ post: Facebook Alex Eala
• President Marcos’ Facebook post congratulating Eala on her 2025 US Open first-round victory, August 25, 2025: Presidential Communications Office News Release
• Official government portal for Presidential Awards in the Philippines: presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph
• Carlos Yulo’s Presidential Medal of Merit award coverage, GMA Network report: GMA Network
• Presidential Communications Office news on Filipino Olympians honored: PCO News Release
• Philippine Information Agency press release on Hidilyn Diaz award: PIA
• Presidential Communications Office statement on Hidilyn Diaz’s additional rewards: PCO News Release
• Alexandra Eala’s updated WTA official player profile and statistics: WTA Official