MANILA, Philippines — Even from Dubai, tennis sensation Alex Eala expressed her gratitude after being named Female Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during Monday’s awards night at Diamond Hotel.
Eala said the honor reflects the progress of tennis in the Philippines and her efforts to raise the sport’s profile internationally. “This award meant so much to me because it’s a reflection of how far tennis has really come in our country,” she said in a video message while competing at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Carlos Yulo, who captured the PSA’s Male Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year, accepted the award on the same day as his 26th birthday. PSA president Francis T.J. Ochoa, Philippine Sports Commission Chair Patrick Gregorio, and gymnastics president Cynthia Carrion joined him onstage, with Carrion surprising Yulo with a birthday cake and serenade.
“I thank the Lord for giving me another year, another opportunity to learn and strive to become a better athlete,” Yulo said in Filipino.
The two athletes were recognized for standout achievements in 2025. Eala made waves on the WTA tour and in Grand Slam events, while Yulo added to his twin gold medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics with victories at the World Championships and Asian Championships.
Other awardees included June Mar Fajardo as Mr. Basketball, wushu gold medalist Agatha Wong, and bowling champion Patrick Eusebio. Gregorio was named Executive of the Year for his leadership of the PSC, while Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao became the first non-athlete to receive the President’s Award for successfully winning a Supreme Court case ensuring full remittances from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to the PSC.