Historic Wins: Eala Shines and Curling Team Clinches Gold for PH!

Wellington, Florida, United States - June 6, 2025, marks a historic day for Filipino sports as the House of Representatives unanimously adopted resolutions to commend remarkable achievements by local athletes. A notable highlight is the commendation of the Philippine Men’s Curling Team, who made waves at the 9th Asian Winter Games by clinching the first-ever gold medal for the Philippines in curling, an accomplishment that signifies not only personal triumphs but national pride on an international stage.

The Philippine men’s curling team triumphed with a 5-3 victory over South Korea in the finals held in Harbin, China. This victory is particularly sweet as it marks the first medal for the Philippines in any edition of the Asian Winter Games and solidifies curling’s place in the sports tapestry of the nation. The exhilarating final saw the team, comprised of Marc Angelo Otida Pfister, Enrico Gabriel Otida Pfister, Alan Beat Frei, Christian Patrick Haller, Benjo Delarmente, and coached by Jessica Sarah Pfister, overcome significant odds to secure their victory. Prior to the final, they had defeated Japan and China to set the stage, showcasing their hard work and dedication in the lead-up to this monumental moment.

The Road to Glory

As described by GMA News, the team’s journey included critical matches that saw them finish second in Group A with a solid 3-1 record. Their path to gold included an impressive 10-4 win over Japan and a narrow 7-6 victory against China in the semifinals. From a rocky start in their opening game against South Korea to standing atop the podium, the team’s determination shone bright throughout the competition.

This win prepares the ground for an exciting future, as their gold medal victory secures the Philippines a place in the pre-qualifiers for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Curling Pilipinas, formed in 2023, has truly made its mark with this team of dedicated athletes, many of whom hail from abroad, including the United States and Canada. As curling continues to gain traction as a serious competitive sport in the Philippines, the stage is set for even greater accomplishments.

A Celebration of Talent

A commendation related to another rising star came with the recognition of Alexandra “Alex” Eala. The young tennis player became the first Filipina to reach the Top 100 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. After a remarkable performance at the 2025 Miami Open, where Eala took down three Grand Slam champions, she secured a spot in the history books. Her final ranking of World No. 72 not only makes her the highest-ranked Filipina in WTA history but also the second highest-ranked teenager currently competing.

In a statement from the House of Representatives, her extraordinary dedication, talent, and perseverance were applauded, positioning her as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation. Here, the excitement around sports does not simply lie in medals and rankings but in the aspiration and effort behind each individual’s journey.

A Broader Perspective

The recent victories come in the context of the Philippines competing at the 2025 Asian Winter Games, marking their debut in 1990 with alpine skiing. This year, 19 athletes participated across five sports, demonstrating the country’s expanding participation in winter sports. As highlighted by Wikipedia, including strong representation in curling offers a fresh narrative for sports in the Philippines, not typically associated with winter athletics. With the mixed doubles team—featuring Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein—also competing admirably, there appears to be a burgeoning future for this sport in the Philippines.

The accomplishments of athletes like Eala and the Philippine Men’s Curling Team tell a tale of resilience, determination, and national pride. As the country celebrates these athletes, it reminds us that sporting endeavors create not just champions but also incredible role models for future generations. The House has aptly recognized that there’s something to be said for hard work, and with continued support, the Philippines might just see its name etched in gold more often on the world stage.