Leave Alex alone

“Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what you're doing.”

—Chuck Noll

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WE can cite so many cases of world class Filipino athletes who have supposedly “let us down” just when we were expecting too much from them.

Hero or superstar Pinoy (including those with mix races like Filipino-Americans, Filipino-Canadians, Filipino-British and so on and so forth) sports competitors who “broke our hearts” just when we thought our screams and so much adulation and worship were enough for them to vanquish their opponents or wound up on top of the universe one match after the other.

We will focus only on Wesley So, Lydia de Vega, Manny Pacquiao, and recently Alex Eala, all under intense pressure when they yielded the matches that mattered most, or games fans didn’t want them to lose, to make our long story short.

A chess grandmaster and erstwhile ranked No. 2 in the world, So’s most heartbreaking losses often stemmed from high-stakes, dramatic, or unexpected errors despite his solid, top-level play. Notable examples included his stunning 2025 FIDE World Cup exit, losing to Magnus Carlsen in a 2021 Armageddon tiebreaker, and a 2022 Norway Chess defeat.

 

-o0o-

 

Those moments reportedly highlighted the intense pressure of elite chess, even for one of the world's most consistent competitors.

While primarily remembered as "Asia's Sprint Queen," the late Lydia De Vega’s career included some notable, challenging moments against tough competitors and personal injuries.

But despite winning the gold in the 100-meter dash during the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, de Vega was beaten by her fierce rival P.T. Usha of India in the 200-meter dash, taking the silver with a time of 23.47 seconds.

Pacquiao was on the verge of winning his fourth match versus Juan Manuel Marquez but was zapped by a thunderous right straight to the jaw before being knocked out cold in the sixth canto of a 12-round tiff dubbed “Fight of the Decade” in Las Vegas on December 8, 2012.

We chose this subject matter after we read the remarks made by Liam McMillen on TennisHead following Alex Eala’s heartbreaking exit in the recently held inaugural WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.

“Eala looked unhappy with her game throughout her straight sets loss to Osorio and looked particularly uncomfortable on her own serve,” wrote McMillen.

“It shows that drive and determination of the star that she wasn’t willing to accept her loss in front of an adoring hometown crowd.” McMillen was referring to the 20-year-old Filipina star’s loss in straight sets to Colombia’s Camila Osorio, who defeated the pretty Pinay by a scoreline of 6-4 6-4.

 

-o0o-

 

The writer lamented that “Eala had been welcomed home like a hero, but she only managed to win two matches at the historic WTA 125 event.”

He added: “Thousands of Filipino fans were willing Eala to win the very first Philippine Women’s Open, but it was not to be in Manila.

Eala is ranked over 40 places above Osorio, but she was outclassed by the tricky Colombian throughout the match.”

As we have pointed out in the past, puttIng pressure on good athletes can either fuel peak "clutch" performance or cause a significant, "choking" decline in performance, depending on their mental approach.

While some of them thrive on pressure by channeling adrenaline into focus, excessive pressure often leads to anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and decreased performance.

-o0o-

 

High caliber athletes like Eala, Pacquiao, So, de Vega may become too cautious, tense, and focused on avoiding mistakes rather than playing to win when there’s a performance decrement (“choking”).

If they are under intense pressure from adoring fans and coaches (including overexcited relatives and friends), this may lead to mental health issues that will result in anxiety, depression, burnout, and eating disorders, especially in younger athletes like 20-year-old Eala.

Experts have warned high-achieving athletes may struggle to maintain high levels of performance, resulting in decreased satisfaction.

It’s but normal for Alex Eala’s compatriots and solid fans, including the media, to always expect her to win. But she is an upstart and could still stumble along the way to stardom.

On top of that, she’s human who may sometimes be conquered by tennis players lower than her remarkable No. 49 in the world in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings.

While she’s making a name and doing adjustments in tournaments she’s heading to next anywhere around the globe, let’s continue to celebrate her talent and greatness, give her moral support and otherwise, but leave her alone.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

Hello darkness my old friend

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.”

—Marianne Williamson

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

ENTERING the month of February 2026, our crystal ball tells us everything might not be bright, merry, and happy in the political and economic spheres as well as in the environment—far cry from what we were wishing and hoping in 2025.

Mount Kanlaon, ranked as the 42nd-highest peak of an island in the world that straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, is expected to give the Philippines a big trouble this year as it has been showing signs of a possible precursor to an explosive eruption, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) as of January 29.

The volcano, approximately 30 km (19 mi) southeast of Bacolod, the capital and most populous city of Negros Occidental and the whole island, was reported to have emitted superheated gas emissions at the crater.

The verbal tussle between Red China and Democratic Philippines is also developing from bad to worse with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila recently announcing it “made firm representations to the Chinese ambassador and the Chinese Embassy conveying serious concerns with the escalation of public exchanges."

It looks like the feud over the long-standing, seething territorial dispute between the two countries in the South China Sea is worsening before it gets better.

The world is watching on tenterhooks who will blink first.

 

-o0o-

 

In the first week of February, political characters agitating to hold Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio accountable for alleged misuse of her multi-million-peso confidential funds, among other anomalies, are expected to file another impeachment case.

Now that an impeachment case has been filed separately against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier in relation to the never-ending saga of flood control project anomalies, it will mark the first time in Philippine history that two top leaders of the country face possible ouster if the twin impeachments raps go the distance.

What does it mean for the Philippines in general?

Plain and simple political instability as allies of both parties will next paint the town red in a bid to rescue their idols and even bring the two unpopular political icons down on all four.

Both the Senate and House of Representatives will be divided furthermore, and members of the opposing sides will tear each other apart in endless and unproductive debates and name-calling (it has already begun in fact).

It will be nonstop chaos and the public—the taxpayers—will again be in the losing end. Darkness is hovering in the horizon once again.

 

-o0o-

 

Adding insult to the Filipino people’s injury is the report as of this writing that the Philippine pesos fell again versus the dollar on as Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth missed the government’s target for a third consecutive year due to the ongoing fallout from a corruption scandal involving government infrastructure projects.

The local unit ended at P58.945 against the greenback, sliding by 20.5 centavos from its P58.74 finish on January 28, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines.

It was reported that the peso opened trading session just slightly weaker at P 58.78 against the dollar. Its intraday best was at P58.75, while its worst showing was at P58.95.

Dollars traded declined to USD 1.329 billion from USD 1.46 billion on January 28. The peso sank as data released on January 29 showed that GDP growth fell below target in 2025, the first trader said in a phone interview.

Also, all the wanted figures remained untouchable and scot-free: Atong Ang, Zaldy Co, Harry Roque, Gerald Bantag, to mention a few.

 

 -o0o-

 

Basic etiquette rules we don’t necessarily learn from school:

1. Never shake a hand while sitting.

2. Never talk bad about the food when you are the guest.

3. Don't eat the last piece of something you didn't buy.

4. Protect who is behind you and respect who is beside you.

5. Never make the first offer in a negotiation.

6. Don't take credit for the work you didn't do.

7. Dress well, no matter what the occasion.

8. Speak honestly: say what you think and mean what you say.

9. Ask more than you answer.

10. Leave the profane language for the less educated.

11. Avoid placing your phone on the table when eating with someone.

12. Listen, smile and most of all make eye contact.

13. If you're not invited, don't ask to go.

14. Never be ashamed of where you come from.

15. Don't beg for a relationship. (Credits: Many Mata)

 

-o0o-

 

LET'S DRY OURSELVES ORGANICALLY. Let's buy organic, unbleached cotton towels to use after our bath, and try to use the smallest towels possible for the job because they will require less laundering.

LET'S SUPPORT WILD BIRDS. Herbicides used on crops are damaging wild bird populations by taking away the birds' natural habitats and directly affecting feeding and nesting. Choosing organic is the only way to support wild birds.

FIBERGLASS FOLLY. Some bathroom companies still use fiberglass. Let's avoid it wherever possible as a great lot of energy is wasted during fiberglass manufacture.

LET'S MAKE OUR OWN SOAP. For an ecologically friendly alternative to chemical-ridden multi-surface cleaner, let's mix one half cup pure soap with 1-gallon hot water and one fourth cup lemon juice. For a stronger cleaner, double the amounts of soap and lemon juice.

PAPER CUT. Paper comprises over 40 percent of solid waste in the U.S. (about 72 million tons annually). With little discernible difference in quality, there's no excuse not to buy recycled whenever you can.

WEEKEND PRAYER: Diyos namon nga makagagahum indi pag tuguti nga mabutang kami sa peligro kag malupig sang mga suldado sang kadulum. Ubayi kami sa amon pag pangabuhi sa matag adlaw nga tanan kag hatagi kami sang maayong lawas.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

Iloilo airport security and safety

“The way I see it, you can either work for a living or you can fly airplanes. Me, I’d rather fly.”

—Len Morgan

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

EVEN if airplane passenger Roland Lañojan, 54, a resident of Tayong Sagay, Camiguin Province has survived and was reportedly in stable condition at the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) after being shot in the shoulder by police at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo on the afternoon of January 28, the incident will definitely put a dent on the image of the airport.

We can’t blame some flight passengers to worry for their safety when they travel because of what happened.

The shooting occurred after Lañojan reportedly refused security inspection and airport authorities found he was carrying a bladed weapon, according to the initial investigation by the Office of Transportation Security (OTS).

The incident reportedly sent passengers scampering in different directions. It’s good no one was hit by a stray bullet or injured in the scuffle.

No city can afford to compromise the safety of passengers in the airports or any crowded public place where people depart and arrive from different destinations and origins.

Airports, in particular, must be safe places because they are critical infrastructure handling high-density crowds and serving as major, often targeted, transportation hubs.

Ensuring safety in the airports protects against terrorism, smuggling, and violent acts while preventing accidents, managing risks to passengers, and securing valuable, restricted areas.

 

-o0o-

 

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) made the right move to continue conducting an investigation and giving assurances that due process and accountability would be observed even if there was no casualty in the incident.

It has been a top priority when it comes to public safety and security for airports to prevent threats, such as terrorism and crime, in densely populated terminals including those located outside Metro Manila like Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, Silay.

They protect travelers from harm and secure restricted zones like runways and maintenance areas. Tight security also prevents the transport of illegal substances and smuggling.

Risk Management & Operational Efficiency:

Stringent security measures must be given emphasis in the risk management and operational efficincy, including AI-powered video surveillance and physical barriers, protect passengers, staff, and assets while ensuring smooth operations.

This explains why in the Aviation Safety Standards, Runway Safety Areas (RSAs) are critical for preventing accidents during takeoffs and landings.

As major travel hubs, airports rely on public trust; proper security, including trained personnel, ensures confidence for passengers.

 

-o0o-

 

HEAL OURSELVES WITH TEA TREE. Tea tree oil is a great alternative to chemical healing ointments and balms. A natural antiseptic, it's great in emergencies for cuts and grazes as well as for cleaning up after animals (for children) who have not been housetrained.

LET'S GET OUTSIDE. Instead of heading for the bright lights of the gym next time we work out, let's take a step into the fresh air. Running, walking, and working out outdoors have little effect on the environment.

GET SOME FRESH AIR. Let us spend time in nature. Taking a walk, having a picnic, or simply sitting outside and watching the sky deepens our connection to the natural world, motivating us to be better stewards of the earth. I do this each time I visit Boracay Island in the Philippines and in my two other favorite places: Nagoya, Japan and Denver, Colorado.

CHEW IT UP. Let's choose mastic-based gum for our chewing habit--normal gum takes years to biodegrade and can cause problems for wildlife because of its stickiness. Mastic gum is made from the resin of the Aegean mastic tree and is 100 percent natural. It is available in gum and capsule form from health food stores.

A WEIGHTY MATTER. Ten treadmills in the average gym use the same amount of electricity in a day that it would take to run our hairdryer non-stop for a year. Let' stick to weights and non-electric machines like spinning bikes.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

Once a year life is like this

“It'll work, if God, wind, leads, ice, snow, and all the hells of this damned frozen land are willing.”

—Matthew Henson

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

ALTHOUGH “we were caught prepared” (not “unprepared” as we usually hear in normal conversations) when a monster snowstorm slammed the East Coast early morning January 26 (when the 2026 Dinagyang Festival fever was still at fever-pitched in Iloilo City) bringing as high as 17 inches of snow in the neighborhood, we didn’t expect to be “defeated” by the abnormal weather condition.

“Defeated” means the storm did not only interrupt our normal lives like work schedules and appointments, among other regular activities and tasks, it also endangered our lives.

In fact, eight New Yorkers were reported killed mostly in Queens amid below freezing temperatures.

The amount of snow that fell from the sky was scary as it immobilized the boroughs and paralyzed a city “that never sleeps,” stranding commuters, cancelling flights, and closing airports, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services.

The weight of snow caused roofs to collapse and knocked down trees and power lines.

Thank God this kind of life in America happens only once a year.

 

-o0o-

 

Major parts of the East Coast were still freezing literally, two days after the brutal winter storm or as of this writing.

In fact, as cleanup continued across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, forecasters were already tracking another potential winter storm for the weekend.

The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center says confidence has increased that parts of the immediate East Coast could see impactful snow and wind, though the exact placement of the heaviest impacts is still being refined.

If the storm tracks close enough to the coast, it could also produce strong, gusty winds, especially along coastal areas.

If we thought the worst part of the winter was digging out from a foot of snow, New York has some bad news for us, warned Laura Ratliff of Timeout, who emphasized that the storm may be gone, but a prolonged stretch of dangerous cold is settling in—and it’s going to linger.

“Forecasters say we’re about to enter one of the coldest periods of the season, with wind chills dropping as low as -20 degrees in the mornings and daytime temperatures struggling to climb out of the teens,” Ratliff reported.

The National Weather Service has issued Cold Weather Advisories for parts of the Tri-State area, warning that frostbite and hypothermia can set in quickly with prolonged exposure.

 

-o0o-

 

When Meta (formerly Facebook) was launched in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, along with fellow Harvard College students Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes, and Eduardo Saverin, we were told its mission was to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together; to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what’s going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them.

Today, many users have been traumatized and terrorized mentally and emotionally months or years after maintaining a “friendship” with strangers who only bilked them with cash and kind, played with their emotions by offering fake love, sexually harassed and even assaulted them, destroyed their reputations, envied their gains, success and titles, spied on them, and gossiped about them.

All of a sudden people we knew only for the first time in the social media were saying bizarre stories about us.

Let’s beware of wolves masquerading as social media “friends.” No matter how difficult it is to deal with them, let’s continue to promote and embrace love in whatever means with no ifs and buts.

This is the only way to maintain a peace of mind while we are part of the social media.

 

-o0o-

 

LET'S GO NONTOXIC. Let's request a nontoxic environment in our child's school. Cleaning products, lawn care, teaching supplies and paint can all be switched for more environmentally friendly versions.

LET'S THROW THE LICE. Head lice are becoming resistant to chemical shampoos designed to kill them. In addition, if we use them we're flushing insecticides down our drain. Let's make a conditioning rinse with our usual conditioner, vinegar, and tea tree oil, then comb through thoroughly once a week until the lice are gone.

HAND WASH HEROES. It has been estimated that four percent of domestic waste consists of used disposable diapers. One of the best choices we can make to reduce landfill and help the environment is to use washable diapers instead.

LET'S GET ARTY. Let's encourage our children's school to recycle paper they use in the art room. For every ton of paper we reuse, 17 trees are spared.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)