Alex Eala statue in Cavite sparks viral reaction and sculptor apology

A statue of Filipino tennis star Alex Eala, located at the Paraiso de June Quixote ecofarm and resort in Naic, Cavite, has gone viral due to its perceived lack of resemblance to the athlete.

The sculpture, which depicts a player in a red and black outfit holding a racket, was intended as a tribute to Eala’s international tennis achievements. Following widespread social media commentary comparing the figure to various celebrities, the sculptor, Ruel Arviola Catigan, issued a public apology. Catigan admitted the artwork did not accurately capture Eala’s likeness and expressed a desire to improve his work in the future.

Eala acknowledged the viral posts on social media with a single emoji, showing no signs of being offended. The resort owner, June Ducat, clarified that the project was commissioned solely to honor Eala’s contributions to Philippine sports.