As the U.S. Open unfolds, the excitement surrounding Filipino tennis player Alex Eala has inspired local artist Pau Tiu to create vibrant, supportive artwork. Located in a small room of an Episcopal church in Queens, Tiu has dedicated this week to printing colorful posters to cheer on the rising star.
Eala, who recently made headlines by becoming the first Filipino player to win a WTA Tour singles title, has captured the attention of tennis fans both locally and globally. Just days ago, Eala triumphed over American player Mary Stoiana with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory, marking her debut in the prestigious tournament. She proceeded to defeat Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-4, advancing to the third round for the first time.
Community Engagement Through Art
In the stands, a considerable number of fans showcased Tiu’s posters emblazoned with the phrase “Laban Alex,” which translates to “Fight, Alex.” Tiu distributed these designs in anticipation of Eala’s matches, contributing to the palpable energy from the Filipino community within the 14,000-capacity arena.
Tiu, 32, shared their enthusiasm, noting the strong sense of camaraderie felt among supporters. The atmosphere, rich with Filipino flags and chants, made them feel at home. “It’s crazy to be surrounded by so many Filipinos, and I feel I’m just back at home, and there’s so much spirit of community,” Tiu remarked during the event.
The artist’s journey began in the Philippines, where they moved to the U.S. two years ago for marital freedom. Tiu co-founded Bad Student, a studio that focuses on risograph printing, a unique technique that uses fluorescent ink. Inspired by Eala’s remarkable achievements, Tiu developed posters that reflect Filipino design aesthetics, bridging their cultural roots with a modern sports narrative.
Highlighting the global Filipino diaspora’s support for Eala, Tiu’s work signifies more than just artistic expression. Their passion for tennis grew alongside their participation in producing art for various sports events, including projects for the New York Knicks during the NBA Finals.
After witnessing Eala’s recent matches, Tiu returned to their printing press to create a new line of “Laban Alex” posters, leveraging available designs and personal creativity. They shared that the positive response from their family back in the Philippines has amplified their sense of connection to home.
With Tiu’s brother managing the Philippines branch of Bad Student, the same posters are printed and distributed back home, ensuring that support for Eala stretches across the globe.
“The presence of Filipinos here is so strong, and hearing the language being spoken everywhere warms my heart,” Tiu expressed. “It’s part of the magic that is Eala-mania.”
Why It Matters: Pau Tiu’s efforts not only showcase the artistic talent within the Filipino community but also highlight the unifying power of sports, culture, and shared heritage, particularly in the context of global events like the U.S. Open. Through their creative expressions, Tiu fosters a sense of belonging, inspiring both local and international fans of Alex Eala.
