Calculated

Essays and commentary for the Manila Bulletin

There’s something about Alex

5 September 2026 · Manila Bulletin

Alex(andra Eala) seems remarkably composed through all of it. She speaks carefully about representing the Philippines and about staying herself despite the attention. Frankly, I find that a little embarrassing. I did not have that kind of self-awareness at her age. I am not sure I had it even much later, when I already had an audience of my own.