It will be a year of controversy. Under-the-table deals and other hanky-panky will be revealed. Partners (personal, business, political, etc.) will be biting each other in the back. Secrets will be exposed. Syphoning off of funds will be uncovered. State witnesses will abound, not just in the Philippines, but worldwide.
A book launch usually ends with signed copies, photo opportunities and polite applause. This one did something more valuable. It turned into a brainstorming session on one of the Philippines' biggest creative exports, stories that can cross borders without leaving their Filipino identity behind.
Alex Eala booked the biggest final of her young career in emphatic fashion, sweeping four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, 6-4, 6-2, on Sunday to reach her first-ever WTA 500 championship match at the Mubadala DC Open.