The Rise of a New HERcules

In a world where the playing field is still far from level, being a woman in sports is a battle fought both on and off the court. But for those who are determined to make their mark, every match is an opportunity to break barriers, shatter expectations, and inspire a new generation of female athletes. And there is no one better suited to this challenge than a woman who dominates the game of table tennis with every swing of her paddle.

Her victories on the table are only the beginning of her journey. Beyond the court, she is a force to be reckoned with, breaking down the walls of gender stereotypes and proving that women can excel in many facets of life.

HERstory in the Making

Her name is Alexandrea Escalada, a fourth-year Political Science student of Mindanao State University - General Santos and a proud Sarangan table tennis player, scholar, beauty queen, and a community advocate.

Her journey with table tennis began when she was just a young girl, fascinated by the way the ball bounced back and forth across the table with lightning speed. She quickly fell in love with the sport, and it wasn’t long before she started honing her skills and practicing tirelessly.

As Alexandrea grew older, her passion for table tennis only intensified. She became a national contender, representing Region XII with pride and determination. But it was not just about winning for Alexandrea—there was a deep connection between her and the sport that went beyond the scoreboard.

For 13 years, she has been smashing ping-pong balls with fierce determination, leaving opponents in awe of her skills and fans cheering for her triumphs. But her success on the court did not come without challenges. Off the table, she faced her toughest battles yet—battles that tested her resilience and perseverance.

Her Side of the Net

As Alexandrea steps onto the court, she feels a surge of energy flow through her veins. Every stroke of her paddle sends a shiver down her spine, and every spin of the ball is like a dance move she practiced a thousand times. It is not just about winning the game; it is about the unspoken language between her and the table tennis table.

For more than a decade, Alexandrea has mastered the art of balancing sports and academics. For her, the path to becoming a student-athlete is paved with discipline, passion, and hard work. Her firm commitment to both aspects of her life has led to numerous victories in sports competitions such as the 2019 Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) in Camiguin and the recent 2022 Intramurals, where she won silver in table tennis women’s doubles.

But it is not just about winning medals for her; it is about constantly striving for excellence in all aspects of her life. As a student, her academic achievements are just as impressive as her sporting ones, as she consistently earns a spot on the dean’s list and is a recipient of an academic scholarship grant from MSUGeneral Santos.

Despite her achievements, her path has not been without its challenges. She once considered giving up her beloved sport during her junior high school days due to academic pressures. However, her passion for table tennis prevailed, and she continued to play while also prioritizing her studies.

Alexandrea’s journey as a woman student-athlete is a testament to the strength and resilience of women in sports. Like the delicate but fierce movements in table tennis, she balances the weight of both worlds with grace and finesse, never letting one aspect outweigh the other.

Redefining HERoism

In and out the table tennis court, Alexandrea has been making waves as a fierce athlete and an inspiring advocate. But what truly sets her apart is her commitment to breaking down barriers and being a community servant, both as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a fervent feminist.

Alexandrea’s passion is evident not just in her sports career but also in her community service efforts. She has gone beyond the table tennis court to share her skills with young children during summer, teaching them the game and inspiring them to pursue their own passions. As the winner of the prestigious Miss MSU 2019 crown, she has also used her platform to amplify causes close to her heart.

As a woman who has navigated the challenges of living in a patriarchal society, Alexandrea has learned to harness the power of patriarchy and turn it to her own advantage. Her thesis, “The Urdujas of Modern Days: Understanding How Women Capitalize Patriarchy in South Central Mindanao,” sheds light on the ways in which women can exploit patriarchal systems for their own benefit, and has earned her well-deserved recognition as a thought leader and advocate for gender equality. But her impact extends far beyond.

As a loud and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community she embodies the very spirit of bravery, perseverance, and self-acceptance. Her mere existence serves as a powerful reminder of the infinite ways in which a woman can express herself and defy societal norms. In a world that often seeks to constrain and categorize individuals based on narrow definitions of gender and sexuality, she fearlessly blazes her own trail. Her unapologetic embrace of her own identity as a woman is an inspiration to many, and her dedication to fighting discrimination and hate has earned her a place as a champion of change.

This Women’s Month, Alexandrea’s story is one of triumph over adversity, of breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be a woman. From her early days as a young girl enchanted by the game of table tennis, to her current status as an athlete and advocate for gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights, Alexandrea has never shied away from a challenge. She has faced setbacks and obstacles head-on, using her passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to inspire a new generation of female athletes and change-makers. Her journey embodies the rise of a new HERcules, a testament to the power and resilience of women in sports. You do not need to be a monument to be someone’s hero today. Alexandrea is more than just a table tennis champion; she is a trailblazer, a role model, a true hero, and a woman.