Filipino pride is soaring this week as Alexandra Eala pulled off a jaw-dropping win at the U.S. Open 2025, becoming the first Filipino in the Open Era to win a main-draw singles match at a Grand Slam tournament. The 19-year-old rising star stunned the tennis world with a gutsy 6–3, 2–6, 7–6(11) victory over world no. 14 Clara Tauson in New York.
🇵🇭 Making Philippine Sports History
This win marks a major milestone not only in Eala’s career but also in Philippine tennis history. No Filipino has advanced past the first round of a Grand Slam singles match in the Open Era—until now. Eala’s fearless performance, especially her comeback from a 5–1 deficit in the final set, left audiences and commentators worldwide stunned.
“I just kept fighting point by point,” Eala shared in her post-match interview. “This win is not just for me, it’s for everyone back home who believed in me.”
🔥 Match Highlights
✅ Defeated 14th seed Clara Tauson in a three-set thriller
✅ Saved multiple match points in a tense final-set tiebreak
✅ First Grand Slam main-draw singles win by a Filipino (Open Era)
👀 What’s Next for Eala?
Eala advances to the second round where she’s expected to face another top-seeded player. With confidence soaring and global eyes now watching, fans and analysts alike are wondering: could this be the breakout tournament that launches Eala into tennis superstardom?
Regardless of the outcome, her victory has already placed her among the all-time greats in Philippine sports.
🎉 Social Media Reactions
“Alex Eala just did the unthinkable. What a warrior! 🇵🇭🔥 #ProudPinoy #USEOpen2025” – @TennisPH
“This is history. She’s 19. She’s from the Philippines. And she’s a fighter. ✊ #AlexEala #USOpen” – @AsianSportsWatch
💬 Final Thoughts
In a time when Filipino athletes continue to shine on the global stage, Alexandra Eala’s breakthrough is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent meets heart. As the U.S. Open continues, one thing is clear: the Philippines has found its tennis queen.
🏆 Congratulations, Alex! You’ve made the nation proud.
📣 Are you watching the U.S. Open? Let us know your thoughts on Eala’s historic win in the comments!
The race for the 98th Academy Awards is heating up, with several films already making waves in the 2025 festival circuit and early screenings. Here are the top Best Picture contenders to watch as we approach the Oscars 2026.
Director: Guillermo del Toro Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz Release Date: October 17, 2025 (Theatrical), November 7, 2025 (Netflix) Genre: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi Studio: Netflix Why It’s Buzzing: Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel has garnered early acclaim for its emotional depth and visual storytelling. The film’s ensemble cast and del Toro’s direction position it as a strong contender for multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
2. One Battle After Another
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn Release Date: TBA Genre: Drama Why It’s Buzzing: This film, inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, has generated significant anticipation due to Anderson’s direction and the star power of DiCaprio and Penn. Early discussions suggest it could be a major player in the Best Picture category.
3. Sentimental Value
Director: Joachim Trier Cast: Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning Release Date: TBA Genre: Drama Why It’s Buzzing: Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Sentimental Value won the Grand Prix and received excellent reviews. Its critical acclaim and emotional storytelling make it a strong contender for Best Picture.
4. After The Hunt
Director: Luca Guadagnino Cast: Julia Roberts Release Date: TBA Genre: Thriller, Drama Why It’s Buzzing: This dramatic thriller, featuring Julia Roberts as a college professor grappling with a serious accusation, has been highlighted as an early contender for Best Picture due to its compelling narrative and Roberts’ performance.
Director: Bong Joon Ho Cast: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo Release Date: March 7, 2025 Genre: Sci-Fi, Black Comedy Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Why It’s Buzzing: Bong Joon Ho’s latest film, based on the novel Mickey7, has received positive reviews for its innovative storytelling and strong performances. Its unique premise and critical acclaim position it as a potential Best Picture nominee.ats up with exclusive interviews, nominee reveals, and expert analysis.
📅 Key Dates for the 2026 Oscars
December 2025: Film release deadlines for eligibility
January 2026: Official Oscar nominations announced
It’s been two months since I’ve posted anything, so for my first post in 2022, I want to share this picture of a colorful sea urchin shell I took a couple of years back, which feels like a totally different time than these last two years. In a blink of an eye, things could change, and this quote from Henry David Thoreau really resonated with me —
“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”
Even if people around me say that we should just learn to live with COVID, it still doesn’t feel right. Maybe because I’ve been cooped up at home for two years, and it’s been getting to me just now. I mean, I consider myself a homebody, and “peopling” really isn’t my favorite thing, so I thought I’d be okay, but I also realized that it could get tiring. So here I am in 2022, feeling hopeful that this nightmare will soon be over.
There. I wanted to say more, but I am tired. Maybe tomorrow will be a different day. Oh, siya sige. Till next time!
I absolutely loved this edition of Binibining Pilipinas and it may actually be the one of the best editions for me. What’s freaking insane is that it is the first time it was actually televised in real-time! And with no live audience too well…because Covid. Ahem. So, I have to talk about a few things this edition has offered us.
The Binibining Pilipinas 2021 was supposed to be the year 2020 edition but due to the pandemic, it was moved a year later which is the very first time the pageant was not held since it’s inception in 1964. However, Samantha Mae Bernardo, Binibining Pilipinas 2019 Second Runner-up and was a contestant of the supposed 2020th edition was appointed the Philippines’ representative to the 2020-2021 Miss Grand International earlier this year making her the only title holder to wear a 2020th sash! So many fun facts!
Another first for this edition is its all-female hosts with two former Binibining Pilipinas queens – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and 2016 Binibining Pilipinas Grand International and 2016 Miss Grand International First Runner-up, Nicole Cordoves. Catriona and Nicole not only made a Binibini history last night, they also did an incredible job that it’s hard to imagine them not doing this every single year moving forward!
The Stage: It looks amazing! It was simple and classy looking with its three gigantic led screens! Easier
The Opening: Donning yellow, orange and lime-green cocktails dresses, the girls dances a to a new Binibining Pilipinas song! It was catchy and they all looked absolutely amazing! The introduction was a sight to behold too, showing each Bibibini in their respective National Costumes! It was marvelous! The costumes are simply to die for! Why are we not seeing these kind of costumes in the international level though? Hmmm…
The board of judges are also a batch of impressive panel that includes Rajo Laurel, Maria Garcia, Dioceldo Sy, Benito Bengzon Jr, Pinky Webb, Enrique Gil, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza and the ever-so-beautiful actress Liza Soberano! Can I just say that Liza looked like a goddess last night!
First two set of awards:
Best in National Costume: Nueva Ecija, Marian Ruth Erika Quin
Miss Friendship: Tagum City, Lesley Anne Ticaro Miss Talent: Bocaue, Bulacan, Vianca Louise Marcelo Miss Photogenic: Manila, Patrizia Mariah Garcia Miss Alagang Silka: Angeles, Pampanga, Ma. Francesca Taruc Jag Denim Queen: Masbate, Hannah Arnold Miss World Balance: Olongapo, Alexandra Faith Garcia Miss Ever Bilena: Batangas, Maureen Montagne Miss Piza Hut: Iloilo, Karen Laurrie Mendoza Manila Bulleting Readers Choice Award: Batangas, Mica Rosal
Last batch and some major awards:
Bb. Araneta City: Angeles, Pampanga, Maria Francesca Taruc Miss Creamsilk: Batangas, Maureen Montagne
Best in Swimsuit: Valenzeula, Meiji Cruz
Best in Long Gown: Eastern Samar, Gabrielle Basiano
The proceedings was fast! The top 12 were announced right away plus a Top 13th people’s choice voted via the Binibining Pilipinas app, and they paraded in Swimsuit and their beautiful Evening gown! It was such a glorious sight!
My favorites for the swimsuit round are: Maureen Montagne, Hannah Arnold and Meiji Cruz.
As for the Evening Gown, it was obviously Gabrielle Basiano with that presentation that totally nailed the round! Another one of my favorite for this round is Hannah Arnold with her baby pink gown ensemble and Graciella Lehman with her effortless pasarela!
As each finalists is called into the top 12/13, she will deliver a short message about her pandemic experience (this is almost similar to the opening speech in the Miss Universe during its 2018 and 2019 edition)
Here are my on the spot notes last night for each finalists!
Eastern Samar, Gabrielle Basiano – too short, prolly got nervous but very beautiful face.
Manila, Patrizia Mariah Garcia – reminds me of Aya Abesamis. Very simple message. Challenging governance…
Iloilo, Karen Laurrie Mendoza – Loved her accent! talks about mental illness is not a sign of weakness, you are heard, you matter – a really thoughtful and relevant message.
Oriental Mindoro, Graciella Lehman – talked about being a cabin crew and to be in the service of fellow Filipinos.
Angeles Pampanga, Francesca Taruc – to be more grateful and appreciate little things in life. Quick. Message was okayish.
Valenzuela, Meiji Cruz (Cat said Venezuela – a cute mistake) – loved her Pinoy accent, very good message. Unity, compassion together we can heal!
Albay, Jashmin Dimaculangan – very on point message!!! talks about Typhoon Ulysses during the pandemic
Cavite, Samantha Panlilio – very good communication skills, her family are from the tourism industry and how in perseverance we can survive this pandemic.
Quezon Province, Patricia Babista – being a frontliner, aims to face a new world with a healthier, braver and kinder human
Rizal Province, Honey Cartasano – loved her styling! regain her purpose thru volunteering in helping her kababayan!
Masbate, Hannah Arnold – As a forensic science graduate she wanted the country to invest on science and prevent another pandemic. Very good.
Batangas, Maureen Montagne – I witness firsthand the true beauty and strength of community. Siargao community pantry, together we can overcome any obstacle. Lovely messaging too! People’s Choice / Fan Vote
Cagayan de Oro – Misamis Oriental – Cinderella Fae Obeñita very good messaging! With her personality, I wonder why she missed the first cut in the first place…
Another segment is an interview with Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago who’s battling a end-stage renal failure and she delivered a lovely message of hope to the girls and to us viewers! Get well soon, Bea!
Can I just talk about how amazing the Evening Gown presentation was? I mean, that’s international level of production! Each girl in the top 13 talks about their chosen gown and the symbolism it represents! So powerful!
Moving on to the ‘dreaded’ Q&A, it’s obvious that a lot of girls were nervous. Overall, I thought they all gave amazing answers! It just boils down to presentation and how confident they are with their answers!
The one that top this segment is surprisingly Miss Cagayan de Oro – Misamis Oriental Cinderella Fae Obeñita. She just sealed her win with that answer!
Winners!
Second Runner-up: Meiji Cruz, Valenzuela
I loved Meiji. She’s such a stunner but I didn’t expect her to place this high after the Q&A but overall, she’s probably in the upper tier of the scoreboard to nab this title.
First Runner-up: Gabrielle Basian, Borongan Eastern Samar
Her Q&A wasn’t that bad. I thought she gave an apt answer to the question even though she faltered a bit. It’s obvious that her performance there affected her overall placement. I thought she’d get one of the major titles if I’m being honest pegging her to win the Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental title.
Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021: Maureen Montagne, Batangas
I really thought that Maureen would either win the International or the Grand International title so I was very surprised that she got Globe! It’s still a crown after all and she very much deserved a crown, regardless of the title! She was unstoppable last night!
Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2021: Cinderella Fae Obeñita, Miss Cagayan de Oro – Misamis Oriental
As I’ve mentioned above, her gift of gab is her major strength that none of the girls probably expected! She was such a revelation and she should thank her lucky stars that she won the fan vote! Tonight was her destiny fulfilled!
Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021: Samantha Panlilio, Cavite
Samantha is definitely one of the best speakers in this batch and I was also on the lookout for her during the first few months of the competition but that excitement died down as the other girls started to peaked so I was very much surprised that she was named to follow suit Samantha Bernardo in Miss Grand International. Samantha reminded me of the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe prototypes of the early 2000’s. I’m excited to see her transformation on her quest to win the first ‘golden crown’ for the Philippines.
Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 – Hannah Arnold, Masbate
Binibining Pilipinas International 2021: With the Miss Universe pageant no longer affiliated with Binibini, Miss International takes center stage as the premier crown for the most prestigious pageant in the country! Hannah Arnold rightfully and deservedly won this major crown last night with her flawless performance emulating a doll and humble demeanor which the Japanese couldn’t seem to resist! She’d definitely do well in Japan later this year!
Overall, I am just in awe of the level of production, the girls, the hosts, the judges – they just set a new standard on how to stage a pageant in the new normal!
Congratulations, Binibining Pilipinas!
Watch the full show of the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Grand Coronation Night on their official Youtube Channel.
Okay, so I’ve been posting these throwback blogs I’ve been meaning to share pre-pandemic, and I know that we’ve just welcomed the new year, but let me still share with you my very short Paris adventure when I welcomed 2020! I know, who knew that it would be such an eventful year!
After returning from my visit to the Auschwitz–Birkenau camp, I immediately took a hot shower at my hostel and booked an Uber to take me to Krakow Glowny, from where I would head back to the Czech Republic for my flight to Paris. The FlixBus trip back to Prague took around six hours, and from Prague Zličín, I had to take another Uber to get to Václav Havel Airport for my flight via Czech Airlines to France
I arrived at Charles De Gaulle Airport around nine in the morning on the 31st of December, so I really had all the time in the world to make it to my hostel before the celebrations began in the evening. I was expecting a lot of people to be at the airport, but surprisingly, there were just about the usual number of people I see in some of the busiest airports I’ve been to, considering it’s a holiday. It was very easy for me to navigate, and you can also ask for assistance, particularly regarding which train is heading to Paris!
Ah, Paris! I’ve been dreaming of visiting this place for so long, and I was just very anxious and excited to explore the city since I’ll be spending four days here! Too short, I know, but I’m pretty sure there’ll be a next time. I booked my accommodation at the Perfect Hotel & Hostel located on Rue Rodier. Making sure I wouldn’t get lost, I opted to walk there from the Gare du Nord station. It wasn’t that far, and I was able to easily navigate the streets of that part of Paris using Google Maps. You see, I really do prefer walking when traveling overseas! Hah!
The hostel was very quaint and clean, and the room wasn’t so bad. After spending days with other people at night, I was already used to sharing space. After lying down for a bit, I decided to walk around the neighborhood while the sun was still out. It was still very cold, mind you, but the day was just beautiful!
That night, I introduced myself to one of my roommates, a guy from Spain who teaches English in Colombia and was spending the holiday in Paris. I asked him if he’d like to go out together. He and I decided to head to the area near the Eiffel Tower to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but unfortunately, the traffic was terrible, and it would have taken us forever to get there. So, we decided to celebrate at the Arc de Triomphe instead. It was a very exciting and unforgettable experience, to say the least. I had a blast waiting with everyone for the clock to strike midnight, marking the dawn of the year 2020.
In my next post, I’ll be sharing my little walking tour in Paris. I didn’t get to see everything because it was cloudy, wet, and cold, but it’s still an experience that I’ll treasure forever.
I never learned about the Holocaust in school. History lessons were very compressed at my public elementary and high schools. My first exposure to the Nazi genocide against the Jews in Europe was through the film Schindler’s List, which I accidentally watched around 1997-1998. I’m not certain about the exact date, but during that time, I was at the cusp of puberty. I was a sensitive and emotional child, and that film touched something in me that stayed with me into adulthood.
I attempted to learn more about it in high school, but the ineffective teaching and inadequate resources left me thirsty for more until I attended university, where I finally grasped the scope of this terrible part of our history. I read books, articles, newsreels, and film archives, trying to absorb as much information as possible. There were so many unanswered questions that I wanted to address, but to this day, some of them remain unanswered, or rather, unanswerable. The ‘whys’ and the ‘hows’ are just too much and unfathomable.
That’s why this trip was especially meaningful for me. Having the opportunity to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, among the thousands of Nazi concentration camps, felt like a blessing somehow. It felt like it would answer some of the questions I’ve had since I was a teenager, and I felt that I would somehow connect with the victims of this horrifying human tragedy, and most importantly, pay my respects by never forgetting about them.
For the record, I do not personally know a single Jewish individual, but I do believe that as human beings, we must acknowledge what transpired here and in the rest of the concentration camps around Europe. I believe that we owe it to the victims to keep their memories alive, to be reminded of what is at stake, and to understand what should be done to prevent such a colossal tragedy in human history from ever happening again.
The tour started very early in the morning. It was freezing that day. I thought I was already accustomed to the cold, but the weather that day made me feel lethargic for some reason.
I took this picture of the beautiful Krakow morning while waiting for the bus to pick me up.
Auschwitz is located in Oświęcim, which is 66 kilometers west of Krakow, or around 2 hours from Krakow.
The phrase ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ over the Auschwitz gate is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Holocaust. It means ‘Work Sets You Free,’ serving as a disturbing reminder of Nazi cruelty.
These are Zyklon B cans, which contained the gas used as a killing tool in the gas chambers.
The Museum collections include:
about 40.000 m3 of shoes;
about 3,800 suitcases, 2,100 of which bear the names of their owners;
over 12 thousand kitchen utensils;
470 prostheses and orthoses;
397 striped camp garments;
246 tallisim;
about 4,100 works of art (including about 2 thousand of which were made by prisoners). Source
Our group tour around Auschwitz took about 2 hours, and we had a short break before heading to its adjacent camp, the Birkenau concentration camp.
I bought a copy of this guidebook and Viktor Frankl’s book about his time in various Nazi concentration camps.
Heading to Birkenau concentration camp.
I was able to go to the quarters and touch what remains of their bunk beds. It was heavy and sad.
It took me a while to share these pictures I took when I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps last December 2019 because I didn’t think it was proper to post them at all. Instead, I posted pictures of the exterior of the camps on my Instagram page. These images felt too personal at the time. However, I realized that I wanted people to know, especially the young ones who have not heard or read about the Holocaust, to be aware of this tragedy, to understand its history, and to glimpse a dark past in human history that should never happen again and must never be forgotten. We should forever honor their memories, as they serve as a constant reminder for us to always treat each other with dignity, respect each other’s differences, and learn not just to tolerate but to accept and view life as a gift. The victims—those who perished and those still alive to this day—gave their lives to be our social conscience, and may we never forget that.
“For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory. To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.” – Elie Wiesel
I arrived in Krakow at the crack of dawn, still feeling a bit hazy from the lack of sleep inside the bus. The journey from Vienna to Krakow took more or less nine hours, and despite being very tired from my day tour in Vienna, I was too giddy to sleep right away. Who could sleep comfortably inside a bus, though? Haha!
Upon arriving at Krakow Dworzec Autobusowy MDA, I opted to use Uber to take me to the city center, where I had booked a couple of nights. Before that, I exchanged about 100 euros at the station for some Polish złoty. Just a little FYI—although Poland is a European Union member, they still use their own currency.
As mentioned above, I booked two nights at the Ametyst Hostel, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely my favorite hostel of the whole trip. Firstly, the guy at the reception allowed me to check in right away, thank goodness because I still needed a couple more hours of sleep. I stayed in a six-mixed dorm room, and everything was just perfect! I had my own locker, the bed was warm and comfy, and it didn’t feel cramped at all. Plus, their bathrooms were always clean! The most wonderful thing about it is that it’s just five minutes away from the main square! Seriously, it’s right in the heart of the city! I just know that I’ll definitely go back to Krakow and stay with them again!
I was assigned the top bunk near the window!
After getting a few hours of sleep and feeling refreshed, I embarked on my very first winter experience in Poland! Haha!
The weather was a bit overcast but thankfully, it did not rain. It was just too cold as usual!
Eros Bendato’ (Eros Bound) or ‘The Head’ is the work of Polish artist Igor Mitoraj (1944-2014). Situated in the western corner of the market square, this sculpture serves as a popular meeting place and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
The sculpture at night and up-close.
Adam Mickiewicz Monument in Kraków, is one of the best known bronze monuments in Poland, and a favourite meeting place at the Main Market Square in the Old Town district of Kraków. source
After Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica is the most important church in Krakow. Its construction began in the late 13th century on the foundations of a former Romanesque church. The new temple was consecrated around the year 1320. Over the centuries, the church underwent numerous reconstructions, both of its exterior and interior.
The atmosphere at the main square was heartwarming! After all, it’s still the holiday season.
The view from the Wawel Royal Castle.
Wawel Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and cathedral of the Archdiocese of Kraków, located on Wawel Hill in Kraków, Poland.
Saints Peter and Paul Church.
Of course, I had to take a picture with one of Pope John Paul II’s statues in Krakow. This life-sized monument of the former local lad turned Pope turned Saint John Paul II stands across from Wawel Cathedral, near the entrance of the Cathedral Museum. Interestingly, the museum was opened by the man himself, then Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, back in 1978. Source
Christmas has just ended, and 2020 is fast approaching. How I wish I could go back to those days when we were all still unaware of Covid-19.
Food! Food! Food!
My dinner! Ugh! This was actually more than it looks here!
Dessert!!!
Souvenirs options!
Candies! Candies! Candies!
I’ve almost forgot about this but it’s good!
The artistry!
Heading back to the hostel here!
This was just a couple of blocks away from the hostel! Ugh! Seeing this made me miss Krakow even more!
I think I returned to the hostel after 11 PM. I still need to wake up early the following day for the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour I booked via Klook!
Krakow will always hold a special place in my heart. Ugh. Writing about this part of the trip made me emotional for some reason. I hope to come back here real soon.
I was very excited to finally set foot in Europe, and with Berlin being one of the must-visit cities on my bucket list, I’m really beyond thrilled! The immigration officials weren’t as stern as I expected them to be, based on the horror stories I’ve read and heard about some people’s experiences. They simply asked about the purpose of my trip and the countries I’ll be visiting. It took less than a minute, I think, and I was permitted entry to Germany!
After planning this trip for almost a year, you would think that I had covered all the bases already, but no—my Qatar Airways flight landed at Berlin Tegel Airport around 10 o’clock in the evening. Most, if not all, of the stores at the airport were already closed! And, stupid me, I was expecting the stores to be open 24 hours where I could buy an international SIM card for my data! So my only option was to ask the airport staff how to get to my hostel for my four days in the city! There were buses that could take you anywhere in the city, and a tram too. I mean, this is Germany after all, but I was still totally clueless since I had no internet to Google where I was, so I just checked my accommodation booking and prayed to the gods that I’d get off at the right station. Bad news, I did not. Haha. I was literally lost and walking aimlessly in the cold night of Berlin. And there were only a few people out and about. Remember, this was winter time, and I think it was already past eleven in the evening.
Thank goodness, though, because I bumped into Norah—a local from Berlin who helped me find my hostel. She was truly a godsend because I was just getting really cold by the time I ran into her. I told her the whole story about not being able to get a new SIM card at the airport, and I just showed her my booking printout. She took me to my hostel right then and there.
My accommodation in Berlin was at the St. Christopher Inn Berlin-Mitte. They were very gracious, and the hostel was actually quite nice for a solo traveler like myself. One of the staff members at the reception asked me where I was from, and when I told him that I’m from the Philippines, he smiled and mentioned that his mom is Filipino! It was an instant connection! I absolutely loved the location of the hostel—it was perfect because everything was within walking distance to all the tourist attractions! I swear, I didn’t have to use any transportation system during my 4 days in Berlin.
The following day wasn’t as eventful as I would have liked it to be because I was still adjusting to the cold weather! I simply went out first to familiarize myself—I visited the Berlin Cathedral, where I attended a mass on Day 3, the Altes Museum, Humboldt University, Alexanderplatz, and more. It was all so fascinating to me, and I still can’t believe that I made it here! While for some people, this might seem insignificant, for someone like me who grew up in the countryside, this is undoubtedly a whole new world!
Here are some of the pictures I took on my first foray into Berlin.
This was December 25th of last year! It marked my first time spending Christmas outside of the country, and alone, for that matter. While for some, this might seem like a sad setup since I’m usually with my family during this season, I was actually having the time of my life, so all’s good!
I joined a free tour of the Reichstag glass dome on top of the rebuilt Reichstag building! It was exhilarating!
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
The Reichstag Building
The Berlin Cathedral
I actually got inside the night before, but I wasn’t able to take pictures inside for two reasons: firstly, it would have been disrespectful, and secondly, I believe it wasn’t allowed. However, I still saw some people trying to sneak a picture or two…
The Urania World Clock is a large turret-style world clock located in the public square of Alexanderplatz in Mitte, Berlin.
Yep, it really isn’t Christmas without this big ‘old Christmas tree!
You can now buy your own copy of Catriona Gray’s first printed magazine cover as Miss Universe through PeopleAsia’s Special Collector’s Issue this month.
The inside stories will include her preparation for the pageant, her thoughts and analysis on why she won and PeopleAsia’s front-view observation during the coronation night!
This collector’s issue will also feature Catriona’s long-time collaborator – the Kapampangan designer Mak Tumang and our three previous Misses Universe – Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973) and Gloria Diaz (1969).
I’m an amateur mountain climber. While I’ve tackled a few peaks in the past, my health and time constraints prevented me from fully diving into the hobby. This year, as part of my New Year’s resolution, I promised to climb more mountains.
Already, I found myself on my second climb of the year, tackling the highest peak in Luzon: Mount Pulag. This mountain is also the third highest peak in the entire archipelago of the Philippines, following Mt. Apo and Mt. Dulang-Dulang, both located in Mindanao.
I even trained for this climb because I was told it would be strenuous. I focused on strengthening my legs for about three weeks, coinciding with my decision to start working out. This preparation proved essential for the challenging ascent of Mount Pulag.
I joined the Bokal Extreme event along with my officemates – the Kaladkarins – for this little ‘expedition,’ lol.
Travel time from Manila to Baguio was very smooth and fast – thank you, SCTEX! It took around 5 hours, inclusive of a couple of stopovers.
We were picked up at the Baguio Victory Liner terminal by what they call the ‘Monster Jeep.’ I don’t have the foggiest idea why they call it that, since it looks like a regular passenger jeepney to me, albeit a bit bigger (ding!). From there, we went to the DENR office for registration and orientation. The travel time there is about 3 hours. We had a 30-minute stopover for breakfast and a little photo op.
(Side note: You can also buy hiking gear here, which I found to be way cheaper! Bought my mess kit here!)
Before you’re allowed to climb Mt. Pulag, you have to present a ‘Fit to Climb’ medical certificate and attend a 30-40 minute orientation regarding Mt. Pulag, its history, and the know-how of climbing it.
After the informative lecture, we went to the jump-off site to set up camp for the night.
We woke up around 1:30 in the morning and started the trek at 2 AM. It was really muddy since it rained the night before, and it was still drizzling throughout our hike.
My number one advice for newbie climbers of this great mountain is to wear appropriate clothing. I was stupid enough to think that I could endure the cold by wearing my favorite football jersey, so I was freezing by the time we arrived at the ‘first summit.’ It was such a foolish move on my part, so please, just please, wear something warm during your climb here.
For amateurs like myself, Ambangeg is the preferred trail. The hike wasn’t that hard even though it was all muddy, so I thought if the weather had been really good at the time, it would have been an easier trek for us. It’s a good thing we waited for the weather to clear up and saw the beautiful mossy plains at the summit and the sea of clouds, which are the summit’s main attractions. Watching it is like being one with nature – just beautiful! I think the whole hike, ascending and descending, took us close to 12 hours. Yes, it was that long, but it was all worth it.
I cannot wait to revisit this majestic mountain in the future!
(This was a long overdue post. Since most of my blog posts are pre-scheduled, I didn’t realize that this one didn’t make it to my published posts. It’s still on my draft folder which I’ve only seen today! Ugh! Anyway – here’s my adventure at Mt. Pulag)
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