Eala topples Swiss rival, advances to quarters in Ilkley Open

 

Alex Eala barges into the quarterfinals of the Ilkley Open after clobbering her Swiss rival. (File Photo/Alex Eala Facebook)

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published Jun 12, 2025 07:32 pm

Alex Eala displayed her fiery form anew and outclassed Swiss qualifier Valentina Ryser, 6-1, 6-2, to barge into the quarterfinals of the Lexus Ilkley Open in Great Britain on Thursday, June 12.

Alex Eala barges into the quarterfinals of the Ilkley Open after clobbering her Swiss rival. (File Photo/Alex Eala Facebook)

Alex Eala barges into the quarterfinals of the Ilkley Open after clobbering her Swiss rival. (File Photo/Alex Eala Facebook)

Alex Eala displayed her fiery form anew and outclassed Swiss qualifier Valentina Ryser, 6-1, 6-2, to barge into the quarterfinals of the Lexus Ilkley Open in Great Britain on Thursday, June 12.

The top-seeded Eala directed the tempo throughout the 68-minute match to keep her campaign for a breakthrough Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title alive.

It was also Eala’s second win in her third meeting against Ryser, while also avenging her three-set loss in their last tussle in the W75 Trnava International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament in Slovakia just last March.

With the win, Eala set up a meeting with the winner between local bet Emily Appleton and Canadian eighth seed Rebecca Marino, who are playing at press time.

After a 1-all deadlock, Eala immediately went on full throttle and destroyed Ryser’s game by claiming the next five games for the set win.

The Swiss showed signs of life in the second frame after breaking Eala’s serve to tie the match at 2-all, but the Filipina ace was quick to regroup and broke back Ryser’s serve in the fifth game on her way to prevailing the match.

What are the greatest German sayings, translated into English?

 

Uwe Zimmer

PhD, Clinical Neuropsychologist

2,561 followers

71 following

I consider myself a native German speaker, although my true mother’s tongue is the Upper Hessian dialect, which I still speak fluently. l learned Standard German in school. Further languages: French, Latin. I live in Berlin now. I talk to a lot of people for job reasons. My favorite subjects here on Quora are German history ( the 19th and 20th century), language and lifestyle.

25 GREAT GERMAN SAYINGS YOU NEVER HEARD OF

OK, here it comes: My list of sayings. Plus translation. If anybody knows an equivalent English saying, please let me know.

1. Sich zum Affen machen = making a monkey ( a fool) out of yourself.

2. Dem geht der Arsch auf Grundeis = He is anxious (direct translation difficult)

3. Eulen nach Athen tragen, oder Schnecken nach Wien = Carrying Owls to Athens / snails to Vienna, means irrational efforts : The owl is the symbol of Athens, it’s just everywhere. So there are enough owls in Athens, and the Viennese are already known for slow speed, they don‘t need snails (Symbols for slowliness).

4. Dumm wie Brot = very silly, as smart as bread.

5. Blind wie Paul, und Paul war’n Maulwurf = when someone oversees the obvious: Blind like Paul ’n Paul was a Mole.

6. Lieber Arm dran, als Arm ab = better loose your money than your arm (in German “arm” means „arm“ as well as „poor“).

7. Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund = Morning hour bears Gold in its mouth. similar to: The early bird catches the worm.

8. Honig um den Bart schmieren = smear honey around someone’s beard. To make compliments. Meant in a derogatory way.

9. Zeigen, wo Barthel den Most holt = originates in a Yiddish saying: show, how you get the money (most) with a crowbar (Barthel). means : I will teach you!

10. Schaffe, schaffe Häusle baue… = work, work, build a house. Means: I am / You are always busy.

11. Klappe zu Affe tot = Flap is shut, monkey’s dead. We screwed it up. We cannot make it undone. Let’s carry on.

12. Keine Arme, keine Kekse = You have no arms to pick a cookie, you ‘ll have none. means: Your own fault! Don’t complain and ask for help (OK; Not a nice one but very. common).

13. Die Haare vom Kopf fressen = Others are eating the hair from your head. Means someone (your kid) costs you a lot of money.

14. Morgen morgen, nur nicht heute, sagen alle faulen Leute = tomorrow, not today, only lazy people say.

15. Früher hatte er nen forschen P*****, heute hat er nen Porschefimmel. Means he used to be a women chaser, now he is a sportscar racer.

16. Die Revolution fand im Saale statt = The revolution will be held indoors (in case of bad weather). A popular comment on revolutions in Germany, which are said to have been lead not with much effort.

17. Das sind für mich böhmische Dörfer = This sounds like villages in Bohemia. Means : I have no idea what you are talking about. I don’t know these words.

18. Sport ist Mord = Sports equal Murder. Doing sport will kill you. A saying loved very much by couch-potatoes.

19. Wer aufräumt, ist nur zu faul zum suchen = Keeping your room tidy means you‘re too lazy to search for everything.

20. Zeigen, wo der Frosch die Locken hat. Now I show you where the frogs have their curls. Absolute nonsense. Means: I’ll teach you!

21. Schnee von gestern = Snow from yesterday. Nobody is still interested in this.

22. Ha - ha. Selten so gelacht. 3 Sack voll und den Rest in Tüten = (Ironically) Look how much we laughed: Three sacks full, the rest in plastic bags. Means: This wasn’t funny, this was boring.

23. Witz komm raus, du bist umzingelt = .Imagine a bank robbery, they have taken hostages but the Police are there, and now the Captain uses the bullhorn: You better come out, you are surrounded by police. Here Meaning: What you told, isn’t funny. If there is a point in your joke, he hides in between the words and doesn't want to come out.

24. Ich glaub mein Schwein pfeift = It seems my pig whistle blows. Meaning this is absolutely weird. Stop it!

25. Sauer macht lustig = Sour (drinks, food) makes you laugh. A nice comment when somebody offers you e.g. a sour cider: “Well, yes, it is a little sour, but sauer macht lustig".

Vacation - Ferien

 

Yes, I am still in vacation.

Ja, ich bin immer noch im Urlaub.

Where? Wo?

Of course: in the Philippines!

Natürlich: auf den Philippinen!

 

Beach, sand, sun, good food, relax...

Strand, Sand, Sonne, gutes Essen, ausruhen...

I will be back soon with a lot of new posts and impressions of my life as an expat in the Philippines.

Ich bin bald wieder zurück mit vielen neuen Artikeln und Impressionen von meinem Leben als Auswanderer auf den Philippinen.

„Hitzeintermezzo“ deutet sich in Bayern an: Ab diesem Tag sind 30 Grad drin

Stand:09.06.2025, 18:12 Uhr

Von: Tanja Kipke

Regnerisch starteten die Pfingstferien in Bayern vielerorts. Die Temperaturen wurden dem Juni am ersten Wochenende nicht gerecht. Jetzt steht die Wetterwende kurz bevor.

München – Die Pfingstferien in Bayern starteten nass und alles andere als sommerlich. Mit Höchstwerten von nur bis zu 20 Grad präsentierte sich das Wetter in Bayern deutlich kühler als im langjährigen Mittel, wie der Deutsche Wetterdienst mitteilte. Immer wieder zogen Regenwolken über den Freistaat, die regional sogar Gewitter mit sich brachten.  

Wetterwende in Bayern steht kurz bevor: Sommerliche 30 Grad kommen

Das soll allerdings nicht die ganzen Ferien so bleiben. Sommerfans können sich auf eine Wetterwende freuen. Am Sonntag traf die Wüstenluft bereits Spanien und sorgte dort im Süden des Landes für Temperaturen über 40 Grad. Mit im Gepäck: Saharastaub. Die Staubwolke breitet sich im Laufe der Woche weiter aus, wie Meteorologe Jan Schenk von The Weather Channel in seiner neuesten Prognose erklärt. „Richtig starke, richtig heiße Sahara-Luft kommt zu uns“, ist sich Schenk sicher. Diese sorge für Hitzewellen bereits ab Donnerstag. 

Die Wüstenluft, die nach Bayern kommt, hat Saharastaub im Gepäck. © IMAGO/Zooner/DWD

Auch der DWD sagt ab Donnerstag Temperaturen zwischen 25 und 30 Grad für Bayern voraus. Das „sommerliche Niveau“ scheint sich endlich durchzusetzen. „Nur an den östlichen Mittelgebirgen bleibt es noch etwas kühler“, so die Experten.

Hitzewelle trifft Bayern am Wochenende

Reicht es für eine Hitzewelle? „Zum Wochenende verlagert sich der Hochdruckschwerpunkt voraussichtlich etwas weiter nach Osten. Damit nimmt auch allmählich die Gewittergefahr wieder zu“, so DWD-Meteorologe Nico Bauer. „Vor allem am Freitag und Samstag häufig schweißtreibende Höchstwerte von über 30 Grad zu erwarten.“ Im Südwesten sogar bis 36 Grad. 

Heftige Unwetter wüten über Bayern: Bilder zeigen die Verwüstung

Fotostrecke ansehen

Danach würden erneut Unwetter über Süddeutschland ziehen. Dadurch gehen die Temperaturen zum Montag wieder zurück, das „Hitzeintermezzo“ scheint laut Bauer demnach nur von kurzer Dauer zu sein.

Muslims celebrate Eid'l Adha in Zamboanga City

 

MUSLIMS gather at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City for their congregational prayers in celebration of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice on June 6.  (City Hall PIO)

By Liza Jocson

Published Jun 6, 2025 03:04 pm

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Thousands of Muslim residents celebrated Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice by participating in community prayers and visiting family and relatives here on Friday, June 6.

A big group trooped to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in the morning to participate in congregational prayers.

Similar gatherings were held in hundreds of mosques all over the city.

In his message, Mayor John Dalipe asked all Muslims to also honor the diverse traditions being celebrated in Zamboanga City as they mark this significant occasion in the Muslim religious calendar.

“May this occasion bring peace, prosperity, and unity to our beloved city,” Dalipe said.

Republic Act 9849 declares the 10th day of Zhul Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eid’l Adha.

This year’s Binibinis are competing for more than just a crown

 

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

May 28, 2025 | 12:00am

The stunning 36 Binibinis, in their swimsuit and evening gowns, are introduced during the Bb. Pilipinas 2025 press presentation held recently at the Novotel Manila Araneta City. The lovely ladies are vying for the Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 crowns. The grand coronation night is set to take place on June 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Swimsuit and Evening Gown competition winners and the Face of Binibini will also be announced during the finals night.

The 36 candidates of the 61st Binibining Pilipinas confidently walked the runway in their swimwear and evening gowns during the press presentation and preliminary competition held recently at the Novotel Manila Araneta City.

The stunning ladies are vying for the Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 crowns. The grand coronation night is set to take place on June 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Swimsuit and Evening Gown competition winners and the Face of Binibini will also be announced during the finals night.

This year’s bets include: Jeannette Reyes; Liiya Patricia Santiago; Jercy Raine Cruz; Mia Betina Golosino; Lois Vivien Garce; Nichole Nash Andrea Vergara; Annabelle Mae McDonnell; Andrea Clavel Sumadsad; Jenesse Viktoria Mejia; Kimberly Naz; Alyssa Mildred Villariña; and Francesca Beatriz Abalajon.

They are joined by Stella Zacarias; Devine May Torres; Bianca Mae Hernandez; Alyssa Rae Zabala; Vivian Hernandez; Kathleen Enid Espenido; Ma. Andrea Endicio; Farah Jane Rebustillo; Pretty Shane Arnejo; Anna Carres de Mesa; Joanna Francez Batalang; and Radha Marie Cabug.

Completing the list of contenders are Katrina Anne Johnson; Cyril Reign Nulud; Jemille Rustia Zosa; Ma. Alexandra Mata; Glycelle Achurra Navares; Blessie Villablanca; Nica Dacanay; Joanne Marie Thornley; Jerimi Nuqui; Patricia Layug; Alyssa Marie Geronimo, and Dalia Varde Khattab.

Actor and event host Wize Estabillo was joined by Bb. Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2024 Jasmin Bungay on stage during the press presentation. P-pop girl group KAIA also rendered an energetic performance during the show.

The panel of judges during the preliminary competition include Bb. Pilipinas executive committee member Veana Fores; Bb. Pilipinas junior deputy executive committee member Pia Ojeda; Bb. Pilipinas executive committee member and Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1971 Vida Doria; Bb. Pilipinas trustee and Uniprom Inc. office-in-charge Irene Jose; Araneta City vice president for marketing Marjorie Go; Araneta Hotels, Inc. Cluster general manager Maria Garcia; public relations manager Badette Cunanan; Executive Training Institute of the Philippines, sole franchisee of Dale Carnegie Training in the Philippines president and chief executive officer (CEO) Doodz Policarpio.

Also serving as judges were My Daily Collagen president Anna Perez; Pizza Hut brand manager Michelle Binoya; Wellness Whispers by Dani Barretto founder and CEO Dani Barretto; Victory Liner marketing manager Raul Ecaldre; Playmate Leisure Solutions Inc. PR director for Playtime Krizia Cortez; Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos marketing and entertainment head Michael Angelol; and Nhue Creative Studios president Jonna Cenica Cabuyao.

During the event, some of the returning candidates informed The STAR why they chose Bb. Pilipinas as the pageant to compete in again.

McDonnell, who’s representing Iligan City, an MQuest talent, Miss Charm 2023 first runner-up, and Miss Universe Philippines 2022 first runner-up, told this paper that she doesn’t want to put her pageant career on hold.

“I think I still have something to give. And Bb. Pilipinas has always been a childhood dream of mine. I don’t wanna end my pageant journey without representing my hometown. It’s been seven years since I finally got to represent my hometown and I’m making the most out of it.”

She initially planned to join next year but with the encouragement from her beauty camp Aces & Queens, her family and her boyfriend, she decided to enter the pageant this year.

On the other hand, De Mesa from the province of Batangas earlier competed in Bb. Pilipinas 2022 edition. “This is my second try and from that moment, I was sure that I’m going to join again Bb. Pilipinas and no other because Binibini is my dream. And now I feel like I’m living the dream and I’m very happy and I hope that people are, too. I’m so grateful.”

Johnson from the province of Davao who placed first runner-up in Bb. Pilipinas 2023 felt like she “had unfinished business.”

“And there was part of me that I was so eternally grateful that I was able to place for the first time around. So there was a part of me that was like, ‘Do I wanna put myself back out there and kind of put myself in a position being vulnerable and being judged again, right?’”

She deeply pondered whether she wanted to give the pageant another try — and eventually, she did. “I didn’t wanna live my life with what ifs,” she mused. “I knew that this would be my last year to join if I did want to so I wanna take advantage of it. So it’s really just me taking a leap of faith giving it everything I have.”

“He’s Into Her” actress and Las Piñas representative, Khattab, is eyeing the Bb. Pilipinas International title. It’s her first time to take part in the beauty contest.

“That is the crown that is aligned with my values the most. Because a lot of me, a lot of Dalia is rooted in Japan. And that is where Miss International is based,” she expressed.

The Kapamilya actress established a business in Japan and is fond of Japanese culture. “I even speak a little bit of Japanese since I’ve already started studying over a year ago. And that was way before I decided I was gonna be a Binibini.

“Everything that I’ve been doing, starting my business there, really living life in Japan as a tourist and falling in love with the country, I realized that maybe I wanna strengthen my bond with the country even more by hopefully winning the Bb. Pilipinas international crown and then one day getting to compete and represent the Philippines in Japan as Miss International.”

On how her showbiz career will aid her bid for the crown, she said, “It’s such a blessing to be an actress first before I joined pageantry… Everything that I learned, the long taping days, yung mga scripts, everything I had to memorize, all of that helps me today, until now, to really perform and always be at my best on stage. I really believe that it’s my chance now to really shine as an artist here and in pageantry.”

The Bb. Pilipinas will mount their 2025 Bb. Pilipinas Lagoon Fashion Show at the Lagoon in Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City on May 28 and the Grand Parade of Beauties on June 7.

Pope Leo XIV is back on social media, with a message of peace

 

  

The Vatican launched the @Pontifex handle in 2012 during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. It now comes in a variety of nine languages -- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Arabic, and Latin -- and counts a combined 52 million followers.

Pope Leo XIV leaves the Augustinian General House in Rome after a visit, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has taken over the Vatican's official social media handles, with a first Instagram post on Tuesday repeating the first words he said to the world as pope: "Peace be with you all!"

The @Pontifex – Pope Leo XIV post featured some of the photos that have documented the first days of history's first American pope.

The Vatican said it was archiving the posts from Pope Francis ' 12-year papacy. On X, the new account didn't appear to be active Tuesday.

Past popes didn't actually send the posts, which were curated by the Vatican.

The former Cardinal Robert Prevost occasionally posted on X in an account started in 2011. It had been dormant since July 2023 but came back to life earlier this year to share criticism of Trump administration migration policies and comments by Vice President JD Vance.

Pope Leo XIV leaves the Augustinian General House in Rome after a visit, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

 

Guardians of democracy: A salute to our teachers

By Manila Bulletin

Published May 22, 2025 00:01 am | Updated May 21, 2025 16:29 pm

As the nation reflects on the results of the recent midterm elections which offer hope for real change, we pause to honor the public school teachers who served as members of Electoral Board. They are the unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in upholding our democratic process.

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara praised them as “not just public servants” but “frontliners of democracy.”  “Mula simula hanggang matapos, and’yan kayo—hindi bumitaw (From start to finish, you were there—you never let go),” he said in a statement issued the day after the elections.

Over 660,000 public school teachers and DepEd personnel were among the 758, 549 poll workers who were mobilized to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections on May 12, 2025. Their responsibilities extended beyond mere facilitation; they were the custodians of electoral integrity, managing polling precincts, assisting voters, and safeguarding the sanctity of the ballot.

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“Saludo po kami. Dahil sa inyo, naging maayos at safe ang proseso. Kayo ang tunay na ka-team sa Bagong Pilipinas—laging handa, laging para sa bayan (We salute you. Because of you, the process was orderly and safe. You are the true teammates of Bagong Pilipinas—always ready, always for the nation),” Angara said.

The commitment of these educators was evident in the extensive hours they dedicated. With early voting commencing at 5 a.m. for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, many teachers reported to their precincts as early as 2 a.m. Even when regular voting concluded at 7 p.m., they remained on duty until the early hours of the following day. That’s over 24 hours of continuous work, mostly under hot conditions, without adequate rest, to ensure every vote was counted accurately.

Beyond the physical toll, teachers faced various challenges, including technical issues with voting machines, logistical delays, and, in some regions, security threats.

In recognition of their invaluable service, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved a ₱2,000 increase in honoraria for poll workers. An additional ₱1,000 across-the-board honoraria for teachers and poll workers was announced a week after election day.  Comelec said that full election compensation, including the newly approved increases, will be received by workers within 10 days after election day. 

However, concerns have been raised regarding the sufficiency of these measures. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) emphasized the need for overtime pay, citing the extended hours teachers worked beyond their regular duties. They also advocated for the tax exemption of honoraria, citing that deductions significantly reduce the net compensation teachers receive for their election service.

As we commend their efforts, it is crucial for relevant agencies to address the concerns raised by these educators. Ensuring timely and fair compensation, providing adequate support, and recognizing the challenges they faced are essential steps in valuing their contributions.

The dedication exhibited by our teachers during the elections underscores their unwavering commitment to public service. Their role transcends the classroom, as they become pillars of our democratic system during electoral exercises.

Our public school teachers exemplify the spirit of service and dedication. Their involvement in the electoral process is a testament to their commitment to the nation. As we move forward, let us ensure that their sacrifices are met with the respect, support, and recognition they rightfully deserve.

6 Easy Indoor Plants That Purify Air and Brighten Your Space

 6 Easy Indoor Plants That Purify Air and Brighten Your Space

1. Pothos Plant

Also known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos is famous for its heart-shaped, variegated leaves and trailing vines.

Why it’s great:

Thrives in low light

Tolerates neglect

Cleans indoor air

Tip: Let it trail from a shelf or hang in a basket for a stylish look.

2. Lucky Bamboo

This plant symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, often used in Feng Shui. It grows well in water or soil.

Why it’s great:

Grows in water

No direct sunlight needed

Elegant and sculptural

Tip: Use pebbles and a clear vase to show off its roots.

3. Snake Plant

Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, it’s almost indestructible.

Why it’s great:

Tolerates low light and irregular watering

Releases oxygen at night

Sleek, vertical leaves perfect for corners

Tip: Water sparingly—this plant hates overwatering.

4. Peace Lily

A beautiful flowering plant with white blooms and lush green leaves.

Why it’s great:

Purifies air

Blooms indoors

Prefers indirect light

Tip: Droopy leaves mean it’s thirsty—just water and it’ll perk up.

5. Areca Palm

Adds a tropical vibe with its feathery, arching fronds.

Why it’s great:

Non-toxic to pets

Improves humidity

Needs bright, indirect light

Tip: Mist occasionally to keep it fresh and vibrant.

6. Spider Plant

Known for its long, arching leaves with white stripes and baby plantlets.

Why it’s great:

Very easy to grow

Great for hanging baskets

Air-purifying and fast-growing

Tip: Clip off baby spiderettes to grow new plants!

Conclusion

Bringing plants indoors doesn’t have to be hard. These six plant varieties offer beauty, cleaner air, and a calming atmosphere—without demanding much care. Whether you want a modern look, a tropical touch, or just something green to liven up a room, these plants are perfect starters.

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