A taste of Europe: Distinct food, diverse cultures delight Filipinos in ‘Euro Village’

BY KHRISCIELLE YALAO

Jun 4, 2023 09:24 AM

  

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Have you ever wanted to eat authentic Belgian waffles, wander around Copenhagen, or learn the romance languages like French and Italian? The European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines brought these experiences to Filipinos through the “Euro Village” cultural festival.

The Euro Village, held from June 3 to 4 at the Pasig City Capitol Commons, was a one-stop shop for citizens to have a taste of Europe by eating each of the countries’ staple snacks, meals, and drinks; discovering learning opportunities through educational institutions; and exploring other cultural aspects of countries within the EU.

(Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN)

The weekend-long event, organized by the EU Delegation to the Philippines, led by EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron, in partnership with EU member states, embassies, and organizations, opened its doors to the public for free on Saturday, June 3.

Ambassadors Michel Parys of Belgium, Jana Sediva of Czech Republic, Titanilla Toth of Hungary, Marielle Geraedts, Chargé d'Affaires, ad interim and Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz of Poland, along with other representatives from the EU embassies and consuls, graced the village's opening ceremony.

Lone City Representative Roman Romulo and City Administrator Atty. Geronimo Manzanero attended the event on behalf of the Pasig City local government.

This is the first ever Euro Village festival in the Philippines.

Flavors of Europe

Booths offered food and beverages, clothing items, and souvenirs, highlighting each country's signature products.

Upon entering the village, visitors were greeted with the sweet smell of freshly cooked, authentic waffles from Belgium. Belgian ice cream and savory fries were also sold at their booth.

Aside from selling bottles of Danish Cocio chocolate milk drinks and other snacks, the Denmark booth also offered visitors a chance to simulate the experience of biking on the roads of Copenhagen through virtual reality (VR). A stationary bicycle was also used by participants for a more immersive VR experience.

The Czech Republic booth offered individual or group deals as it sold the country’s famous Pilsner Urquell beer.

The Netherlands booth presented its unique pastries, namely stroopwafel (flat waffle-like cookies), and the poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes).

Poland showcased two of its well-known beverage brands — Royal Apple, selling organic and fresh apple juices; and Mlekovita, with variants of cow’s milk and other dairy products.

Visitors wander through the booths at the Euro Village in Pasig City on June 3, 2023. (Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN)

Romania gave free samples of two of their popular pastries, including the cozonac (Romanian raisin bread or walnut roll), and covrigi (Romanian pretzels).

The Germany booth presented its aromatic German coffee, an assortment of wheat breads and rye, along with the flammekueche (flatbread or pizza).

French pastries such as croissants, cinnamon or raisin swirls, crepes, and torsades (custard or chocolate twists) were also sold.

Amid the abundance of sweet options, the Hungary booth offered more savory delicacies with its authentic smokey Hungarian sausages. The Italy booth served customers signature Italian pastas and wines.

A special booth was also installed for Ukraine by the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Manila. The inclusion of the country in the Euro Village “signified the EU’s solidarity during these challenging times of Russian aggression and occupation.”

“We are honored to showcase Ukrainian products and culture, standing alongside them in their struggle,” said Amb. Veron.

Another booth was also dedicated to acquiring information about the EU as a socio-political and economic institution.

Language, sports

Along with the food, each country also gave country guides, booklets and pamphlets, detailing their tourism programs and brief primers on their history and culture.

The village also featured a language center where visitors could inquire about the services offered by language institutions. Booths for the Philippine Italian Association, Goethe-Institut Philippinen, Alliance française, and Instituto Cervantes were open to those wishing to learn Italian, German, French, and Spanish, respectively.

More athletic visitors were also given the chance to try teqball, a sport invented in Hungary that combines elements of sepak takraw and table tennis. Demonstrations were made by members of the Teqball Federation of the Philippines.

Teqball demonstrations at the Euro Village in Pasig City on June 3, 2023. (Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN)

In keeping with the event’s motif, visitors were encouraged to sign up for a “digital passport,”  where they could collect stamps by participating in activities or purchasing items available at each country's booth. A prize was given to those who collected all 20 stamps.

Sustainability

Fulfilling the EU’s commitments to sustainability and the green economy, the village also partnered with many environmental companies to “minimize waste and plastic usage, setting an example for responsible event management,” said Veron.

Among their affiliated partners were SACHI-Group Inc., EcoNest PH, Sentinel Upcycling Technologies, SoilMate by the SoilMate Collective and World Wide Fund (WWF) Philippines, SOS Philippines, Green Space, and Food Rescue.

Trash bins for recyclables like pet bottles, beer or glass bottles, and beer or metal cans were utilized for proper waste segregation. All purchased items were also placed in paper bags or ecobags.

EU-PH cultural exchange

Euro Village served as an introduction to the wider public of the diversity that exists within European countries, as a way of strengthening the cultural exchange and ties between the EU and the Philippines.

“This event truly represents a melting pot of European cultures, highlighting cultural connectivity and shared values that have nurtured our relationship with the Philippines,” Veron remarked.

EU and other European embassy officials, along with Pasig City government officers, at the welcome arc, formally opening the Euro Village on June 3, 2023 in Pasig City. (Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN)

Euro Village was part of the EU’s celebration of Europe Day last May 9, which marked the anniversary of the declaration establishing the EU itself.

“We extend this celebration to the Filipino public, embracing the opportunity to share the richness of European cultures,” he added.

The ambassador also announced that the Euro Village is one of the activities included in the EU’s countdown to the 60th anniversary of EU-Philippines diplomatic relations that will begin in early 2024.

Filipinos can expect “wide-ranging programs and activities that we plan to ignite the spirit of camaraderie and deepen the bonds between our nations. This milestone signifies the enduring partnership and shared values that shaped and will continue to shape our relationships over the years,” said the ambassador.

Rep. Romulo and Atty. Manzanero urged their Pasig City constituents to take the opportunity to immerse and revel in the activities in the festival.

“This is a perfect opportunity for us Filipinos and the various nations in the EU to have a good people-to-people relationship. We all know that when we talk about the EU, it’s always government and politics. We have an opportunity to see how our friends in Europe live – their food, culture, the sports that they have,” said Rep. Romulo.

“The Euro Village represents the true meaning of unity and diversity, showcasing distinct heritage and rich flavors of each EU nation,” Atty. Manzanero added.

From the vine: Growing grapes for winery and agritourism activities

Atty. Ferdinand Taglucop dreams that the Philippines could produce its own brand of wine which will be famous not only in the country, but around the world as well.

BY MANILA BULLETIN AGRICULTURE

  

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By Henrylito D. Tacio

Wine is as old as history. In fact, the Bible has its own share of wine stories. The most famous one happened in Cana, where transformation of water into wine is the first miracle attributed to Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of John.

Wine has been produced for thousands of years. The earliest remnants of wine as we now know it was discovered in the site of Jajji Firuz Tepe, in the northern Zagros Mountains of Iran.

When we speak of wine, we are referring to the fermented juice of grapes, particularly Vitis vinifera. When other fruits are fermented to produce a kind of wine, the name of the fruit is included, as in the terms peach wine and blackberry wine.

More than half of the world’s wine is produced by only four countries: Italy, France, Spain and the United States. The following countries contributed less than half of the world’s wine needs: Argentina, China, Australia, Chile, Germany, South Africa, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Hungary, and New Zealand.

That said, new and unexpected countries are constantly gaining recognition for both their wine production and the high quality of wines produced. Who knows, the Philippines might join this list in the future.

That’s what Atty. Ferdinand Taglucop is dreaming of–that the Philippines could produce its own brand of wine which will be famous not only in the country, but around the world as well.

White wine is stored in stainless steel containers. (Henrylito Tacio)

That’s a tall order, indeed. “I have always been fascinated with wine,” recalls Atty. Taglucop, who’s not only a practicing lawyer but also owner of a travel agency.

In their travels abroad–Europe, United States, Canada, and other Asian countries–he and his wife always take the time to visit vineyards and taste wines. He wondered why the Philippines isn’t producing its own wine when the country is number 135 among other countries in wine consumption per capita.

Atty. Taglucop thinks of producing his own brand of wine. But before he could do it, he needed good sources of grapes–lots of them. And he discovered that only a handful of Filipinos are planting the crop.

So, he started growing grapes as a hobby in barangay Tacunan in Tugbok District of Davao City. He planted mostly seedless table grapes and wine varieties in his 3.5-hectare farm. “In the beginning, my sources of planting materials were local,” he said.

After three years of planting grapes, he found out that not all grapes were good. Some varieties could not be eaten as they were sour. There were sweet varieties but the fruits they produced were few and far-between. Others were attacked by pests and diseases. All these were the reasons, he believed, why most of those who planted grapes didn’t prosper and discontinued what they had started.

The period during which flowers are open is called ‘bloom’ and can last from one to three weeks. (Henrylito Tacio)

Despite all these obstacles, Atty. Taglucop persisted. He studied the right ways to grow grapes through internet research.  He sourced seeds and cuttings every time he and his wife went out of the country. He experimented with various varieties of grapes from temperate to semi-temperate countries.

He planted about 60 varieties on his farm. Not all of those he planted thrived. He eliminated the varieties that didn't grow well, didn’t produce enough fruits, or whose fruits were sour. Varieties that could not survive the tropical climate were also discarded, along with those susceptible to pests and diseases.

“Planting grapes is not easy,” admitted Atty. Taglucop, who is also an agricultural engineering graduate. To enhance his chances, he decided to enroll in a post graduate Certificate Course on Winemaking and Viticulture with the University of California-Davis Campus (UC-Davis), the leading university supporting the vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and beyond. After two years of study online and visiting the university several times, he finally received his certificate of completion.

After eight years of experimenting and trials, he found seven world-renowned varieties of grapes that have good potential for production and making quality wines in his area. Not necessarily in the order, these are:  Shiraz (from Australia), Moldova (from Ukraine), Chardonnay and Petite Sirah (from France), Freisa (from Italy), Moscato (from Israel), and Chenin Blanc (sourced from Gran Monte, Thailand). He also has a sweet and aromatic variety which he called Davao Delicious from a Muscat variety parentage.

Actually, Atty. Taglucop admitted that he started growing grapes as a hobby, albeit with an eye on farm tourism.  “But the big dream is really the winery because that’s the main thing in other countries,” he said.

Right now, The Vineyard Davao, as he calls the place, is not yet open to the public as he is still in the production stage to increase his inventory of bottled wines before the winery opens. He is not keen on engaging solely in the business of “grape picking" as the same may not be economically viable since you harvest grapes only every six months. “In-between, what will you do since you don’t have any harvest? So, you don’t have business. You close the farm for business but you still have to spend to maintain the vineyard,” he said.

In other countries, people who grow grapes have wineries, so they are open all the time because wine is available all year-round. People can visit the place even if the grapes are not bearing fruit because they can always have wine, he said.

Although it is not yet open to the public, some people have already enjoyed tasting his wines straight from the barrels in his cellar through privately arranged wine tasting and food pairing events. The farm caters to a minimum of 10 persons per group.  Interested groups must book first before coming or else they will be denied entry.

Growing grapes is easy in theory, but in reality, it is difficult. In fact, even after eight years, he keeps on experimenting. According to him, he plants the seedlings at around one-foot deep. “The roots of full-grown vines can go as deep as 15 feet although most of the roots grow up in the top three feet of soil,” he said.

Planting materials are kept in the shade before they are fully exposed to sunlight. (Henrylito Tacio)

Since grapes are creeping plants (vines), they have to be provided with trellises. For him, the easiest and most economical trellis to construct and maintain is vertical shoot positioning with four wires, 8 feet above the ground and is well anchored on each end.

From planting up to around one year and before the first pruning to make the vines bear fruits, he fertilizes his grape vines with complete fertilizer (14-14-14) and calcium nitrate plus supplementary micronutrients. Fertilization, a necessity in grape growing, is done every month.

He also broadcasts chicken dung and/or vermicast once every six months. “During pruning and fruiting, we fertilize them according to the specific needs of the vines during its phenological stage,” he said. “It is advisable to take a leaf, petiole or at least soil sample to optimize inputs.”

If there is no rain for a week, he irrigates the crop twice. “But considering that we always have rain events at least twice a week, we don’t irrigate our grapes most of the time,” he said.

Harvesting is done twice a year. He harvests 5-10 kilograms from his fully-grown mature vines. “We have grape picking activity during harvest,” he said.

Depending on the weather, he prunes the canes in order for the grapes to bear fruits again. Pruning is done at least one month after harvesting. “We don’t want to prune during rainy days because of possible fungal/bacterial/viral infection on freshly cut canes,” he said. “Rain events are also not good during the flowering stage and harvesting season.”

The cuttings after pruning are used for seedling propagation. Cuttings from diseased or infected vines are discarded. “We cut the canes to 3-4 nodes, bundle them in 20s to 30s, soak them in water with small fungicide and chlorine to sanitize and bury them in river sand,” he said.

The cuttings are taken out from where they were buried out once they have already rooted. “That is the time we bag them separately,” he said, adding that the size of the bag is 6-8 inches by 12-14 inches.

Before they can be transplanted in the field, the seedlings are exposed to morning sunlight only within 20 days. “After that, they are exposed to 75% sunlight for the next two months or so. Then to full sunlight at least one month before they are transferred to the field,” he said.

As stated earlier, the grapes are grown mainly for wine (although some of them can be eaten). “Wine making starts with harvesting the grapes at the optimum time: right brix (sweetness measurement), right acidity and right flavor,” he said.

The harvested grapes are processed into wine within five hours from harvest to optimize flavors. “Only the full-ripe and undamaged grapes are processed into wine,” he said.

These grapes are ready for crushing. (Atty. Ferdinand Taglucop)

After the grapes are harvested, they are transported to the winery, sorted for quality grapes, then crushed and destemmed.

For red wine, the crushed grapes (juice, skins, flesh and seeds) are fermented for two weeks. These are pressed afterwards and aged in barrels for six to 12 months. After that, they are filtered and bottled.

For white wine, the crushed grapes are immediately pressed, fermented without skins, seeds and pulps for two weeks or so. These are aged in stainless steel for at least six months and then filtered and bottled.

Right now, one of his dreams is to put up a restaurant, as well as wine tasting rooms in the middle of his vineyard in Tacunan. “Guests and visitors can stroll, harvest grapes, do grape stomping, do wine-tasting and food pairing, dine, chill and experience vineyard feels without necessarily going out of the country,” he said. “Hopefully, this dream can be materialized soon.”

He can do so only if he has enough wine already. So far, he has about 20,000 bottles of wine available. “We intend to stockpile around 50,000 bottles before we open the winery to the public,” he said.

Purple grapes. (Atty. Ferdinand Taglucop)

With a postgraduate Certificate Course on Winemaking and Viticulture from UC-Davis, he is confident to produce some of the country’s best wines.

When asked what makes grape growing and wine making challenging, he replied: “Our weather remains the main challenge to grape growing and winemaking. In a humid and rainy environment like ours, fungus thrives. If not properly dealt with, quality grapes will never be had; worse, the whole vineyard will possibly be wiped out.

“Furthermore, resources or information on grape growing and even proper education, technology and proper planting materials are not available here,” he added. “It is really challenging. So, we need to be resourceful.”

Atty. Taglucop believes that grape growing and wine making are highly intertwined. “As the saying goes, ‘One cannot make good wines from bad grapes.’ In like manner, ‘One can make bad wines from good grapes.’ So, it is important to study not only on how to grow grapes but also on making wine – the proper unadulterated wines that we all can be proud of.”

Aside from the 3.5-hectare farm in Tacunan, Davao City, he also grows grapes in a 10-hectare farm in Barangay Kipilas in Kitaotao, Bukidnon. “In God’s time, we may start a small harvest next year,” he said. “This will support the winery in Davao. Who knows, it may become another winery site in the future if God will allow it.”

People can visit the farm and do harvesting. (Atty. Ferdinand Taglucop)

Atty. Taglucop has all the support from his family. His wife, Jenny, manages their travel agency (Infinity Travel) and Taglucop Strawberry Hills, a glamping resort located in Lorega, Bukidnon. The couple has four children: Hugh Gabriel, Fiona Gabrielle, Zeki Gabriel and Zia Gabrielle. “They are all named Gabriel because we prayed that they become ‘men and women of God,’” he said.

To prepare him for the future expansion of the family business, the eldest son, Hugh Gabriel, is taking up Bachelor of Science in Oenology and Viticulture at the University of Adelaide in Australia. It is a four-year course. “This is for sustainability and continuity and to further enhance the quality and integrity of our vineyard and wines,” Atty. Taglucop pointed out.

“Dreams do come true,” Atty. Taglucop stressed. “Yes. However, they do not just fall on your lap while you are sleeping. You have to work (hard for it to happen). Always look at the bright side of things. Be optimistic but also be ready to fail. For us, things happened because we love what we are doing.

“We did not think of money or business at the start,” he continued. “It was very challenging but the joy of this kind of farming sustained us. The wishful thinking of living in a vineyard (vineyard feels), enjoying pure fermented grape juice (wine) straight from the barrels and seeing your children running around and picking sweet and delicious grapes straight from the vine is something.”

Meanwhile, the experiments continue. “We will do our best until God leads us to a beautiful future,” Atty. Taglucop concluded.

Photos by Henrylito Tacio and courtesy of Atty. Ferdinand Taglucop

6 reasons why this El Nido resort is family-friendly

And the sunsets in Lime Resort are amazing!

BY JANE KINGSU-CHENG

Jun 3, 2023 02:30 AM

  

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Traveling isn’t easy when you’re with family, especially with children or senior citizens in tow. More often than not, parents end up saying that they “need a vacation from their vacation.” Sounds familiar, right? 

No matter how bad we all need a vacation from the kids, we prefer to bring them with us so that we can create core memories together. And now that the children are on school break, it’s time to bring them out to explore. 

El Nido in Palawan is a refreshing place to be, and Lime Resort offers its guests a modern tropical abode by the beach. Its all-white interiors with lime accents give the resort a warm and inviting vibe. Read on to find out why this resort, that just opened last year, is family-friendly. 

Choose from six room types


With six room types to choose from, there’s one that will fit your budget. Family rooms or what they refer to as suites are also available with breathtaking sea views. Some of these suites have big, open spaces for the kids to run around, even a jacuzzi for the water babies. All accommodations are air-conditioned and come with a 42-inch Smart TV with cable network, coffee and tea facility, mini refrigerator, safe, writing desk, bath and toilet with separate bidet, hair dryer, slippers, hot and cold shower, bathroom amenities, and towels. 

Swim in their infinity pool with a view

When you have kids, you know having a swimming pool is a requirement. Located on the seventh floor, the pool has different depths for different ages, even six-inch depths for frolicking around or sunbathing. Best of all, it’s an infinity pool overlooking the ocean where the whole family can enjoy watching the sunset. 

Enjoy complimentary soft serve and more

On the same floor where the swimming pool is situated is the Sky Lounge Bar. Guests can have food served while enjoying the ocean view or swimming in the pool. Live music is also scheduled every day 6 p.m. onwards. There’s also complimentary soft serve available for guests from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Let the kids have fun at the play area

Children still energized? Then bring them to the sixth floor to get a work out at their play area. Have endless fun sliding, going up and down, climbing, and more.

Impeccable service by the resort staff
It’s more than fully staffed with friendly hotel crew. Always smiling and ready to assist, they’re more than ready to make your stay a stress-free and memorable one. There is alway someone at the front desk, 24/7, and they also offer island-hopping tours and boat rentals, upon request. 

Use your key card

Exploring the area helps when you get recommendations from the hotel, more so when they have partner hotels and restaurants that give 10 percent discount—just present your Lime key card at Angkla, Panorama, Isla Mara, and Chica Chica, to name a few.

They also have an ongoing promo for four days and three nights—for as low as P17,090 per person with flight via Sunlight Air, minimum of two persons. 

To know more about Lime Resorts El Nido, click here.

GMA Network presents exciting new offerings on its 73rd anniversary

All for Love, Love for All:

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• To showcase this love, the broadcast giant captivates its beloved Kapuso viewers with exciting new offerings and surprises made from the heart. Airing in June and July, each program explores the many facets of love.

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On its 73rd anniversary, GMA Network continues to prove that love is what makes it stand the test of time — the love between the Network and the audience.

To showcase this love, the broadcast giant captivates its beloved Kapuso viewers with exciting new offerings and surprises made from the heart. Airing in June and July, each program explores the many facets of love.

Promising Kapuso viewers with high-octane action and a whole lot of love and laughter is ‘Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis’ airing this June 4. Bannered by the Titanic Action Star, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., the series tells the story of Police Major Bartolome ‘Tolome’ Reynaldo (Bong), a police officer admired for his good looks, fearlessness, and popularity with ladies but is grounded by his great love and "fear" for his feisty yet sweet wife, Gloria (Beauty Gonzalez). One day, Tolome crosses paths with Elize (Max Collins), a beautiful and sexy lady who vows to work with him in tracking down a kidnapping syndicate. Completing the star-studded cast are Sparkle’s sought-after stars Kate Valdez and Kelvin Miranda.

Sparkle Sweethearts Mavy Legaspi and Kyline Alcantara are set to spread kilig to viewers as they try to find true love in their upcoming series, ‘LUV IS: Love at First Read.’ Airing this June 12, ‘LUV IS: Love at First Read’ is the second collaboration project of GMA Network and Wattpad WEBTOON Studios. The story is based on the hit web novel by author “Chixnita,” which has over 23 million views on Wattpad. It revolves around Kudos (Mavy), a secret romantic searching for the perfect girl, who believes that Abby (Kyline) is the one for him.

Meanwhile, beginning June 19, viewers further feel the importance of love for family through the biggest murder mystery series on Philippine primetime TV: ‘Royal Blood.’ The upcoming masterpiece is bannered by Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes. Joining the stellar cast are Megan Young, Mikael Daez, Dion Ignacio, Lianne Valentin, and Rhian Ramos, together with the special participation of Mr. Tirso Cruz III. ‘Royal Blood’ follows the story of Napoy (Dingdong), a bastard son of a business tycoon and a loving single father, who becomes the primary suspect in his father’s death.

GMA Afternoon Prime also boasts of its upcoming show ‘Magandang Dilag’– premiering June 26 – that will inspire viewers to love their true beauty even more. Starring Herlene Budol and GMA leading man Benjamin Alvez, with talented actor Rob Gomez, the series revolves around Gigi (Herlene), an optimistic woman who inherits enormous wealth from her estranged father but is fooled by her most beloved man.

Kapuso supporters will also definitely love the intense competition from the action-packed talent-driven entertainment series, ‘Battle of the Judges,’ hosted by Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards. Premiering on July 15, this exciting program will be joined by celebrity judges: King of Talk Boy Abunda, box office queen Bea Alonzo, multi-talented comedian Jose Manalo, and GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes. Together, they must select and then champion talented performers from every entertainment genre.

The world-class lineup of anniversary offerings is made even more special as Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and Total Heartthrob and Performer Rayver Cruz team up for the very first time on the silver screen in GMA Public Affairs’ ‘The Cheating Game.’ Hitting the cinemas this July, ‘The Cheating Game’ is an edgy, genre-bending romance about the games people play after getting cheated on.

Adding to the list of exciting anniversary surprises is the GMA Thanksgiving Gala 2023, happening this July. Kapuso fans should watch out for their favorite stars as they come together and walk on the red carpet to a night filled with love to celebrate the Network’s 73rd year.

The year 2023 will definitely be unforgettable and remarkable as GMA celebrates its anniversary with love to Kapuso viewers at the forefront.

Alex Eala survives French foe, barges into W25 Yecla quarters

BY REYNALD I. MAGALLON

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Alex Eala overcame an opening set hiccup and shrugged off the tough challenge from French qualifier Nahia Berecoechea, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, to barge into the quarterfinals of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Yecla in Spain on Friday, June 2 (Manila time).

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Alex Eala overcame an opening set hiccup and shrugged off the tough challenge from French qualifier Nahia Berecoechea, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, to barge into the quarterfinals of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Yecla in Spain on Friday, June 2 (Manila time).

Alex Eala (File Photo/ 2023 Thailand Open)

The Filipina tennis star showed great resilience and recovered from the first set loss and a third set deficit to already match her best finish of the season after also reaching the quarterfinals of the ITF W25 Monastir in Tunisia last week.

Eala actually got off to a good start and grabbed an early 2-1 lead before the rain momentarily halted the contest and took the momentum away from here. Berecoechea made sure to take advantage, breaking Eala four straight times following the resumption to win the opening set.

The 2022 US Open girls’ singles champion displayed grit and heart in the second set as she finally got her bearings going once again, taking an early 5-0 lead. Berecoechea ended her dry spell after earning a game from Eala but the Filipina broke the French to level the contest.

Even with the momentum back on Eala’s side, however, she still found herself trailing in the decider, 1-2, before finally seizing control of the match by taking the last five games.

With the win, Eala sets up a clash against Mexico’s 28-year-old Victoria Rodriguez in the quarterfinals as she hopes to follow up her second pro title she won in the W25 Chang Rai in Thailand last year. 

Rodriguez, though, is certainly not a pushover for the second seed Filipina, having won ITF singles title nine times already in the past.