By REY C. LACHICA
The song “I Love Paris” is indeed a timeless masterpiece – true to the bone as it expresses one’s enduring love to the city throughout its different seasons: fall, winter and even summer.
So it was no wonder that my summer adventure in Paris turned out to be a big wow, and like many others, I also fell madly in love with the city.
With all its grandeur, the French capital, I must say, is a must-see, what with its romantic atmosphere plus iconic landmarks, and of course its rich cultural heritage.
And that’s the reason why I considered my second trip, my second coverage to the fashion capital of the world the most memorable ever. But mind you, it was also my most expensive to date.
As it coincided with the staging of the XXXIII Olympiad that was branded as Paris 2024, everything rose astronomically. Well, nothing is new in this material world. That’s the sad reality.
My first trip to Paris in 2023 was a whirlwind one but it delighted me to the max. The city’s wide boulevards where high-end stores – spanking and looking inviting – littered like mushrooms. The Eiffel Tower looks so imposing, the gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral still marvelous and the Louvre Museum very captivating as it is home to a vast collection of art, including the quintessential Mona Lisa who will make you smile the moment you glance at the “obra maestra.”
But the last summer was unforgettable. It was an Olympic period so I expect the unexpected.
While it was tiring and challenging, this Tempo “deadline beater” from the South managed to survive, deliver and capture a number historic moments that are worth telling and re-telling.
Those glorious moments, for sure, will stand the test of time.
Who could ever forget the day – Aug. 3 to be exact – when gymnast Carlos Yulo immortalized himself as one of the greatest athletes of all time?
Without hesitation, the little dynamo – standing barely 5 feet – put on a performance that was almost beyond imagination to clinch the gold medal in the floor exercise that sent the nation into a frenzied celebration.
Even the atmosphere inside the spanking Bercy Arena was electric, the music pulsing and even some of the legendary athletes of this generation tipped their hats off to Yulo.
My admiration for the proud son of Leveriza grew even bigger when he took the gold in the vault event less than 24 hours after winning his first, thus becoming the first Filipino athlete to achieve such rare feat since the country joined the quadrennial sports conclave 100 years ago.
This guy is from different planet, I told myself as we again excitedly headed to the mixed zone to interview the newest generational star.
What made Yulo’s feat more impressive was that he did it despite his much publicized spat with his mother over money matter.
But like a Zen master, Yulo put aside the domestic problem to cement his legacy and join the exclusive club founded by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who nailed the country’s first Olympic gold in the Covid-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games.
But there were some sad moments, too.
In fact, my heart almost melted when I saw pole vaulter EJ Obiena miss taking the bronze medal by a mere jump at the colossal Stade de France.
The Roland Garros Stadium – home to French Open Tennis Championships where Spanish maestro Rafael Nadal achieved great success – also stood witness to the gallant efforts of boxers Nesthy Petecio and rookie Aira Villegas.
Though both dropped their semis matches, they went home proud and happy.
The stunning early exit of Tokyo Games bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in boxing’s 80kg division was saddening, but I got furious with the loss of Carlo Paalam in the quarters of the men’s 57kg class.
Paalam was clearly robbed of what could be country’s fifth medal.
My other frustration was not able to see Stephen Curry make his famous “Night, Night” gesture especially during Team USA’s gold medal win over host France.
I tried very hard to watch my idol but was unsuccessful – not once, but twice.
But I could not ask for more. My Paris journey was a blast, my gold medal – big thanks to Tempo.
