A Filipino in Paris

01/10/2025

Why Everything Turns Pink in October — Even the Eiffel Tower

Every October, you’ll start seeing pink ribbons everywhere — on clothes, buildings, and even lighting up the Eiffel Tower. This is because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when people around the world learn about breast cancer and show support for those affected by it.

Breast cancer happens when some cells in the breast grow in an unusual way. The good news is that when it’s found early, many people recover. That’s why awareness is so important — it helps people know how to take care of their health and when to get checked.

The pink ribbon is the symbol of this fight. It stands for hope, courage, and care. Wearing or displaying it shows that you support those who are fighting the disease and that you believe in helping science find better ways to treat and prevent it.

Even the Eiffel Tower glows pink in October to spread this message. It’s a powerful reminder that together — by learning, supporting, and showing kindness — we can make a real difference.

01/10/2025

🚲 Morning light, golden leaves, and a quiet Paris street — sometimes, the best part of the day is the simple ride that takes you exactly where you need to go. 🇫🇷

01/10/2025

🇫🇷What’s New in France This October 🍂

October is here — and France is buzzing with changes, events, and surprises! Here’s what’s happening this month

⚡ More help for going green – A new €1,000 bonus starts today for people buying electric cars made with European batteries. Plus, installing solar panels now has lower tax (5.5%) — good news for your wallet and the planet.

📜 New law on foreign influence – Groups working for other countries now have to register their activities every 3 months. France is tightening the rules to protect its democracy.

🚗 Big car factories on pause – Stellantis is stopping work for a while in Mulhouse (Oct 27–Nov 2) and Poissy (3 weeks in Oct). Thousands of workers will be affected.

🐺 Wolves debate – A new plan could let all farmers kill wolves that attack their animals without needing special permission. This is causing a heated debate between farmers and nature groups.

✊ Strikes & protests ahead – Unions will hold a nationwide protest on Oct 2 and air traffic controllers plan a strike Oct 7–10, so expect some disruptions.

🎨 Events you shouldn’t miss –
🍷 Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival
🏇 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe horse race
🖼️ Paris Internationale Art Fair (Oct 21–26)
🍽️ Semaine du Goût – Taste Week (Oct 13–18)
👗 Paris Fashion Week continues into early October

France is definitely not staying quiet this month — from new laws and green bonuses to festivals and food, October has something for everyone! 🇫🇷🍁

01/10/2025

When darkness falls, Paris comes alive in quieter ways — in late-night talks, warm lights, and little corners where stories begin.

01/10/2025

🌤️ Paris Weather
Autumn mood: partly cloudy skies with sunshine peeking through. Expect highs around 16 °C and lows near 10 °C. A light jacket and maybe an umbrella will be your best friends today.

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🏛️ Politics
France is still waiting for Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to unveil his full cabinet, promised “early October.” He repeated there will be no austerity budget despite economic pressures.
Meanwhile, unions are gearing up for a nationwide strike on October 2, showing frustration over stalled negotiations on wages and pensions.

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🚨 Protests
No large demonstrations today — but expect transport disruptions tomorrow (Oct 2) as unions hold coordinated actions. Metro and RER should mostly run normally, but local trains and suburban lines may be reduced.

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📉 Economy
Starting today, VAT on home solar panel installations is cut to 5.5% — part of France’s green transition push.
At the same time, EDF workers begin a 48-hour strike tonight, which could slightly affect energy output.

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🇵🇭 Philippine News
• A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Cebu, killing at least 69 people and injuring over 150. Authorities declared a state of calamity in San Remigio to speed up relief.
• International aid groups and volunteers are working round the clock to deliver food and shelter to affected families.

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🌍 World News
• The South African ambassador to France was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Paris near Porte Maillot. An investigation is underway.
• Global markets are on edge as the U.S. faces a potential government shutdown this week, sending gold to record highs above $3,800/oz.

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🎨 Culture / Free Fun
October means cozy walks! Free guided tours of hidden Paris streets and autumn-themed photo walks are happening today in Le Marais and Canal Saint-Martin.
Also, don’t miss small free art exhibits in local libraries — perfect for a midweek pause.

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🧭 Tourist Tips
🚇 Travel tip: If you’re using public transport tomorrow, leave earlier — strikes could delay RER and regional trains.
☔ Carry a small umbrella and wear layers — mornings and evenings are crisp.

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🧠 Interesting Fact
The Montparnasse Cemetery isn’t just peaceful — it’s also a hidden art gallery. Many tombs feature 19th-century sculpture styles you won’t find in museums.

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🤖 Tech in France
France is debating new rules on AI and data privacy, especially for health services and government apps. Expect tougher oversight and transparency requirements ahead.

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📍 Featured Place in France: Château de Fontainebleau
🏰 Once home to French monarchs from François I to Napoleon, Fontainebleau is a stunning mix of Renaissance art and royal history.
🚆 How to get there: Take a train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (~40 min), then a short bus or taxi ride to the château.
🌿 Bonus: The surrounding forest is ideal for a calm autumn picnic.

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📜 Today in History
🇫🇷 1958 – Charles de Gaulle lays the foundation for France’s Fifth Republic.
🌍 1949 – People’s Republic of China is proclaimed by Mao Zedong in Beijing.

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❓ Trivia
The Château de Fontainebleau has 1,500 rooms, making it one of the largest royal palaces in Europe — and less crowded than Versailles!

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💬 Quote of the Day

“Paris is not a city; it’s a world.” — King Francis I
📖 Meaning: Paris contains so many layers — history, art, food, revolution, fashion — that exploring it feels like discovering an entire world in one place.

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⏳ Countdown & Exchange
🎄 85 days until Christmas
🎉 92 days until New Year 2026
💶 1 EUR → 67.41 PHP
💶 1 EUR → 1.09 USD

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❤️ Heartwarming News
After the earthquake in Cebu, locals opened their homes to strangers, offering food and water. Volunteers formed human chains to clear debris, showing that solidarity is stronger than any disaster.

01/10/2025

01/10/2025

Golden light and Paris charm — this is Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in the city. Its grand columns crowned with golden statues shine even brighter under the autumn sky, while the Grand Palais stands proudly in the background. A perfect spot to slow down, watch the city move, and feel the timeless elegance of Paris 🇫🇷

30/09/2025

🇫🇷The Iron Lady Turns Pink Tonight

Paris glowed a little softer this evening as the Eiffel Tower lit up in pink, marking the start of Octobre Rose — France’s month-long campaign dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

Each year on the eve of October, the Tower trades its usual golden light for a pink glow, sending a powerful message of hope, solidarity, and support to those affected by breast cancer. The color isn’t just decoration — it’s a symbol of the fight, a reminder of the importance of early detection, and a tribute to strength and resilience.

As the pink lights sparkled over the Seine, Parisians and visitors stopped to admire the sight — proof that even the most iconic monument can speak loudly in the language of light. 🌆💡

30/09/2025

Even after you leave, you’ll find bits of Paris in random moments — a smell, a song, a street that looks a little too familiar. It’s like the city sneaks into your memories and refuses to leave. Maybe that’s why people always find a way back. 🇫🇷

30/09/2025

🍷🥖 Stepping into La Grande Épicerie de Paris — where grocery shopping turns into a gourmet adventure! From world-class wines to artisan breads and fine chocolates, this legendary food hall is a paradise for food lovers. Even just crossing the street to get here feels like a treat 🇫🇷

30/09/2025

Leaving Paris is the hardest part.
No matter how many times you visit, it never feels like enough. The city stays with you — in the taste of a morning croissant, the sound of a passing metro, the glow of the streets at night. And when it’s time to go, a piece of your heart stays behind. 🇫🇷

30/09/2025

🛵 Paris mornings, pastel scooters, and a dash of red ready to roll ❤️
In this city, even parking looks like a fashion statement 🇫🇷✨