MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Speculations continue to spread like wildfire on why Bill Gates – the world’s richest man – didn’t pay a courtesy visit to the president of a country he recently visited: the Philippines.

The head of Microsoft and his wife, Melinda, were reportedly in Los Baños, Laguna — south of the capital, Manila — to visit the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Gates is the biggest donor of the Institute, contributing $18 Million dollars annually.

Reports also indicate that the billionaire couple spent some R&R in a plush resort in Palawan, a fast-growing tourist destination in the Philippines.

A spokesperson for Malacañang Palace (the presidential residence) confirmed that back in November, Gates requested for a courtesy visit to President NoyNoy Aquino, but that the request was subsequently withdrawn by Gates himself. No reason for the withdrawal was given by the Palace.

Many Filipinos are comparing the snub to the time of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, when then First Lady, Imelda Romualdez Marcos was stood up by the visiting Beatles, and failed to show up for their scheduled appointment at Malacañang.

A source close to Gates told The Adobo Chronicles that the reason the billionaire cancelled the request was because he was later informed that Aquino is a chain smoker. Mr. Gates, a health buff, didn’t want to be exposed to second-hand smoke if he visited with Aquino.

All things cleared. No politics involved!