Beauty, Government, International, Military

Philippines Takes Cue From Miss Universe On The Return Of U.S. Military Bases

January 13, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – When Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was asked during last month’s Miss Universe pageant what she thought about the return of U.S. military bases in her country, she said she wouldn’t have any problem with that, noting that Filipinos are always welcoming of Americans.

We all know, of course, that Wurtzbach went on to win the crown, albeit after a short confusion when host Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner, Miss Colombia.

Filipinos have a high regard for their boxers, beauty queens and screen idols, more than they do for their politicians. So, in a move that pleased Uncle Sam, the Philippines announced that it is set to offer the U.S. military the use of not one, not two, but eight bases. This, after the country’s Supreme Court upheld a security agreement with Washington forged in the face of rising tensions with China.

The facilities include the former US Clark airbase and air and naval facilities on the southwestern island of Palawan which faces the South China Sea, the focus of territorial disputes with China.

The court decision allows for the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Co-operation Agreement (EDCA), signed in 2014 but not implemented due to legal challenges from groups opposed to US military involvement in the Philippines, a US colony from 1898 to 1946.

Incidentally, the Philippines will hold its next presidential elections in May. So when it comes to who should be elected the next president, just ask Wurtzbach, Manny Pacquiao or Aldub. Whomever they choose or endorse will be a sure winner!

Economy, Human Interest

Unidentified Man Buys $27M Worth Of Power Ball Tickets, Is Guaranteed To Win Tonight

January 13, 2016 Pol Pinoy 1 Comment

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (The Adobo Chronicles) – It is the biggest jackpot in U.S. lottery history — $1.5 Billion and counting. And someone, for sure, is going to win it tonight!

An unidentified man who lives in New Orleans, Lousiana, spent the last 48 hours making the rounds of convenience and other stores selling Power Ball lottery tickets, purchasing a total of $27 Million worth of tickets. At $2 a piece, that’s at least 14 Million tickets.

The man, inspired by mathematical analyses of possible number combinations to hit one of 13,983,816 ways to win the jackpot, said that he is investing all of his money in tonight’s drawing. He has also mortaged all his property.

Assuming the final Power Ball jackpot is $1.5 Billion, and he pays up to 50% of his winnings in taxes, he would still net $750 Million, making his $27 Million investment all worth it.

That is, of course, also assuming that no one else picks the winning combination in tonight’s drawing.

So, don’t give up. You still have one in 14 Million chances to win the Power Ball. Or two in 14 Million chances, if you buy two tickets. And so on…

Business, Food, The Media

For McDonald’s And Jollibee, The Fierce Competition Continues

January 13, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – U.S. fast-food giant McDonald’s claims to be number one in the world, except in the Philippines where the clown can’t seem to beat the ‘fat, stupid, happy bee,’ Jollibee.

The fierce competition between the two restaurant chains continues as the fast-food industry tries to reinvent itself in order to keep up with the changing health concerns of consumers.

McDonald’s recently opened its very first “Next” restaurant featuring a full salad bar in Hong Kong. The menu also offers options for patrons to customize and decide what goes into their burgers and fries.

Not to be outdone, Jollibee opened its very first ‘fresh vegies-to-go’ station in Baguio City, the summer capital and ‘salad bowl’ of the Philippines. Only fresh produce are sold at this new location, and there is no dine-in option. Customers pick their favorite fresh vegetables to take home and cook for themselves.

“It’s Jollibee’s way of contributing to a more healthy Philippine citizenry,” a company spokesperson told The Adobo Chronicles.