Italy’s Singing Nun To Join Madonna’s Second Manila and Singapore ‘Rebel Heart’ Concerts

imageMANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – This week, Singapore Archbishop William Goh has said that it is the Catholics’ moral obligation not to support those who denigrate and insult religions, including anti-Christian and immoral values promoted by the secular world.  He made the statement in reference to Madonna’s upcoming  ‘Rebel Heart’ concert.

“There is no neutrality in faith; one is either for or against. Being present (at these events) in itself is a counter witness. Obedience to God and His commandments must come before the arts. As the people of God, we should subscribe to authentic Arts that lead us to God through the appreciation of beauty, harmony, goodness, truth and love, respect, unity and the transcendent; and not support the ‘pseudo arts’ that promote sensuality, rebellion, disrespect, pornography, contamination of the mind of the young, abusive freedom, individualism at the expense of the common good, vulgarity, lies and half-truths,” Goh said.

In the Philippines, where Madonna staged her first of two Manila concerts last night, another archbishop, Ramon Arguelles, warned the country’s Catholic faithful to be aware of the “subtle attack of evil” and discouraged them from watching the concert.

Well, leave it to Madonna to respond in the most subtle of ways.

The queen of pop today announced that she is flying in Sister Cristina Scuccia from Italy to join her on stage during her second Manila concert as well as her concert in Singapore.

Sister Cristina, was the nun who won Italy’s version of The Voice. Since winning the competition, she has released her first single, complete with music video: a slowed-down cover of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.”

The singing nun will sing a duet with Madonna, and yes, it will be “Like a Virgin.” No pointed bras for the sister, just plain old nun’s habit.

And did we already tell you, Sister Cristina has Pope  Francis’ blessings?

http://mashable.com/2014/10/21/singing-nun-voice-like-a-virgin/#iwwOPkO0UOqw

 

 

Philippines’ Special Holidays Rob Workers Of Their Wages

Siopao
Siopao

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – When one buys siopao (steamed pork buns) in the Philippines, one can choose between ‘regular’ and ‘special.’ The regular is stuffed with plain bola-bola (meatballs) or asado (sweetened pork), but the larger special comes with egg, sausage and other additional ingredients, depending on where you buy them.

The Philippines’ penchant for regular and special is ingrained in its psyche, even when it comes to public holidays. Holidays can be regular, or special (nonworking).

But unlike siopao, Filipino workers are shortchanged during special, nonworking holidays like Thursday, February 25, which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the People’s Power Revolution that ousted the late dictator, Ferdinand E. Marcos.

For millions of hard-working Filipinos, they get the day off, but so do their pay. Special, nonworking holidays mean ‘no work, no pay.’

But for many, they have really no choice but to take the day off since their workplace is closed, and not get paid.

It’s more fun in the Philippines, where lawmakers think of the most brilliant of ideas.

Happy People’s Power, y’al!

 

Donald Trump Furious Over President Obama’s Announcement To Close U.S. Military Base In Guam

U.S. naval base in Apra Harbor, Gusm
U.S. naval base in Apra Harbor, Guam

APRA HARBOR, Guam (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – In an effort to project himself as tough on terrorism and an expert on foreign policy, Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump has sharply criticized today’s announcement by President Barack Obama that he has ordered the total closure of the U.S. military facility in Guam.

‘Now more than ever, we need to build and maintain America’s military bases abroad — not close them — in light of the growing threat of world terrorism.”

Trump’s statement is by far the strongest he has made on foreign policy issues, many of which the next president will face on his or her first day in office.

Apparently, Trump and his campaign staff need to brush up on their geography.

Obama’s announcement was about Guantanamo, Cuba. Not Guam in the Pacific.