Monthly Archives: March 2016

Business, Economy

Mercedes Unveils Its Jeepney Benz

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The Mercedes Jeepney Benz (Photo: Adobo Chronicles)
The Mercedes Jeepney Benz (Photo: Adobo Chronicles)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Car manufacturing and sales continue to boom in the Philippines, proof that the country is no longer the “Sick Man of Asia,” but rather, “The Rising Tiger.”

The fact that the German company, Porche, has opened a dealership in the Philippines is a testament that there is a lucrative market for luxury cars in the country.

Now, Mercedes Benz has unveiled its latest  model, available only in the Philippines — the Jeepney Benz. It is modeled after the military-style passenger vehicles which are the primary mode of mass transportation especially in the urban areas like Metro Manila and Baguio.

The first unit of the newly-assembled fleet of Jeepney Benz hit the road last weekend in Baguio City, summer capital of the Philippines.  The launch coincided with one of the largest festivals in the country, the ‘Panagbenga’ or flower blossom festival.

A spokesperson for Mercedes Benz said that by the end of 2016, most, if not all of the aging passenger jeepneys in Baguio will have been replaced by the Jeepney Benz. Mercedes is offering a low-interest loan to jeepney operators to encourage them to trade in their old vehicles for the luxury model.

So, when in Baguio, ride in style.  The Mercedes way.

Politics

Chris Christie Withdraws His Endorsement Of Donald Trump, Says He Was On Drugs

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imageMIAMI, Florida (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington Bureau) – That face, oh that face! Who could ever forgot that television moment when Chris Christie appeared like a deer caught in the headlights, looking pale, lost and confused while GOP presidential frontrunner Donald Trump addressed a campaign rally in Florida.

It was just days after Christie endorsed Trump, a move that surprised many, including leaders and members of the Republican Party.  Many believe that Christie, who didn’t do well as a presidential candidate, was positioning himself to be Trump’s vice president.

But today, facing mounting ridicule and being the subject of Internet memes, Christie officially withdrew his endorsement of Trump. “I must admit that I was high on drugs when I made the endorsement,” the governor said.  He further went on to say that he was still “loaded” when he stood behind Trump during that television moment.

Well, that explains that classic look on Christie’s face.

Lesson learned: Think twice before you take on drugs.  Think thrice before endorsing Trump.

In the meantime, both Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio said that they would not want any endorsement from Christie.

Government, Politics

If Elected President, Mar Roxas Promises To Move Baguio’s Mansion House To The Laperal White House

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imageBAGUIO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – It’s political campaign season in the Philippines and, as expected, the presidential candidates are making their respective promises to the Filipino electorate.  The Aquino administration’s candidate, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, is no exception.  He continues to tow the line of Daang Matuwid (Straight Path).

His promise?  If elected, he will abandon the summer residence of the president of the Philippines — the Mansion House — and move to the Laperal White House on Leonard Wood Street.

The White House is a historical building orignally owned by the Laperal family and converted into a museum.  It is known by many to be haunted.  It was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II and served as a garrison, where — if some stories are to be believed — they brutally tortured and murdered many. Among them, the Laperal family, except Don Roberto, who would survive the war only to accidentally slip and fall to his death from the stairs in front of the house.

Roxas said that giving up the expansive and elaborate Mansion House — one of Baguio’s top tourist attractions — would be in keeping with Daang Matuwid, which aims to abandon government excesses.

On the other hand, Roxas said, he’d rather live in the White House during his visits to Baguio. ‘There is a very prestigious and presidential feel to it. It will put me in equal footing with the president of the United States whose official residence is also called the White House.”