Category Archives: Business

SEVERE SHORTAGE OF PLASTIC WRAP IN THE PHILIPPINES

imageMANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Supermarkets and retailers in the Philippines are reporting a severe shortage of plastic wrap as a result of recent reports that  incoming and outgoing airline passengers at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are being held and charged for alleged bullets found in their luggage.

Known as laglag bala (bullet drop) or tanim bala (planted bullet), the airport scheme involves passengers being questioned and detained by airport security for having bullets in their luggage.  It is widely believed that the bullets are “planted” by airport personnel as a way to extort money from unsuspecting passengers.

As a result, many passengers are taking the precaution of securing their luggage from the scheme by wrapping their bags with plastic wrap.  It has created an unusual demand for the plastic item.

Some passengers are taking no chances.  They’re not only wrapping their bags with plastic wrap. They are also wrapping themselves, just to be on the safe side.

APEC ECONOMIC MEETING IN MANILA WILL HURT PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

imageMANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Ten member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will be in attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Manila on November 18 to 19.

At least 1,800 domestic and international flights will be affected by the closure of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) runway as part of preparations for the arrival and departure of APEC leaders in Manila, including US President Barack Obama, for the summit.

NAIA terminals will be used exclusively for the heads of state attending the APEC meeting.

No other airport in the world closes its runways or terminals during international meetings.  Only in the Philippines.

As a result of the airport closure, the Philippines’ own Economic Development Authority and Department of Tourism have said that the country will lose millions of dollars because of cancellations of business meetings and tourism trips to the Philippines.

Airlines and hotels have reported that customers have cancelled their reservations as a result of the APEC meeting.  Other local businesses stand to lose potential revenue as well.

Additionally, the government will be suspending school classes as well as work in both the private and public sectors for four days during the meeting. Metro Manila will come to a standstill, with lots of productivity lost.

Economic experts find it ironic that an international economic meeting will wreak havoc on the economy of a host country.

‘SOUTH PARK’ SUES YELP FOR $20 MILLION

imageSAN FRANCISCO, California (The Adobo Chronicles) – Yelp Inc. has filed a $10 million dollar lawsuit against the creators of South Park, seeking damages caused by the latest episode of the popular television show which lampooned the customer review and local business rating website.

In response, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, creators of the animated series, filed a $20 Million counter lawsuit claiming that by suing South Park, Yelp has caused them irreparable emotional distress and unnecessary creative distraction.

South Park is also asking the court to order Yelp to pay an additional $10 Million for the publicity received by the rating website as a result of the TV episode.

Paul Horner, who is a spokesman for Yelp, promised to contest the counter lawsuit and urged all Yelp users and critics to go online and give South Park a rating of 1/2 star (out of a possible 5).

Both the Internet and Television worlds are closely watching the lawsuit and counter lawsuit, describing them as a classic battle between “Goliath” and “Goliath.”