Category Archives: Government

Filipino Designers Frown At President Duterte’s Fashion Style

July 9, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

Two men in a barong tagalog: President Duterte, left, and Prime Minister Trudeau, right

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The barong tagalog is the Filipino equivalent of the black tie or tuxedo — the male formal attire that comes with strict rules on how to wear it.

It is no secret that Filipino designers frown at President Rodrigo Duterte’s rogue style of wearing the barong which might just give birth to a new, unconventional fashion sense.

When wearing the barong, the rules are clear: button up all the way to the collar, cuffs neatly pressed against each other and secured by metal or bejewelled links, well-pressed black or dark plants, plain black socks and shiny black shoes — exactly the way Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wore his during the most recent Asia Pacific Economic (APEC) Summit meeting in Manila.

But who dares dictate how Duterte should wear his barong? His preference is unbuttoned up to three levels down the collar, rolled up sleeves (ready to go to work), blue denim pants and brown shoes.

Former President NoyNoy Aquino had his own fashion style — bright yellow t-shirts or yellow ribbon pinned to his suit or barong. Nobody complained.

So why would anyone complain about Duterte’s style? After all, he has said in the past that the barong tagalog is worn at funerals, so give the man some slack.

Government, International, Politics, Travel

New Manila Airport Chief Wants To Rename NAIA After NoyNoy

July 8, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Newly-appointed Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal told reporters today that he will recommend to President Rod Duterte to rename the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to NoyNoy Aquino International Airport — at least temporarily.

Monreal toured NAIA yesterday and was briefed on the changes that need to happen in order to remove the airport from the list of the world’s worst.

Among the fixes needed include collapsing ceilings, power outages, flooding, stinky bathrooms, long lines and overcrowding, extortion schemes like the ‘laglag bala’ and airport taxi problems.

“It will take a several months before we can correct all these problems,” Monreal said, “but it can be done.”

However, Monreal said that he didn’t want NAIA’s problems identified with the new administration of President Duterte, so he has recommended that the airport name be changed temporarily to that of the previous president. “After all, these problems started or became worse during the past administration,” he said.

“Once NAIA is taken off the list of the world’s worst airports, the permanent name change (back) to Manila International Airport can be implemented,” the airport chief said.

Government, Law Enforcement, Politics, Technology

Republican Legislators Propose Total Ban On Selfie Sticks In The U.S.

July 8, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington Bureau) – The United States Congress may not have the guts to ban assault weapons — thanks to the powerful gun lobby (NRA) — but it doesn’t have any problem outlawing selfie sticks because of “security concerns.”

A selfie stick is an extendable monopod used to take photographs by clamping a cell phone on the far end of the device, allowing the user to capture special moments and a wider view that otherwise wouldn’t be possible because of the normal short range of the arm.

Theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort and Six Flags already ban selfie sticks for safety reasons while some sports and concert venues prohibit their use for “nuisance” issues and for interfering with other spectators’ enjoyment or view.

A group of Republican congressmen have taken the issue several steps forward by drafting a bill that would completely ban the use of selfie sticks in all public venues in America including zoos, parks, concert halls and sports stadiums. It will also make it illegal to have a selfie stick in carry-on luggages on airplanes, trains and buses.

“Selfie sticks are deadly as baseball bats,” one GOP congressman told The Adobo Chronicles, “and we owe it to our citizens to ensure that they are protected from unscrupulous individuals who may use the device to kill or injure someone in moments of rage or mental instability.”

The proposed bill, which has the backing of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, directs the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to come up with licensing procedures and strict regulations limiting the possession and use of selfie sticks to proven responsible citizens with above-average IQ, no criminal records, and no unpaid back taxes.