Category Archives: Human Interest

Film and TV, Human Interest, International, Music

FILIPINA CAREGIVER, X FACTOR CHAMPION, WINS IN ISRAELI LOTTERY

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imageTel Aviv – Good fortune has just struck twice for Rose Fostanes, the Filipina caregiver who recently won in the inaugural season of X Factor Israel.

Yesterday, Fostanes won one hundred fifty million sheqel (Israeli currency) in the country’s national lottery, Mifal HaPayis.

Most gambling is prohibited in Israel, but Mifal HaPayis is a government-sanctioned national lottery organization. It was established in August 1951 to recruit funding for the construction of a hospital in Tel Aviv. At first, the project’s profits were used only for healthcare applications. Later on, when Mifal HaPayis became a national lottery organization, its support was extended to projects in the fields of education, recreation, and the arts. image

This latest fortune comes as huge relief for Ms. Fostanes who learned last week that she cannot be paid for any recording contracts,  concerts or public appearances within Israel because her work permit allows her to only get paid as a caregiver. Winning the lottery has no such restrictions. Citizens, immigrants and tourists can claim the prize as long as they possess the winning ticket.

Asked by The Adobo Chronicles about her immediate plans, the singer/caregiver/millionaire said she will continue to work as a caregiver and give free concerts in Tel Aviv and other cities in Israel. She added that she is considering establishing a care facility in Tel Aviv so she could help the sick, indigents and the elderly.

Film and TV, Human Interest, International, Law Enforcement, Music, The Media, Travel

WILL THE ‘UNDOCUMENTED’ ROSE FOSTANES PLEASE STEP FORWARD?

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imageTel Aviv, Israel – The  story of  a Filipina caregiver who captivated the world for winning the first-ever X Factor Israel this week is one of “rags to riches.” After winning the singing competition, 47-year old Rose Fostanes is on her way to recording contracts and professional gigs that would pay millions of dollars.

But, STOP THE PRESSES!

While Fostanes the caregiver is documented in Israel, Fostanes the singer is not. Like with most immigration laws anywhere in the world, foreign nationals are granted work permits to get paid for the specific jobs that they were recruited for. In Fostanes’ case, she can legally work in Israel only as a caregiver.

This means that Fostanes cannot get paid for recording contracts or professional concerts and appearances within Israel.  This has become a big dilemma for the producers of X Factor Israel.

But no worries. The producers have come up with a brilliant idea to skirt around the country’s immigration laws.

Beginning next week, Fostanes will go on a road tour throughout Israel, visiting hospitals and convalescent homes, singing for the sick and elderly. All her appearances will be televised and she will get paid for it.

“We will be paying her as a caregiver, not as a singer,” the producers said, “so we will not be violating any Israeli law or the conditions of her legal work permit.

All’s well that ends well.

Food, Human Interest, Politics

OBAMAS HIRE FOREST WHITAKER FOR TOP WHITE HOUSE JOB

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ForestWashington, D.C. – The White House announced today that President and Mrs. Obama have decided to hire Forest Whitaker to be the head butler for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Whitaker is the actor who played the role of real-life butler Eugene Allen who served eight American presidents in the Hollywood film by Lee Daniels.

The White House announcement came shortly after the nominations for the 2014 Golden Globes were announced by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).  Many were shocked that Whitaker was not nominated for Best Actor.  In fact, the Lee Daniels’ film did not receive a single nomination.  Earlier, however, Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey and the ensemble cast of The Butler were nominated by the Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG) for its 2014 awards.

The Adobo Chronicles learned that Michelle Obama was so distressed by the Golden Globes’ snub of Whitaker that she pressured the president to offer the all-important White House job to the actor as a way of getting back at the HFPA.

Whitaker gladly accepted the offer, saying that he hopes to serve under another eight U.S. presidents.   The Obamas reportedly agreed to have Whitaker continue to make films as long as his film schedule doesn’t conflict with state banquets at The White House.