Category Archives: Human Interest

BEAUTY PAGEANT BAN FOR PHILIPPINES IS PERMANENTLY LIFTED

photoQuezon City, Philippines – Last November, The Adobo Chronicles reported that the Philippines has been banned from participating in international beauty pageants for the next two years.  The decision to disqualify Filipina candidates from pageants like Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss World and Miss Supranational was made by the Association of Beauty Pageant Franchise Holders (ABPFH) because of the enormous advantage of Filipina beauties who have won the crown in all major beauty contests.

Just in time for the crowning of the 2014 Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) title holders, the ABPFH announced that it has permanently lifted the ban on Filipina beauties, thanks to the advocacy efforts of reigning Miss Universe Gabriela Isler of Venezuela.  Isler was one of the judges in the 2014  Miss Philippines pageant held last night at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines.

Isler reportedly convinced the ABPFH that the ban was unfair and that she commiserates with the Philippines for having been banned from international beauty pageants.  Like the Philippines, Venezuela has also won the crown for all major beauty pageants, along with Brazil.

Reigning international beauty pageant title holders automatically become voting members of ABPFH.  Isler asked for a vote to permanently lift the ban on the Philippines, and majority voted in favor of Isler’s proposal.  Also voting in favor of lifting the ban were reigning Miss World Megan Young, Miss International Bea Rose Santiago,  Miss Supranational Mutya Johanna Datul  and Miss Tourism International Angeli Dione Gomez — Filipinas all.

 

REPUBLICANS FINALLY AGREE TO COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

imageWashington, D.C.  ( EXCLUSIVE to The Adobo Chronicles) – Just when immigration advocates, Democrats and even President Barack Obama have all but given up hope for congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform this year,  Senate and House Republicans have put forward their most favorable proposal yet. It consists of total amnesty for the estimated 11 Million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. — on one condition.

In an exclusive interview with The Adobo Chronicles, House Speaker John Boehner announced that a draft bill which has the blessing of both Republican senators and representatives, will be introduced in Congress early this week.

Boehner said that the Republicans have finally come to the conclusion that amnesty is the only way to fix the broken immigration system.  He said, however, that in order to make the reform truly comprehensive, it must not only address border security going forward but insure that the law applies to all creatures entering the United States. “This would include killer whales, elephants, lions, tigers and all animal species brought to this country by zoos, theme parks and circuses,” Boehner said.

The Adobo Chronicles obtained a copy of the draft bill which mandates that all these creatures must obtain a work visa if employed for entertainment purposes. They will also be required to obtain health insurance under Obamacare. After 5 years in the U.S., the creatures will be eligible for permanent residency, and susequently, citizenship, after another 5 years.

The White House has declined comment saying that President Obama has yet to see a copy of the draft bill.

See related article: “Undocumented Immigrants With Common American Surnames Will be Given Priority for Legalization.”

PRESIDENT AQUINO DECLARES ZOMBIE ZONES IN TYPHOON-RAVAGED PHILIPPINE COASTAL AREAS

Photo credit: AFP
Photo credit: AFP

Manila, Philippines – Amid protests from local officials and sharp criticism from international humanitarian agencies, Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino declared coastal areas in Haiyan (Yolanda) typhoon-ravaged towns and cities as ‘zombie zones.’

The presidential directive prohibits construction or reconstruction of houses along the coastlines of Leyte, Samar, Aklan, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz and other areas affected by the most powerful typhoon ever to hit landfall. Under this new policy, no-build zones (NBZs) will be set up 4o meters from the high-water mark to the coastline. It is estimated that over 100,000 families will be dislocated as a result of the new policy.

The only exception to the rule would be high-rise hotels, condominiums and resorts.

Initially, the new policy was met with much anger by the typhoon victims who refused to leave the coastal areas which have been their home for many generations. But Aquino directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism and the Malacañang Press Office to re-brand the new policy. That’s when they came up with ‘zombie zones’ to replace ‘no-build zones.’

The Aquino administration capitalized on the Filipinos’ fear of ghosts and propensity to believe in superstition to pacify the angry masses. Apparently, it worked.

The government is now looking for relocation areas for the dislocated families at least 15 miles away from the coastlines, where they would be off limits to zombies.