Category Archives: International

International, Language, Religion, Travel

POPE FRANCIS WILL ADDRESS FILIPINOS IN TAGALOG DURING VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES

Leave a comment

imageThe Vatican, Italy (The Adobo Chronicles) – Filipino Church leaders preparing for Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in January have announced that the head of the Roman Catholic Church will speak in English during his speeches and meetings with the Filipino people. This, despite the fact that the Argentinian pontiff is not as comfortable with English as he is in Latin and Spanish.

Today, however, The Vatican once again surprised many who are closely watching the Pope’s pronouncements and activities. It was revealed that Francis has instead chosen to speak in Tagalog while visiting the Philippines. He is currently taking Tagalog lessons from a private coach in Rome.

Tagalog (Pilipino) is the national language of the Philippines. It draws on many Spanish words (The Philippines was under Spanish rule for many centuries before the U.S. brought Hollywood into the country).

Pope Francis said that so far, learning Tagalog has been a breeze, saying that in fact, he didn’t have to re-learn many words and phrases which have the same meaning in both Tagalog and Spanish, like ‘Padre’ (father), ‘relihiyon’ (religion), ‘krus’ (cross), and ‘Espirito Santo’ (Holy Spirit).

Perhaps the only phrase the Pope will not get quite right is ‘noche buena’ which douesn’t mean ‘a good night’ in Tagalog. Rather it means ‘midnight feast.’ As in food.

Health & Medicine, International, Politics, Science and Environment

OBAMA TO APPOINT A FUKUSHIMA RADIATION CZAR

Leave a comment

imageWashington, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles) – The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant experienced a meltdown following the earthquake that hit Japan in March 2011, dumping cesium-134 into the Pacific Ocean and causing Armageddon-type concerns about what would happen when the radiation made its way over to North America.

That day has finally come, according to scientists at the Massachusetts-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Traces of the radiation have been detected 160 km (100 miles) off the coast of Northern California.

Upon being informed of the news, President Barack Obama immediately appointed a Fukushima Radiation Czar to coordinate efforts on dealing with the devastating effects of this impending disaster.  Obama will announce the appointment at ceremonies  to be held at the South Lawn of the White House on Monday.

Many will recall that three months ago, when Ebola threatened to create a pandemic in the U.S., Obama immediately appointed an Ebola Czar, Ron Klain. Today, thanks to the Ebola Czar, the U.S. has been declared ‘Ebola-free.’

Obama is confident that the appointment of a Fukishima Radiation Czar will protect Americans from the devastating effects of radiation.

Many are speculating that Obama will appoint former Transportation Secretary Norm Yoshio Mineta to this important post, having both the California and Japan connection.

International, Politics, Religion, Travel

POPE FRANCIS TO SKIP MEETING WITH AQUINO DURING VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES

Leave a comment
Pope Francis
Pope Francis

The Vatican, Italy (The Adobo Chronicles) – Church officials in the Philippines have just publicly released the itinerary of Pope Francis when he visits the country January 15-19, 2015.

It will be a busy schedule for the charismatic leader of the Roman Catholic Church. It includes a meeting with President NoyNoy Aquino and other government officials, a visit with the victims of last year’s Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in Tacloban, a youth rally at the the oldest Catholic University in Asia (University of Santo Tomas), and a shopping spree at the SM Mall of Asia.

Upon receiving details of his Philippine schedule, Pope Francis said that he will skip the meeting with Aquino at Malacañang, the presidential palace.  Instead, the Pope said he would like to spend an extra day in Tacloban, the city hardest hit by the devastating typhoon.

In explaining his decision, Pope Francis said that it has come to his attention that Aquino had skipped a trip to Tacloban during activities commemorating the one-year anniversay of Yolanda. Many believe that Aquino’s decision was politcally motivated, Tacloban being the turf of his political nemesis, the Romualdezes (including former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos).

“I will atone for this sinful act of Aquino by spending more time with the people of Tacloban,” the pontiff said. “If Aquino wants to meet with me, he can meet me in Tacloban,” he added.