Category Archives: Tourism

Human Interest, Politics, Tourism

HOMELESS IN PARADISE

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Photo credit: civilbeat.com

HONOLULU, Hawaii (The Adobo Chronicles) – Forget about ‘Sleepless in Seattle.’ How about ‘Homeless in Paradise?’

Hawaii is not exempt from America’s worsening homeless problem.  Even in the heart of Waikiki, one of the world’s most popular — and expensive — tourist destinations, homeless people are seen on the beach and on sidewalks, in front of ABC Stores, outside of Starbucks, and next to sidewalk newspaper stands.

At least, the same beachside showers and restrooms for tourists are also available for use by the homeless.

But nothing compares with the opportunity for occasional retreats and camping at 5-star resorts  for street children and the homeless — in Manila.  Under the leadership of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman, street children and homeless families are rounded up and stashed away for luxury accommodations and meals, especially when the Philippines is visited by dignitaries like Pope Francis.

A group of homeless individuals hanging out on Kalakaua Street across from Waikiki Beach wants to send a message to Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino and Secretary Soliman to consider extending this luxury benefit to them.

In order to make this happen, the homeless group has asked the City of Honolulu to provide them with complimentary one-way plane tickets to Manila.  The City is seriously considering the request as an effective way to solve the homeless problem in Paradise.

From paradise (Hawaii) to the ‘Gates of Hell’ (Manila)!

Food, Tourism, Travel

(ADOBO TOUR PART 3) CONFIRMED: VIGAN LONGGANIZA IS NOT VEGAN

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imageVIGAN, Philippines  (The Adobo Chronicles) – Late last year, The Adobo Chronicles broke the story about a famous vegan DJ in California who sued a local food market for product mislabeling. She thought the Vigan longganisa (pork sausage) she bought was vegan.

After arriving in Vigan following a 6-hour drive from Baguio City, our Adobo Chronicles crew went right to work to investigate our earlier report about the longganisa.

We can now confirm with 100% certainty that Vigan longganisa indeed is not vegan. The famous Filipino sausage is packed with pork.

Our crew had it for breakfast this morning at the Cabugao Beach Resort, just a few miles north of Vigan City and we absolutely loved it. Of course, none of us was vegan.

So if you are vegan, avoid buying Vigan longganisa from your local supermarket. You have now been forewarned.

Business, Law Enforcement, Tourism, Travel

THE ADOBO TOUR PART 2: YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN MANILA WHEN…

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Photo credit: www.hobotraveler.com
Photo credit: http://www.hobotraveler.com

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Continuing with our Adobo Chronicles’ Philippines tour, here are the top 10 signs that will remind you that your’re in Manila:

  1. Everybody calls you ‘Sir.’
  2. Security guards don’t carry pistols. They carry AK-47s!
  3. Entering a mall is like going through airport security check. Each and every time.
  4. A hotel restroom attendant turns on the faucet for you and hands you a paper towel. If you’re lucky, you get a neck and shoulder massage.
  5. Your hotel’s café is packed during the buffet breakfast each morning– with Balikbayans (visiting Filipino expatriates). They fill up their plates like food is going to run out by the time they go for a second serving.
  6. Your Filipino friends won’t answer your telephone calls but will respond instantly to your text. They will greet you, “Gud-am”(Good morning). Hey, phone calls are expensive!
  7. Why spend money to go to a karaoke bar when you can go to the mall and sing at no charge? You might even become a YouTube sensation!
  8. The price of a cup of coffee at your hotel is 175 Pesos. That’s twice the price of a grande at Starbucks!
  9. Even in 90-degree weather, people don’t need airconditioning in their homes. They just go to the malls.
  10. Your restaurant server apologizes for the delay in getting you your check. He says, “Sorry sir, your check is being reprinted.” And you can only hope you’re not being charged twice!

“It’s more fun in the Philippines!”