Category Archives: Travel

HAWAII’S “CHINAMAN’S HAT” TO BE RENAMED “PINOY SALAKOT”

November 1, 2015 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

HONOLULU, Hawaii (The Adobo Chronicles) – Hawaii’s state legislature today unanimously approved a bill renaming the famed “Chinaman’s Hat” on Oahu to “Pinoy Salakot.” The measure is expected to be immediately signed by Governor David Ige.

“Chinaman’s Hat” or Mokoliʻi, is a 12.5-acre basalt islet in Kāneʻohe Bay, Hawaii. Mokoliʻi is part of Kualoa Regional Park and located 1⁄3 mile offshore of Kualoa Point, Oahu.

Many Asian American groups have long protested the use of the name “Chinaman’s Hat” because it is a derogatory term that used to refer to Chinese railroad workers in America.

After years of searching for a replacement name, the state legislature finally found one that is most appropriate and is not derogatory. In fact, it is a term that elicits great pride among Filipinos, especially those living on the islands.

Henceforth, the island will be named “Pinoy Salakot.”

“Salakot” is an indigenous wide-brimmed conical hat used by Filipinos for centuries and even up to this day. It comes in different variations and is usually made from rattan or dried leaves of local trees.

The “salakot” closely resembles Mokoli’i.

International, Travel

FLYING IN OR OUT OF MANILA’S INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT? STOCK UP ON PLASTIC WRAP

October 31, 2015 Pol Pinoy 4 Comments

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – If you’re planning a trip to Manila and your flight gets in and out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), you’d better stock up on plastic wrap. You would need them to protect your checked-in or carry-on luggage from laglag bala.

Laglag bala is a scheme that involves the arrest of airline passengers allegedly found to be keeping bullets in their luggage. It is suspected that the bullets are “planted” by airport personnel as a way of extorting money from unsuspecting passengers.

Frustrated that the Philippine government has not done much to prevent the sheme or to punish the perpetrators, travelers have resorted to protecting their bags from being victimized by the schemers — by using plastic (saran) wrap to prevent intrusion and the planting of bullets in their luggage.

Supermarkets and other retail outlets in the Philippines have reported a sharp increase in their sales of plastic wrap in just the last three weeks, and many have run out of the item.

While travel and tourism get a hit, retail businesses are having a big boom in their sales, at least for plastic wrap.

It’s really more fun in the Philippines!

Business, Economy, Government, International, Tourism, Travel

APEC ECONOMIC MEETING IN MANILA WILL HURT PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

October 31, 2015 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Ten member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will be in attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Manila on November 18 to 19.

At least 1,800 domestic and international flights will be affected by the closure of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) runway as part of preparations for the arrival and departure of APEC leaders in Manila, including US President Barack Obama, for the summit.

NAIA terminals will be used exclusively for the heads of state attending the APEC meeting.

No other airport in the world closes its runways or terminals during international meetings. Only in the Philippines.

As a result of the airport closure, the Philippines’ own Economic Development Authority and Department of Tourism have said that the country will lose millions of dollars because of cancellations of business meetings and tourism trips to the Philippines.

Airlines and hotels have reported that customers have cancelled their reservations as a result of the APEC meeting. Other local businesses stand to lose potential revenue as well.

Additionally, the government will be suspending school classes as well as work in both the private and public sectors for four days during the meeting. Metro Manila will come to a standstill, with lots of productivity lost.

Economic experts find it ironic that an international economic meeting will wreak havoc on the economy of a host country.