Category Archives: Travel

MANILA AIMS TO IMPROVE ITS NO. 9 STANDING AS HAVING THE WORST TRAFFIC IN THE WORLD

imageMANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – The Philippines has recently ranked as the 9th worst in deplorable traffic in the world, according to a study by Numbeo, a Serbia-based research firm. Data from traffic situations in 88 different countries determined the position of the Philippines in the firm’s 2015 Traffic Index report.

Other noted countries with even worse traffic situations than the Philippines are Kenya, Egypt, Bolivia, Nigeria, South Africa and Thailand.

The Philippines ranked 4th worst in all of Asia trailing behind Bangladesh, Jordan and Iran.

According to Numbeo, traffic index refers to the “composite index of time consumed in traffic due to job commute, estimation of time consumption dissatisfaction, carbon dioxide consumption estimation in traffic and overall inefficiencies in the traffic system.”

Kenya came in first place this year, as to having the worst traffic in all the world.

Reacting to the new study, Philippines President NoyNoy Aquino ordered the Departments of Transportation and Tourism to work closely with the local governments of Manila, Pasay, Quezon, Makati, Mandaluyong and other cities and towns comprising Metro Manila to improve the country’s No. 9 standing.

“We always strive to be No. 1,” Aquino said, “and there’s no reason that we cannot move up to the top spot in the world’s worst traffic.”

For motorists and commuters in Metro Manila, expect more excavations, traffic re-routing, cancellation of “coding,” easing of truck bans during heavy commute hours, and more Michael Jackson- wannabes among traffic enforcers. “Wang-wangs” (government vehicle sirens) will also be reinstated.

It is definitely a serious attempt by the Aquino government to again place the Philippines on the world map, this time as the top country with the worst traffic.

 

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

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.

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

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!”