Category Archives: Travel

International, Politics, Religion, The Media, Travel

TOP TEN ACCOMPLISMENTS OF POPE FRANCIS’ VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES

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imageON BOARD THE PAPAL PLANE TO THE VATICAN (The Adobo Chronicles) – We at The Adobo Chronicles feel truly blessed for having had the opportunity to cover Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines. More than One Million people viewed and followed our exclusive coverage in just the last four days and hundreds of Filipinos and non-Filipinos shared their comments, praised as well as criticized our coverage — all in the spirit of free speech and universal brotherhood and sisterhood. By the way, our coverage was brought to you by … Pepsi.

As we wrap up our coverage, we would like to share our list of top ten accomplisments of the papal visit.

  1. Political corruption took four days off. It’s now back to business as usual.
  2. President NoyNoy Aquino had the last laugh after shaming local church leaders in front of the pope.
  3. Filipino priests and clergy have started to sell their smart phones on eBay after being admonished by Pope Francis to give up worldly possessions.
  4. The Aquinos and Marcoses have finally reconciled, thanks to the yellow raincoat Imelda Marcos wore at the papal mass in Tacloban.
  5. A new movie idol is born – a very good-looking Theologian who sang the responsorial psalm during the papal mass at the Manila Cathedral.
  6. President Aquino, who complained about criticism of his thinning hair by the clergy, received a special gift from Pope Francis — a skullcap to cover his head.
  7. President Aquino quit smoking. He now inhales holy incense instead.
  8. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada and businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, are back in jail after a 5-day reprieve to impress the pope.
  9. Visitors to The Vatican will now have a new painting to look at, bearing the images of Pope Francis, Vilma Santos, Marian Rivera, DingDong Dantes, Coco Martin, Kris Aquino and Senator Grace Poe. It will be displayed at the Sistine Chapel.
  10. Speaking of Kris Aquino …well, we’d rather not say!

Viva il Papa! Mabuhay, Philippines!

 

International, Music, Politics, Religion, Travel

POPE FRANCIS IN THE PHILIPPINES: WRONG NATIONAL ANTHEM PLAYED AT WELCOME CEREMONIES

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MANILA, Philippines (Exclusive to The Adobo Chronicles) – Pope Francis arrived at Villamor Airbase in Manila on Thursday for a 5-day visit to this predominantly Roman Catholic Asian nation.

The pope was greeted with all the pomp and formality afforded any foreign state visitor or dignitary. He was met by no less than Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino.

The welcome ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of the Philippines and the Vatican.

Alas, organizers of the ceremony played the wrong anthem for the Vatican. They played the national anthem of Italy. (Click on video clip above to listen to the correct national anthem of the Vatican).

Someone forgot to tell the organizers that the Vatican, although located in Rome, Italy, is a separate state, and as such has its own national anthem.

The pope immediately noticed the error and whispered to President Aquino, “It’s the wrong anthem!” Aquino then blushed in shame and was visibly upset at the gaffe.

Aquino tried to make up by shouting ‘Viva il Papa!’ immediately after the anthem was played.

Quick thinking, Mr. President!

International, Law Enforcement, Politics, Religion, Travel

IN HONOR OF POPE FRANCIS’ VISIT, SRI LANKA, PHILIPPINES PARDON AND RELEASE PRISONERS

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Pardoned: Former Philippines President Arroyo
Pardoned: Former Philippines President Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – To mark Pope Francis’ visit, Sri Lanka and the Philippines are granting pardon and releasing prisoners convicted of minor offenses.

The Sri Lanka Prisons Department announced the release of 612 prisoners. Local television networks showed the prisoners walking through prison gates, greeting a Catholic priest and then dispersing to head home.

In the Philippines, President NoyNoy Aquino similarly announced the release of prisoners convicted of, or facing minor charges like plunder, graft and corruption. “I am granting absolute pardon to these prisoners in solidarity with Pope Francis’ call for forgiveness and compassion,” Aquino said.

Here is a partial list of prisoners to pardoned and who will be released as soon as the Pope’s plane lands in Manila:

  1. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
  2. Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos (posthumous)
  3. Former President Joseph Estrada (repeat pardon)
  4. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile
  5. Senator Bong Revilla
  6. Senator Jinggoy Estrada
  7. Businesswoman and pork barrel queen Janet Lim Napoles
  8. Former Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona (impeachment overturn)
  9. Vice President Jejomar Binay (advance pardon)
  10. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas (advance pardon)

Aquino also announced that he will bestow upon actress Nora Aunor the title of National Artist. An apparent change of heart. Walang Himala (There is no miracle).

God bless the Pope. God bless President Aquino.