Tag Archives: Italy

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!

Music, Religion

ITALY’S SINGING NUN SUOR CRISTINA: ‘I AM NO LONGER A VIRGIN’

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Rome, Italy (The Adobo Chronicles) – Suor Cristina, the singing nun who won Italy’s The Voice earlier this year, admits she is no longer a virgin. Or at least that’s how she feels.

The 26-year-old Sister Cristina Scuccia is raising eyebrows with the song she has chosen to release for her first single, complete with video. She delivers an almost hymn-like cover of one of the most notorious songs from the Madonna  — the pop star Madonna – ‘Like A Virgin.’

“I feel that after recording my first single and filming my first music video, I am no longer a virgin in as far as the entertainment world is concerned,” she said.  She expressed excitement over the release of the single and appreciation for her millions of fans worldwide. “I truly have been touched for the very first time,” she added.

The Adobo Chronicles is conducting a poll on whether it’s a thumbs up or a thumbs down for Suor Cristina’s new single:

Film and TV, Human Interest, International, Music, Politics, Religion, The Media

SINGING NUN SUOR CRISTINA WINS ‘THE VOICE OF ITALY,’ FINALISTS CRY FOUL

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Sister Cristina
The Voice of Italy winner Suor Cristina

Rome, Italy (The Adobo Chronicles) – As expected, Suor Cristina, the 25-year old Sicilian nun, won the finals of the reality show The Voice of Italy.

In a success story that many have seen as fitting for the era of a popular, down-to-earth pope, Cristina Scuccia’s appearance on the reality television show has gripped viewers in Italy since her blind audition where she sang Alicia Keys’ No One. That performance — which left the judges looking incredulous and program directors suddenly seeing a potential blockbuster — went viral and generated more than 51 Million views on YouTube.  Thursday’s finals garnered a 21% audience share for the public broadcaster’s Rai 2 Channel.

But as with any competition, there is controversy, and there are protests.  The season finalists protested the audience vote, accusing Pope Francis of rigging the process — or at least using the papal influence to shape the outcome.

The Adobo Chronicles reported way back in March that Pope Francis said he would vote for Suor Cristina.  Apparently, most of Italy’s 60 Million Catholics followed their spiritual leader.

The unsuccessful finalists said they have hired an attorney to file a formal protest  and seek the annulment of the final results on the basis of “unfair advantage” on their part. Italians are skeptical about the merits of the complaint and more so, doubt its successful outcome since even in the Catholic Church, annulment (as in marriage annulment)  is a very long and complicated process.  Some have said that the finalists were just being sour losers.

Meanwhile, Suor Cristina is reportedly facing the biggest dilemma of her life: whether to quit the religious life and pursue a worldly singing career, or remain within her blessed calling.