Tag Archives: 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.

Business, Religion, The Media, Travel

POPE FRANCIS ARRIVES IN THE PHILIPPINES : POPE MANIA IN MANILA

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Giant billboards welcoming Pope Francis in Manila

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – No rock star can ever compete with the popularity of the Pope in the Philippines, a country where more than two thirds of the 100 Million population are Catholic. Especially Pope Francis.

The streets of Metro Manila, the pontiff’s first leg in his four-day itinerary, are lined with giant billboards, tarpaulin signs, banners and posters with messages of welcome for Francis. It’s Pope Mania in Manila!

Some billboards became the headlines in recent days and were criticized for ‘commercializing’ the papal visit. Especially the Pepsi billboards (see photo).

The pope arrived at Villamor Airbase Friday and his motorcade wound through crowded thoroughfares enroute to Malacañang Palace for a meeting with President NoyNoy Aquino and a select group of Filipino politicians and members of the diplomatic corps.

Shouts and cries of ‘Viva il Pepsi,’ Viva il Pepsi!’ were heard from thousands of Filipinos lining the streets of the metropolis.

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