Tag Archives: Philippines

Walmart Store Closures Could Put An End To Filipino Balikbayan Boxes

January 15, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES, California (The Adobo Chronicles) – Walmart, the popular consumer goods warehouse, will close 269 stores worldwide, including 154 in the United States, as part of what the company is calling “portfolio management,” it was announced Friday.

The global retail giant, known for being a one-stop-shop for buying just about anything at discounted prices, said financial performance and “strategic alignment with long-term plans” went into consideration in the decision which shocked many Filipino Americans.

Walmart is the go-to source for thousands of Filipinos in America for items to put in their balikbayan boxes to send back home to their families.

Balikbayan boxes are used by FilAms when sending gifts to their families back home. Contents of the boxes are tax-free.

Among the popular items packed into the boxes include cases of canned goods like SPAM, Vienna sausage and corned beef; multiple packs of athletic socks, 24-packs of toilet tissue, bath soap, toothpaste, instant coffee; and designer t-shirts and running shoes — all available for deep discounts at Walmart.

It is therefore quite understandable that Filipino Americans are extremely upset at today’s Walmart announcement.

It could potentially put an end to the balikbayan box business in America and will certainly cause irreparable frustration for millions of Filipinos who regularly receive gifts from their relatives in America.

Fortunately, there is the COSTCO alternative for FilAms wishing to purchase discounted bulk items to send via the balikbayan box.

Economy, Government, Politics

President Aquino: I Lied When I Said Philippines Is No Longer ‘The Sick Man Of Asia’

January 14, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Throughout his almost six years in office, President NoyNoy Aquino has been touting the economic accomplishments of his administration and has constantly proclaimed that the Philippines is no longer “The Sick Man of Asia.” Rather, he says, it is “The New Darling of Asia.”

Today, Aquino admitted that he had lied to the Filipino people.

Aquino’s admission came in the wake of intense criticism regarding his veto of a new law that would increase social security pensions to Filipinos by P2,000. The current maximum monthly retirement benefits for those who have worked for at least 20 years is P2,400 (in US Dollar equivalent, that’s about $51).

Aquino said the proposed increase would result in a negative income for the Social Security System (SSS), adding that the passage of the bill would force the agency to use the Investment Reserve Fund (IRF) to fund the pension increase. He said this would result in the IRF reaching zero by 2029.

“I apologize for misleading my bosses (the Filipinos). My intention was merely to make my administration look good, especially in the eyes of foreign investors. I hope you can all forgive me,” Aquino said.

To show to the people that he is heartfelt with his apology, he promised to waive his P8,000 monthly pension for life as a former president. Aquino’s 6-year-term ends in June after his successor is elected in the presidential elections this May.

Beauty, Government, International, Military

Philippines Takes Cue From Miss Universe On The Return Of U.S. Military Bases

January 13, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – When Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was asked during last month’s Miss Universe pageant what she thought about the return of U.S. military bases in her country, she said she wouldn’t have any problem with that, noting that Filipinos are always welcoming of Americans.

We all know, of course, that Wurtzbach went on to win the crown, albeit after a short confusion when host Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner, Miss Colombia.

Filipinos have a high regard for their boxers, beauty queens and screen idols, more than they do for their politicians. So, in a move that pleased Uncle Sam, the Philippines announced that it is set to offer the U.S. military the use of not one, not two, but eight bases. This, after the country’s Supreme Court upheld a security agreement with Washington forged in the face of rising tensions with China.

The facilities include the former US Clark airbase and air and naval facilities on the southwestern island of Palawan which faces the South China Sea, the focus of territorial disputes with China.

The court decision allows for the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Co-operation Agreement (EDCA), signed in 2014 but not implemented due to legal challenges from groups opposed to US military involvement in the Philippines, a US colony from 1898 to 1946.

Incidentally, the Philippines will hold its next presidential elections in May. So when it comes to who should be elected the next president, just ask Wurtzbach, Manny Pacquiao or Aldub. Whomever they choose or endorse will be a sure winner!