Pope Tackles Manila’s Intractable Traffic Problems and Corruption!

We arrived in Manila at 10.10 pm on Thursday, January 15.  We knew that the Pope had arrived in Manila just five hours earlier and that all flights into Manila between the hours of 11 am and 7 pm that day had been suspended.  Our fear was that we would arrive along with all the suspended flights and that the airport would be chaotic and the traffic even more insane than usual.

In fact, our KAL flight was the only one at Terminal 1. We were the first to pass through Immigration in a special "Seniors Only" line (age has its advantages) and were met by Ivo in the baggage claim area.  We were whisked off to the Sieber residence through totally deserted streets and were drinking a beer on the lanai by 11.15 pm.  Our fastest Manila transfer ever.

Ivo had to get up early the next morning to go to Malacanang Palace where President Aquino was welcoming the Pope, bishops and the diplomatic corps.  (This was one of the photos Ivo took). Ivo said that the Pope looked a bit tired but did address the assembled throng, as did the President.

At one point, according to the news magazine Rappler, the Pope said that: “I hope that this prophetic summons will challenge everyone, at all levels in society, to reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from the poor”.

The remark might not have gone unnoticed by the politicians--especially those in the audience who have been, and are currently, embroiled in corruption scandals.

And just in case the local priesthood was feeling smug, Noy Noy indicated that the Church had remained silent about the corruption of his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal.  Pretty strong stuff to digest before breakfast. Social media is relaying the Pope’s remarks with great gusto and putting corruption under a welcome spotlight.

We were also out and about yesterday and the traffic was virtually non-existent.  A five-day public holiday had been declared during the Pope’s visit and everybody must have decided to keep out of Manila to avoid the “crowds”.  By all accounts, the “crowds” were very well contained when the Pope drove into town.  The Pope should come to Manila more often.  He has cured Manila’s frightful traffic problems. I am not sure that this counts as a full scale miracle but it is pretty close!

Here is another of Ivo’s photos. It is particularly interesting because at the far right, in barong Tagalog, is former President Joseph Estrada who was jailed for plunder and corruption.  But like Imelda, he is back in the game and remains a glowing reminder of the ability of the corrupt to survive and prosper.

Sadly, his son, a Senator, could not be present because he is also in jail for corruption.  (Must be a family business?).  Equally sadly, Senator Ponce Enrile (of Martial Law fame) and Senator Revilla also had to miss the reception because they are having breakfast in prison these days--also for the mortal sin of greed and corruption!

Right next to Estrada in the above photo is Presidential-hopeful Jejomar (Jesus, Joseph & Mary) Binay, who is currently embroiled in a huge corruption scandal.  He is the Vice-President of the Philippines.  What can I say?  Have a look at Rappler’s article:

http://www.rappler.com/specials/pope-francis-ph/81000-social-media-pope-aquino-speeches

On a lighter note, Gracita got to meet Cardinal Tagle at an earlier social event.  Cardinal Tagle is one of the Pope’s highly respected Cardinals and another man of the people. (He may well be the next Pope).  We learned yesterday at Regee’s CHOP Meeting (see next post) that one of Regee’s friends, Chef Jessie Sinsioco, has been asked by Cardinal Tagle to cook for the Pope while he is in Manila.

So, Chef Jessie is residing at the Papal Nunciature on Taft Avenue in Manila and cooking all the Pope’s meals.  What an honor.  The last CHOP lecture (on the benefits of coconut oil) was held at Chef Jessie’s “100” revolving restaurant in Eastwood City.  We have eaten there and her fresh, simple take on traditional Filipino dishes is amazing.  Cardinal Tagle thinks so too.

And, on an even lighter note, here is Gracita with her friend, Diane, with a couple of (Filipino) Swiss Guards at some local shopping mall.  Ivo wrote a very interesting piece on the (real) Vatican Swiss Guards in the local newspaper, Philippine Star, recently.  Have a look at:

http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2015/01/08/1410643/papal-swiss-guards-living-history

Lastly, a great photo (courtesy NBC News) of a few young Papal hopefuls.  Pope Francis causes a sensation wherever he goes!  This morning he will be conducting a huge open-air Mass in Luneta Park.  He had to come back early from Tacloban yesterday because there were fears that an oncoming typhoon would prevent him getting back to Manila in time for the Mass.  Even Popes are subject to the elements!