Today on Rappler.
- Pope Francis receives a rockstar’s welcome in Manila.
- The Philippine Stock Exchange index reaches an all-time high.
- Is a Mayweather – Pacquiao fight happening soon?
POPE FRANCIS ARRIVES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Pope Francis arrives in the Philippines at 5:32 PM Manila timeThursday to the ringing of Church bells all over the country. Thousands welcome the Pope as his plane lands in Villamor Air Base, from government officials led by President Benigno Aquino, to Church leaders led by Antonio Cardinal Tagle, to hundreds of children dancing for the spiritual leader of all Catholics. Two children with flowers, 10 year-old Mark Angelo Balbero and 9 year-old Lanie Ortilla are first to welcome the Pope. From Villamor, Francis heads to the Papal Nuncio’s residence where he will be staying throughout his visit. Francis’ packed 5-day visit to the Philippines includes diplomatic meetings with government officials masses with priests and lay leaders, engagement with the youth and families, and meetings with calamity victims in the Visayas.
FEDERICO LOMBARDI, VATICAN SPOKESPERSON: We all know that the Philippines is the largest Catholic country in Asia in this perception? of Francis to come to Asia it was so important to do this journey… was necessary… Philippines is a very important nation.
#AMANGPH NOT LIKELY TO MAKE LANDFALL IN PAR –PAGASA
Tropical Storm Amang with international name Mekkhala veers away from Leyte. The Pope is scheduled to fly to Tacloban City in Leyte Saturday the worst-hit by the strongest typhoon to hit land in recent history – Super Typhoon Haiyan locally known as Yolanda. Days before the Pope flies to Leyte, Amang enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The storm alarmed organizers, but state weather bureau PAGASA says there’s a good chance Amang will not hit land in the Philippines.
PAPAL VISIT: SECURITY THREATS, PH CHANGES
Is Pope Francis safe? Past attacks on Popes Paul VI & John Paul II while they were in the Philippines and threats from extremists around the world trigger heightened security for the head of the Catholic Church. Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma says there is no specific threat, only general ones. Coloma adds the Philippine government is doing everything to ensure the Pope’s safety.
SONNY COLOMA, COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY: (Maria: Where do we stand with threats, what are you looking at now?) Our security agencies are considering every possible source of threat and danger in line with our objective ensuring the safety and security of the Pope and protecting the safety of our people at all times.
WHY IT’S EASIER TO SEE POPE FRANCIS IN LEYTE
Why is it easier to get close to Pope Francis in Leyte, which he will visit Saturday? Paterno Esmaquel files this video blog.
POPE FRANCIS ITINERARY: JANUARY 16
Tomorrow Friday will mark the Pope’s first full day in the Philippines, reflecting the different faces of Francis. At 9AM, it’s the diplomat, the head of the Vatican City, who will visit Malacanang Palace for a courtesy call with President Benigno Aquino and other key state leaders. At 11AM, Francis is the leader of the Catholic Church – holding Mass in Manila Cathedral with members of the Filipino clergy. At 5:30PM he will be at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to meet families.
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In other news…
Muslims march against Charlie Hebdo
Muslims in the Philippines and Afghanistan protest against French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. This comes after the magazine’s latest cover Wednesday with a weeping Prophet Mohammed holding a sign saying “I am Charlie” under the banner “All Is Forgiven.” In Marawi City, protesters say the Hebdo massacre “is a moral lesson for the world to respect any kind of religion.” In Afghanistan, the Taliban group says those who drew the Mohammed cartoons are ‘enemies of humanity.’
Toxic leak at ISS
Astronauts run for cover after reports of a toxic ammonia leak triggered panic in the International Space Station. But US space agency NASA says it could be a false alarm.
PSEI high, World Bank downgrade
For the first time the Philippine Stock Exchange index or PSEi breaches the 7,500 mark hitting a new all-time intraday high.
Analysts credit plunging oil prices for the market’s strong performance. The news comes as the World Bank downgrades the Philippines’ annual growth outlook for 2015 because of underspending in late 2014.
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao soon?
Is a Floyd Mayweather – Manny Pacquiao fight happening soon? Sam Watson, part of the inner circle of Mayweather’s adviser Al Haymon, says details of the mega fight are being ironed out. Watson claims an announcement is coming soon.
New Cosby accuser
Actor Bill Cosby may face prosecution after years of rumors. A woman who accuses Cosby of sexually molesting her in 2008 took the case to the police Wednesday. Previous accusations were dismissed because the cases were filed beyond the statute of limitations with some dating back to the ‘80s.
– Rappler.com
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