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AUGUST 2000 In July, as I left a meeting at the Powder Keg I saw a crowd of people in front of a rather well known bar around the corner where the girls are trained to be orally proficient in their conversations with customers. It seems that I had just missed the "excitement" of the local security guard shooting himself in the mouth. It seems that he was upset with his girlfriend who was employed at the bar. I wonder if there was a mouth-to-mouth symbolism here. Anyway, how ridiculous for anyone to commit suicide, especially over a women and more so when it takes place in a location where they are so available and plentiful. Guess I should mention that I cannot resist the P170 steak meal offered at the Powder Keg. It is great and the management of Dave and Wayne makes a visit to this establishment a pleasure. Most tourists will not know where the Powder Keg is because of its location but believe me, it is worth the effort to find it and enjoy a few relaxed hours off of Fields Avenue. I was talking to Mo at Kokomo's and he tipped me off that there is place in Manila where one can purchase fantastic New York cheesecake and all sorts of bread, especially, New York Rye. How bout Bagels? Yep, they make them in different flavors for P20 each. They have 14 different types of bread, and how about Lox and Bagel Chips? The place is named the New York Bagel & Coffee Co. on level 2, Festival Super Mall, Alabang. They are on the e-mail at nybagl@evoserve.com and even have a website at www.nybcc.com. I've got to get Mo to pick me up a loaf of that N.Y. Rye, should go well with my oats!
In my July column I forgot to write about the Greenland Sports Resort's lawn bowls team. They were able to send a team to Brunei for an international competition on 10 Jun and the women came home with third place honors. The men did what they usually do, tried hard but let the ladies outshine them. Overall it was a very good effort for all who went and the Philippines is becoming a force to reckon with in the sport of lawn bowls. Also in July a Friendship Fest was held at Greenlands and the Filipino all women's team won by a score of 64.50. The USA all male team was second with a score of 61.96. Third place went to England with a score of 49.50. The Australian and New Zealand teams just did not have the skill levels up to par but were game participants. There were 12 teams altogether made up of players from Manila, La Union and Angeles City. A well done for the Yanks who in the last two years always finished last. A gentleman bowler from Greenlands, Geoffrey Greenlees is gaining quite a reputation, so much so that his nickname is now the "chairman". Geoffrey is very close to John Martin and together they try facilitating the growth of this wonderful little resort. Just a little less "Chairmanship" would help. Sometimes in business trusting a customer can end up biting you in the ass. A lesson to be learned is to get any customer that runs up a tab to make him sign each of his chits as he creates them. One Australian named Scott that frequented a small bar in Balibago built up a charge for food and drink of over 4,000 pesos. This amount was allowed to build up because in the past he used to make payments every week, and then every two weeks. Suddenly, old Scott became hard to find and when finally located, refused to pay what was owed and then accused the owner and his wife of padding the bill. He even refused to go to the bar, sit down and discuss the bill in detail so any differences could be sorted out in a mature, friendly manner. His response was, "why should I, my signature is not on any of the bills". Now, of course, this establishment is reluctant to extend credit to anyone, no matter how trustworthy. This Scott character even indicated that he wanted to buy a bar in town and was going to introduce an atmosphere that no one else in town has. I wonder if the customers will be allowed to run up a large credit line? Speaking of shady characters, it appears that an Australian con man that was very active in Angeles City and Manila a few years ago has shown up in Manila again. The name he uses is Greg Olson and he preys on Australian ex-pats mostly but will take money from any other ex-pats that fall sucker to his story. Usually he will go to an ex-pat and ask money anywhere from 500 to 2,000 pesos to assist him as he has just been involved in a car accident and must come up with some money right away. As with any con man he is very convincing but once money is advanced to him he does a disappearing act. Right now he is operating in Manila and has not come back to Angeles City but just in case, be aware and be wise, give this guy the cold shoulder. Cottage Kitchen's Jim Sebree is launching live down home blues and Jazz via a live band on 16 Aug at 8 PM. He extends an invite to one and all. A Mr. Tuti Fuentes, from Manila, will be on the keyboards and hopefully, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening after that. Should be worth a look-see; look for the "Horse" to be parked outside. It appears that International Pacific Airlines is poised to start their operations at Clark again and one destination that many of us are looking forward to is the Okinawa run. Regret that I cannot provide any specific start up dates as this time; Mr. Horne is making sure that all the proper documents are prepared and signed. The biggest difficulty is getting through all the red tape and obstacles that are placed along the way. Again, it is pointed out that one very influential Chinese businessman who really would like to stop this Airline from operating is responsible for the many delays. It is hoped that upon the return of President Estrada the necessary clearances will be approved. By dialing 887-5001 I was connected to Jade Cinema's ticket office and was able to find out what English-speaking movie was playing and the show times. I took Mrs. Harry to see MI2 and it was a pleasant experience. Be prepared for a rather loud sound system but I would rather have it loud then so low that one can not hear what is being said. On the way in I bought a soipao and sauce that was delicious. I was to later find out that the Fortune Hong Kong Restaurant, one of my favorite places to eat, provides the soipao. Mark Smith's Jade Cool Internet and business center is open for business and appears to be quite popular. The food concession is operated by the Swagman's dynamic duo of Haggerty and Bellemy. My, those Swagman lads keep quite busy! The open - close - open - close - open again Aqua Hut Body Bath and Massage on A. Santos Street is back to rubbing down those bodies again. New girls are on board, the prices remain the same and no doubt the "sensational effects" remain the same. Got to say one thing, old Will keeps on trying. At home service is available by dialing 892-2276. Look at the convenience, one can have Domino's pizza and a body massage delivered at home at nearly the same time. I wonder which is quicker to come, Domino's, massage lady or the customer? I promised Romy, at the Crystal barbershop, next to the Aqua Massage that I would give him a plug. This is a nice air-conditioned barbershop where you can get your haircut and shave in comfort while you are waiting for the room at the Aqua Massage to be available. A haircut is only P50. Last year a Korean with more money than sense erected the two story Music City building on Don Juico with the intent to bring Disco a bit further up from Fields Avenue. It was a bust and the building has stood empty for some time. Now, two fine Australian gentlemen by the names of Ken and Ted (Sounds like a movie title) have obtained a five-year lease and are in the process of extensive renovations. The plan is to have five theme bars in one location, two downstairs and three on the second level. The two downstairs will be wheelchair friendly with one offering a stage and dancers and the other one much quieter and darker, along the lines of the Silver Fox. Ted and Ken will be subletting the upstairs area in which three bars can be built. The one who gets the front part of the upstairs will have a magnificent view of the base and my idea was that it would be ideal to put in a Rosie's type eating facility there rather than a bar. Imagine, four bars would be situated in one building in which no food was available in the immediate area. The dining facility would offer a wide range of food at very reasonable cost and the customers would have a great view while resting from all the activities of the bars. Additionally, even those not interested in going to the bars would be attracted to the restaurant because of its location and ease of parking. Now, if I only had the money and know how to do this myself but I will have to be content to watch some one else do it. Anyway, to get a space upstairs just stop by and see Ken or Ted at the site and they are not asking for any rights, only 12 months rent in advance. The rental cost is not definite yet but the ballpark figure is around P15, 000 per month. They are willing to do the construction required for cost of material/labor plus 20%. The opening of the two bars downstairs is scheduled for 1 September. Complaints have been received about Simson taxis, located at the CDC main gate overcharging customers. The following prices are official and should be used as a guide: Main gate to Manila - P1500; to Fontana - P100; to Mimosa - P80; to Duty Free - P80; to Casino Angeles - P70; to housing - P80; to Mabalacat - P120; to Manibaug - P150; to Dau - P80; to San Fernando - P300; to Sapang Bato Gate - P80; to Angeles - P100. For American military retirees living in Angeles City, Subic City and for those thinking of moving here permanently please be advised that the Health Visions Medical program in this area is fantastic. Your medical needs are cared for at a cost of less than $200 a year. I ran into an ex-pat the other day that was still reluctant to sign up because he was not sure of it legitimacy. I can only suggest that once in town you go to see Jerry Bristle at the American Legion Post on MacArthur Highway any Saturday, Monday or Tuesday morning and have him give you a complete briefing. It has helped my family and me tremendously and hopefully, approval will be coming down the pipe fairly soon to extend coverage to the 65+ age group. Mirror's manager Hans dropped by to see me this evening, Thursday, 3 Aug to drop off a flyer announcing that Efren Reyes, the Magician (Pool), will be at Mirrors on Saturday the 5th of Aug at 7 PM accepting challengers. Anyone beating him will win 500 pesos. He wanted me to announce this in my column but I am afraid that by the time I finish the article, send it to the publisher and it gets out on the "net" it may be too late. But, Hans has indicated that they will try to get Efren to make appearances every two weeks. So, keep in touch with the Clarkton and Mirror's bar to find out the schedule for the Magician's future appearances. Meanwhile, my wife has announced that she wants to go this Saturday to watch him. Now I will not be able to flirt with the dancers there and I wonder what this interest in Efren indicates. I'm not worried; I have more teeth than him!
The Wing's VIP lounge is now officially open for business. I went there on the first of August to enjoy a few drinks and check out the menu, of course the 30% discount was a nice attraction as well. This is a pleasant place to visit and have a few drinks and dinner. The service is good but things kind of fell apart when it came time to pay the bill. The ladies had first night jitters and also displayed lack of training in this aspect of their job. I am sure that will improve very quickly. The breakfast menu prices range from 80 to 100 pesos and dinner from 80 to 100 pesos. The steak prices seem to be a bit expensive ranging from 350 to 650 pesos with the biggest being 350 grams. Consider that at Mo's Steak House you can get a 700-gram steak for a bit over 700 pesos. The one thing I did not like was that a soup and salad bar is available but if you want to partake of this you must pay an additional P100. I thought this was a bit chintzy, especially if you are already spending 650 pesos for a steak dinner. In the lounge area there were 8 very attractive ladies and they will sit with you for P100 per hour but their drinks are at the regular price. Monday through Saturday live music is provided by Bronco & Billy and they certainly added to the atmosphere. A private room can be had for 2,000 pesos consumable. That is stay there until the 2,000 pesos is spent on drink/food. This is a good idea if one is entertaining business associates and a bit of privacy is desired. A congenial lad hosts the lounge area by the name of Frances. I always forget if when referring to a male whether the name is spelled with an I or an e, in any case this Frances is a male who is more than willing to introduce you to one of the lovely hostesses. Is this a place to visit, most certainly, but it is low key as indicated by their rather quiet 3-day opening. They are geared to attract the high-end spenders and the local Filipino who can afford a classy night on the town. Rhum and cokes at 65 pesos a shot will certainly not attract too many of the Fields Ave regulars, but if you stick to beer a very reasonable evening can be had. A new Internet site is being developed for the Mad Dog Motorcycle Club of Angeles City and can be accessed at www.maddog.ph/hangout. Dave White's Hangout on Don Juico Ave is a popular meeting place for the motorcycle lovers in this part of the country. It can be very interesting to sit and watch these guys drive up, park and stop for a few cool ones. One question, don't any small, skinny guys ride Harley Davidson bikes? The old Pussycat site in under extensive renovation and the owner is a Mr. Torres, a Filipino who is going to open another Karaoke type bar. Gee, just what we need, another Karaoke bar on Don Juico. Talk about saturation! Haven't been there yet but I was told today that a Burger King has opened at one of the gas stations on the expressway and can be accessed by those in the North bound lane. Wonder if Roadhouse Mark Smith has been there yet?
John Gazey of Beeline and I went to check out the Western Bar-b-q buffet at Fontana and the newly opened Luk Foo Shark's Fin & Seafood Restaurant on the 2nd floor. We were not able to meet up with General Manager Boley Bolton but did meet the Luk Foo manager, Mrs. Chu. As one would expect the prices at the Luk Foo are a bit higher than this Horse can afford but the food looked great and it must be good as we noticed Pure Gold owner Mr. Co and his family enjoying a rather tasteful looking lunch. Now, they do have set meals for 10-12 persons with no tax, no service charge that range from P4,200 to P9,200 which I think is a pretty good deal. Maybe I will surprise my Mrs. with a small gathering there for her birthday in October. Mrs. Chu gave us a black cherry desert, which John did not like but like a good horse, I gobbled it up. Of course I was a bit hungry as we did spend a bit of time at the buffet downstairs taking pictures, talking with the staff and hungrily looking at the beautiful roast beef and other delectable offerings. Alas, no samples were offered and we did not have time to sit down for a full meal that was offered at a reasonable cost of only P320++. Mark your calendar for 30 Sep in which the October fest activities will begin at Fontana. They will be putting up a beer plaza in which Pica-Pica (finger food) will be offered and one can participate in various games. In conjunction with the Hardrock Café in Manila a live band will be performing every Saturday through October with customers being able to dance to some great music. Weather permitting outdoor activities will be scheduled as well. There will be plans for Thanksgiving as well but I will hold off on letting you in on that, as I need to have something to write about in September and October. Hoping that Ms. Molina and Mr. Agustin keep me posted on future activities planned for Fontana Resort.
After leaving Fontana we took a drive up the hill where the U.S. Air Force officers use to live and it was a nostalgic trip for me, and a view that John had never seen. It was sad to see the shells of what used to be rather nice homes. Everything is overgrown with grass and weeds and it is such a waste. I thought of it as a cemetery of homes with haunting memories of times past. We did notice that despite the rundown appearance of this area that the roads did not have any cracks or potholes. They are just as good as when the Americans were here and we hated to return to the roads of the subdivisions off base, especially Clarkview, where the roads are a mess. I guess it just depends on who builds the roads and how much of the money goes into construction and how much goes into the deep pockets of the contractors.
Construction of the Hensonville bridge is moving right along, slowly of course, but it sure will be wonderful to see it completed. Right now, with the recent rains, it has become a difficult task to traverse the Hensonville shortcut to Angeles City as the elevated portion of the dirt road has collapsed again and one must drive through some rather deep water. Condolences to Sarah Yost on the passing of her husband Jack and to Mr. Neek of Neek's tailor shop on the passing of his wife. These were fine people that will be missed, very much. The Good Times bar has closed its doors and a for rent/lease sign is displayed. I guess either business was bad or Wesley John Prentice just ran out of money paying lawyer fees. The Aurora Sports bar next to the Top End bar has closed as well. This was just a case of big dreams, little know how, time to pack up and move on. I want to thank Rod Muncher (The Man from Snowy River) for the e-mail he sent me and his comments on the Thailand versus Philippines issue I wrote of a couple of months ago. He and two mates from Australia visited Thailand for the first time in April of this year for 3 weeks. Rod has been coming to the Philippines for over 15 years. He was of the same opinion as me in that there are pros and cons for both locations. He made some very valid points which I won't dwell on here but suffice to say that Rod will stick with Angeles City despite the frustrations that many of us share. Speaking of moving on, it is time for me to get bring this column to a close and get to bed. Got started late because of the dart league. You know, it is a shame, but we are down to only two teams in the steel tip dart league here. We are trying to keep darts alive but it is difficult to get bar owners that have the space to bother with darts. We are trying to get more ex-pats interested and welcome visiting dart players who can join us on league nights. Presently, only the Blue Boar Inn and the VFW field teams. For more information on darts in Angeles City e-mail Jimmy D at lacasa@netasia-angeles.net. Remember folks, be kind to horses |
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