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DECEMBER 2000
Viva Las Vegas!! Having just returned from my short two week visit to Las Vegas, Nevada I find that I must hustle to get out a shortened article, work on my annual Christmas letter which will go out to friends in Jan or Feb again, and finish up with the Christmas shopping. I'm too old to be that busy but hopefully my heart will continue to beat long enough to finish this article. My trip was great and I accomplished my business objectives and was able to see many old friends and meet some new ones as well. My flight was great, taking Northwest Airlines from Manila, to Narita and then directly in to Las Vegas. I was able to get my favorite seat going and on the return, seat 64A in the back of the plane. Why way back there? Because rows 63 through 65 are two-seaters and I only have to worry about one person sitting next to me and the extra room on the side allows me a lot of space for my bum knee. Additionally, quite often the seat next to me remains unoccupied and if someone does sit there, I make my discomfort so obvious that the person usually looks for another seat once the plane is airborne. I would be a lot nicer if a Miss India or Miss Thailand sat next to me. Why not Miss Philippines? - because I would forget myself and ask for a short time during the flight. Been here too long, difficult to have a decent conversation with the opposite sex. I take Northwest because of the convenience of the direct flight to Vegas and building up my frequent flyer miles, but I do miss China Airlines. On Northwest the American Stewardesses or Flight Attendants as they like to be called, are so old that their seniority pins are rusted and their false teeth clatter as they walk. There is no "coffee, tea or me" anymore, only "coffee, tea and pictures of the great grandchildren". On China Airlines the employees are slim, beautiful and one does not mind being woken up from a deep slumber for a meal when you see such a beauty smiling at you, but on Northwest it can be a frightening experience to wake up and see one of those oldies but goodies! Seriously, the food is fair for economy class, the service good and the attendants are grandmotherly friendly. My Adkins diet went out the window as I was treated to buffets at Caesar's Palace (2), Showboat (Now known as the Castaways) and Boulder Station. My goodness, what feasts those were! At Caesars I gobbled up as much shrimp as I could while thinking of how much it would cost me to do the same here in the Philippines. For sure, eating out is a very reasonably priced past time in Las Vegas. It was a pleasure to visit with old friends, especially those that used to reside here in Angeles City. Special thanks to Cliff, who drove me all over town one day, Al and Walt M. It was my pleasure to be introduced to the American Legion Post one afternoon in which I was impressed with the facility and the friendly staff. Many hours were spent with my son who works at Via Venetto's located in Caesar's Forum and for the first time in many years I was able to share a Thanksgiving meal with him and his family. Enough about Las Vegas as it is time for me to pass on a few tidbits about what is going on in this part of the world. Naturally, shortly after unpacking and trying to get organized I was reminded about our frequent brown-outs (no electricity) as for three days we experienced two or three a day. One gets spoiled in the States but it doesn't take long to readjust to certain discomforts. President Estrada is doing a lively tap dance in trying to avoid being impeached and booted out of office and it makes for some good reading in the local newspapers. If he is booted out maybe he can go to the States and set up temporary residence in the White House in case our two hopefuls can't settle things. Estrada is qualified as he is a womanizer and would be great friends with Bill Clinton. Our Gore/Bush debacle makes me feel that the U.S. politics are becoming more and more like the fiasco's experienced here in the Philippines and other Third World countries. The local papers are hinting at possible military intervention and large convoys of military men, ammunition, and equipment have been seen heading North on the Expressway. Can't say it is dull here! The beat goes on!
Recently, we were shocked to learn that John Hammer, owner of Thunderstruck bar was killed by cowardly assassins who stopped him as he was heading home late one night and pumped at least nine bullets into his body with an M-16. It is suspected that the killers came from Nueva Ecija and were hired by a local foreigner. The motive may be business related. The case is under investigation by the local police but more often than not, a case such as this goes unsolved. Members of the Mad Dog Motorcycle Club are very concerned about this incident as John was one of their own and hopefully, as a group, they can exert enough pressure on the local law enforcement officials to keep the investigation active until the killers and the person or persons that hired them are brought to justice. A reliable source has informed me that there are two theories shared by law enforcement agencies. One - that John had been advanced large sums of money to invest here from some Australians in Thailand and to date none of that money has been returned in principal or from any profits. These "partners" were curious to know how John was building a hotel and a big house despite non-payment of money due them. Two - possible money laundering and drug involvement. A third theory making the rounds is that John may have been involved with the highly illegal telecommunications scam that is flourishing in the area. Again, these are theories and might be found to be erroneous as the investigation progresses. In a case such as this, rumours and theories are brought to light on a daily basis and everyone you talk to has a different opinion. The bottom line is that John is no longer with us and this Horse will be very surprised if the people behind the killing are ever found and brought to justice. Friends of a popular expatriate nicknamed "Santa Claus" have asked me to mention his passing. He was found dead near the Chicago Park Hotel with his head bashed in from a hollow block found near his body. "Santa" was well known for his ability to drink two bottles of beer at the same time and resided at the Vian Lodge. Another murder that will no doubt go unsolved. We have yet, another victim of foul play that has yet to be identified. A white foreigner was found dumped on a portion of the North Expressway a week ago and to date no identification has been made. Despite these incidents we would like to assure all readers that Angeles City remains a safe, fun place to visit. The tourists are arriving for the holidays and the town's activities have not been affected at all. Tourists have not been targeted and are not in danger. These incidents are directed at specific individuals for reasons that are unknown at the moment but e-mails sent to me voice some concerns and I am hoping that questions have been answered and that one and all realize that Angeles City remains a very viable tourist destination. Mrs. Horse and I visited the new Shoemart Mall in San Fernando and we found that if you wanted to get a parking space close to the store you had better get there no later than 1015 hours; the place was packed and forget about eating there. Every food facility had long lines and it just wasn't worth waiting. It was better to do the shopping and then head for San Fernando or Dau to find a place to eat. The SM Supermarket was great. I spent a lot of time wandering the spacious aisles in air-conditioned comfort and was impressed with the layout and how organized the food displays were. We don't plan to return until after the Christmas holidays because of the crowds but for sure, we will make it a place to visit, especially when the hot season arrives.
It was a pleasure for me to meet Chet, from New Hampshire and Pete from Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and to learn that they enjoyed reading this column each month. This is Petes first visit to the Philippines and he is trying to figure out how he can stay here permanently. As I've said before, once you get a taste of the good life, it is hard to give up. Here is something we can all relate to. Kalbo Bill took his girlfriend to Bangkok and after being around town for a few days she asked Bill, "how come the cars do not have horns?" Bill replied "they have horns, it's just that no Filipinos are driving them!" On Saturday, 23 Dec, from 10 AM to 4 PM Santa Claus will be at Domino's Pizza Checkpoint. Bring the entire family for photos with Santa, free giveaways, balloons, candy from Santa, Christmas music and spirit. A motorcade with Santa will start at 9 AM with Santa and his helpers tossing out candy and waving to one and all as it traverses the Balibago area. This is a great opportunity to get in the spirit of Christmas and for the children to see Santa first hand. Santa is really looking forward to his appearance but hopes that it is not hot as he does not have a summer suit. Some readers have asked for information on the various gyms located in the Balibago area and coincidently a new one was supposed to open in the Friendship area this month but it is not to be. The name of the place was to be the "Iron Works Gym" and housed in a two-story building that would have the gym on the ground floor and a sports bar upstairs. I had the opportunity to scope the facility and it looked like it was going to be a great place to work out. News reaching me is that it is not to be. Though nearly completed the owner, an ex-pat. has left town to return to Manila after the shooting of John Hammer. Is there a connection? - I have no idea but a source indicated that he was concerned for his own safety. For the tourist and permanent residents that are interested in gym workouts this is a disappointment but next month I will give you details on other gyms in the area. I know of three that can be used for various fees, one at the Clarkton Hotel, one on 7th Street, Dau and another just past the entrance road to Woodland Park, Dau.
In the Sun-Star Pampanga newspaper, an article appeared on Wednesday, Nov 29, 2000 with the headline "From Yankee to Crocodile Dundee: Prostitution flourishes in Angeles City." In this one, instead of picking on the Americans the group coming under fire are the Australians. Another study group composed of Australian student, government officials and members of non-government organizations (NGOs) came here for a week-long tour/exposure of Angeles City's entertainment district to determine the extent of Australian's in the city's sex trade. Members of this group used adjectives such as "appalled", "moved by the daunting plight of the women", "indignation against the Australians and businessmen from New Zealand who are reluctant to talk", and so on. This article took more than one page of space and even took some potshots at the incumbent mayor. It is amazing that Fields Ave gets so much negative press and that so many Australian study groups like to travel here to be appalled. I guess it is time for the Australians in the club business to take some heat, as the Americans did for so many years. Eventually it will be discovered that there is a large German interest here as well and then maybe next year the German study groups will come over and be shocked, then the Canadians and so on. It is a known fact that there is an entertainment district in Angeles City but it is run by various nationalities, not just Australians and there is a concerted effort to work in cooperation with City officials and to present a clean, safe environment. My goodness, the article talks about a "bustling hive of drunkenness and debauchery" which made me think that the author was talking about one of his visits to Bangkok or Pattaya Thailand. Fields Ave is like going to Sunday school compared to the latter. Anyway, this is one of the reasons that it is difficult for foreigners to try and have a business here. There are many stumbling blocks and negative publicity but we continue to try and still provide the atmosphere that brings the tourist and his dollars to Angeles City. The Silver Fox remains closed. Haven't seen Ken to get an update; maybe next month.
Last month I reported that Greenlands Sports Resort had a new management team on board and that improvements were in the works. Well, that was a short-lived marriage as John Martin decided that it was best to dissolve that contract. Not to worry, things are coming up smelling like a rose now as some Hong Kong investors with big bucks have taken over with Greg McDougall (Aussie) leading the pack along with three English partners. Everyone is optimistic about this new development as Greg and company have purchased the land that Greenlands sits on as well as taking an option on the adjoining property. John will be retained temporarily as President and then consultant but eventually will be able to bow out and take a much needed rest. An immediate freeze on new memberships has been established; construction on a third bowls green has been started where the tennis court is; two hard surface tennis courts will be constructed as well as a gym, pistol range and ten pin bowling lanes (all future plans). The golf course will be redesigned to add a few par four holes and an international standard restaurant is planned. Many other improvements are being considered but as you can tell, this is a very exciting time for Greenlands and its members. When membership is opened up to the public again, no doubt this will be a very hot ticket to grab.
We are happy to report that Jim Sebree of Cottage Kitchen is recovering from his stroke but continues to smoke just as much as before. Bruce McTavish will be the incoming President of Clark Centennial Rotary as Peter Bellamy (Swagman) has begged off due to business and travel commitments. Last month Dennis Mitchell left employment at Kokomo's and moved over to the German connection at the Volcano. I predicted that he would return to Kokomo's but was assured that this would not happen. Upon returning from Vegas I was very pleased to see that, indeed, Dennis has returned to Kokomo's where his many friends felt he never should have left in the first place. Dennis indicated that money is not everything and that peace of mind and respect counts for a lot.
The Music City bar has finally opened with Ted at the helm, minus Ken. Ted's problems were overcome after a lot of hair pulling and confrontations with an errant contractor. Ted said that for some time he felt like he was "pushing shit up-hill." It is open from 12 noon until late with local drinks at P35 pesos all the time. The upstairs is still up for grabs and Ted is thinking of using a portion of the upstairs front for an eatery. It is nice to see this facility, at last, up and running. Good luck Ted! Kokomo's will be offering an "all you can eat" Christmas buffet on 25 Dec for a very reasonable P250. I do not know of any other bar or restaurant (not counting Molly Malone's which offers a daily all you can eat menu) offering up such a feast. One can hardly resist an all you can eat offering. Mrs. Horse and I will certainly try to be there and will look forward to spending a bit of Christmas time with Dennis and Mo. Do you like the food at Kokomo's but you're too tired to drive all the way to Fields and then try to find a place to park? No problem, jump on the computer and order Mo's to Go. Just pull up Kokomos.com and look for the link that will take you to the menu and order via the Internet. If you have msn.messenger or ICQ you can find the link as well. No computer, just get on the phone and order away. Deliveries limited to the Balibago and Friendship areas to include Mountain View and Dau. The empty spaces on Real Street that used to be the site of the old Duke of York bar will come under the management of the Kokomo's group of bars. Once construction is complete Mo has indicated that it will be similar to what you see in Pattaya, Thailand, an open area featuring a couple of open air bars, an Internet Center, GRO's and fast food. Bathrooms with hot water will be provided and connecting entranceways to Splash and the King of Diamond. Mo, the "man of a thousand ideas" strikes again. The plans for construction of a hotel/entertainment area on Santos Street are on hold for a while as the Heaven bar is holding out for far too much money. Deals can be struck on the other buildings located to the North of Heaven bar and like a domino theory, if Heaven Bar becomes a bit more realistic and sells out to Girard then Santos Street can be transformed into a very nice, interesting area. This is something I will try to stay on top of and keep you informed as plans progress. John Robinson's Duke of York has moved around the corner to Santos Street, next to the Caddy Shack. John, down, but not out! Another new bar is soon to open next to Neros Forum, named "Heavenly Bodies." Their sign says "where the loveliest bodies come out at night." Now, this could refer to ugly ladies that have lovely bodies or bodies that don't look good in the daytime and are only suitable at night. But, I am sure that they mean that the entire package is lovely and I will check it out to see if that is the case. It is good to see another bar opening as this is a signal to all tourists that Angeles City continues to grow and businesses remain optimistic about future growth. A twenty-room apartment building has just opened up at 1420 Federico Street that offers furnished rooms for $200 a month. Water and electricity is not included but the rooms are large, with bath, TV, cable, etc. in a very secure environment. Washing machines and dryers are available in the lobby as well as computer access. I think it is fully occupied at the moment but it is something to check into for those folks planning to stay in the area for a few months or for those permanent residents looking for a decent place to stay. It is in the Santa Maria area not far from Norma's money changing store. A reader of this column from New Hampshire is staying there and highly recommends it. I went by for a look-see and was very impressed with the exterior appearance but did not get a chance to see the interior; maybe another time. That is it for this month. Sorry for the late submission but the U.S. trip kind of put me behind the power curve. For the remainder of the month I will be very busy as I will be appearing at many locations playing Santa Claus in order to raise funds/candy/food stuff for my annual Christmas Eve visit to two hospitals in which I give out money and goods to each patient. This is my 14th year and so far my identity has remained unknown, they only know that Santa shows up each Christmas Eve. It is my small way of being thankful for another year of good health and trying to bring a smile or comfort to those unfortunate enough to be in a hospital at this time of the year. Meanwhile, to all you readers of this column, I wish each of you a very merry Christmas and a joyous New Years. Make it a safe New Years and for sure, don't throw any firecrackers at passing horses.
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