JULY 2000

Welcome  Here it is time to start writing my July column.  I feel like I am water logged as it has been raining for 6 straight days.  Today, 12 Jun was the first meeting of the Asshole's Club (AH) and only Ray from Streetlights showed up.  That was one more than I expected.  But, Damien from Bretto's and Dave White from the Hangout sent their apologies - business kept them away.  The next meeting will be on Saturday, 12 Aug at noon, at the Blue Boar Inn.  Jimmy D will break out some snacks if more than three people show up. 

When in the States I purchased a nice electric combination clock, alarm and radio.  It had nice large numbers for the clock that I could see, even in the dark.  I proudly plugged it in and am happy with it except for one thing.  Every darn day I have to reset it two or three times because of the many power failures.  I still like this contraption but I am afraid that it will fail on me because of having to be set so many times.  Today, being Saturday the "juice" went off for its scheduled 0400 - 1200 time frame except that it did not come on until 1230 hours.  The bad news is that these scheduled outages will go on for another two months but the good news is that there will be new electric poles, new lines and improved service.  Of course, the improved service will be questionable.  On talking to a representative of Angeles Electric Company he explained that service will never be as consistent as in the States or even Thailand because of the overhead lines and that it is too expensive to go underground.  So, be satisfied with the service available, which overall is much better than in other parts of the Philippines.  Angeles Electric does try hard.

What is this that I hear Fontana Resorts is thinking of bringing in some camels costing P10,000 each and requiring 6 months to train them.  I wonder if camel doo-doo is better fertilizer than pig or chicken shit?

Congrats to Leo (Leo the Finn) Hackindon on the recent birth of his son.  He came in at a whopping 25 lbs, 6 oz.  They are still stitching up the Mrs.!

Last month three local lads had the opportunity to avail themselves of a nice overnight accommodation at a local resort for free.  Now, these three who I can only identify as D, P & J decided that female companionship would be authorized and preceded to invite two lovely beauties along.  Regretfully, the two that showed up were less than a three on Harry the Horse's scale of 1 to 10 so they had to be returned and two of better quality were brought aboard.  But, one of the three also arrived with two more and now there were four to entertain three men.  It appears that D & P got greedy and took two each and poor J, being a quiet, humble sort had to sleep alone and only dream of what D & P were doing.  In the morning, B, the nice chap that allowed his domicile to be used returned to a nice neat, clean house but there was not an ounce of food or booze left.  D & J were well satisfied but poor old J only had a good nights rest.  Now, the names of the guilty have been omitted to protect their privacy and the life of this horse and there is a moral to this story, but dammed if I can think of it.  Provide your own!

The Aqua Massage on Santos Street has, once again, closed their doors.  I have heard that the owner's wife became a bit difficult causing closure.  How often have we heard this before?  Anyway, one of the ladies, Amor can be found at the Blue Boar Inn where she serves as a very entertaining waitress. 

Check out the Terrace bar at Kokomo's.  It is a nice location for observing local scenery walking by and I consider the best time to sit down for a nice drink is around 4:30 - 5 PM onwards to around 7 PM.  A 4^th of July food fest and entertainment was planned around Kokomo's bar but was cancelled because of rain.  Mo had a good idea here but Mother Nature decided not to cooperate. 

I was in Moondoggies the other day (yes, it is still open) and ran into Rob who told me a story that I felt that I had to pass on to the readers.  Rob swears that this is a true story.  It takes place a few years ago when Rob was in Barrio Barreto and decided to take a young lady out to eat.  She ordered a cheeseburger without cheese.  Rob, being curious asked why?  She indicated that she always ordered like that.  Being a common sense guy, Rob asked her why didn't she just order a hamburger?  Her response was "I can't, I'm a Muslim and I don't eat ham!"  Folks, I believe Rob and his statement that it was something that he would never forget.

Aqua Hut closed at the moment. Some staff now at Blue Boar Inn.	Next Assholes meeting August 12th. No assholes in this pic - just your hosts at the Venue.	Manila Bay shot in the storms.

Things still do not look any better for Robert Sullivan and the white elephant building he "leases".  Did you notice that all the banners have been taken down?  No longer are good deals advertised.  So far, I have been told by a source that not one single contractor had signed a lease with Sullivan to put up any kind of business.  In fact, it is still rumored that Sullivan himself does not have a written lease, only a verbal one.  I've written this before but more and more sources are coming out and confirming this.  I have heard that the owner of the building is rather old now and that he is turning over the building to his son.  Maybe the son will wise up to the fact that someone else can turn his building into something that will bring money into the family and not remain an eyesore in the community.  It is recommended that Robert concentrate his energies into his waste disposal projects that appear to be a bit more legitimate.  He had a bit of bad luck with his proposed project in Mabalacat but it appears that he does have, at least, one aspect of business that he does see light at the end of the tunnel with.  Meanwhile folks, do not run to the old galleon building to sign any leases as it appears, for now, that any project planned for that facility is dead in the water!

The Pink Pussycat is history!  Buck has returned from the States and indicated that he will not reopen the bar that was started by old Felix and his son and then taken over by Buck.  It seems that events necessitate Buck returning to work and put his plans for the Philippines on hold.  The Odoroko bar next to the Pink Pussycat has been closed for a while and remember when I wrote that the "For Your Eyes Only" would be open for business?  It appears that it was a very short opening.  In fact I'm not sure it ever did sell a drink.  In any case, when I stopped by there one afternoon they told me it would be open at 5 PM and shows would be presented at 9 PM.  Other folks stopped by and got the same story and that is all it was, a story.  I guess the "Eyes" needed contact lenses as it sure looks like whomever was thinking of starting up this endeavor suffered from short sightedness. 

Now we are all familiar with the talented, genial manager of the Phoenix Hotel, Owen Dolan who runs a very fine, successful facility.  Those that know him well recognize his talents and ability to hold his own at the bar and regale all who will listen with tales of what is happening today and what has gone on in this town for the past 20 years.  But no one would think of this man as being "a socio-economic leader of the new era!"  That is a bit of a heavy title for Owen but on 14 May 2000 the Federation of Filipino Consumers, Inc., bestowed upon Owen their "Gintong Sikap Award" as an Outstanding Business Executive.    Socio Economic Leader indeed was written on the award.  Now, this award was presented at the Manila Hotel and one would think that Owen would attend this prestigious event dressed in all his formal attire.  Not so - true to nature, Owen sent his driver to retrieve the award!  So one and all gather around the bar at the Phoenix and raise a toast to this new era leader and thank goodness that it has not gone to his head.  He remains the same lovable, slightly overweight, beer drinking Aussie that becomes a tyrant only if he misses his afternoon nap. 

Still no problems for tourists visiting Angeles City but things have slowed down a bit.  The hostage situation with the 11 foreigners is still on going.  It is too bad that a couple of Israeli's were not included in the kidnapping for one would guess that they would have been rescued by now.  If anyone could respond quickly and efficiently in dealing with criminal terrorists it would be the Israeli government.  President Estrada and the military are on the right track if only they can hold off the unrealistic peace advocates. 

We are constantly being faced with prices at the gas pumps being raised every month or two.  The big three oil companies in the Philippines continue to cry that they are losing business.  If this is such a losing endeavor can someone explain why we keep seeing more and more gas stations being built?  The new one on Clark, said to be owned by Mr. Co of Pure Gold is due to open any day and the new one on opposite First Street, Balibago is already operational.  The dollar rate has broken the 44-peso mark but the cost of living is raising right along with it.  Let us hope that the proposed road tax that would be so unfair to the lower and middle-income consumers is not passed.  If passed we can look forward to mass demonstrations and transportation strikes. 

At last there is a location offering four very nice, modern, well air-conditioned movie theatres in town.  They are located on the top floor of the new Jenra Shopping Mall in down town Angeles City, not too far from the Nepo Mart.  I went there to watch the Gladiator and was very impressed with the comfortable seating, which allowed unobstructed viewing over those seated in front of you.  The cost was 60 pesos per person but well worth it.  Compared to the other theatres in this town this is the only location that equals stateside standards.  A very nice place to take your latest squeeze for a few hours, especially on a hot day.  After the movie you can enjoy a bit of shopping in air-conditioned comfort.  The supermarket in the basement is air-conditioned as well and its wide aisles are most welcome, especially for those of us used to shopping at Johnny's hot, congested store.  I have not found any periodical advertising what is playing so the best thing to do is to call in advance.  The numbers for the Jade Cinemas are 887-4556, 887-5101 and 887-5002.  Hold on, I have just run into a typical Angeles City glitch.  I tried to call these three numbers to see what was playing for the rest of this month and I got one of those famous "not in service" messages.  Naturally, when I called 112 for assistance I got someone in Bulacan that did not even know the Jenra Mall existed and had no listings for the Mall or even the cinemas.  It would be too much to expect the telephone company to have at their disposal new numbers installed after they published their directory.  Before frustration gets me too excited I will hold off for a while and see if I can find out what is going on. 

I have passed it many times and never stopped to check it out.  I regret this for after attending a birthday party there I discovered that the Garden Dine Restaurant on MacArthur Highway, Balibago (in front of Sta. Maria Church) is a great place to enjoy a meal at a reasonable price.  Most impressive was the pleasant atmosphere.  Trees and a bridge surround an outside bar over a pond containing large orange goldfish.  One can sit in the patio or inside an air-conditioned restaurant.  The menu listed set meals at very reasonable prices.  A large banquet room is available for special functions and adequate parking provided in the back.  The manager, Irene D. Reyes, is very friendly and employs a professional staff.  Their telephone is 888-1590 and Harry the Horse recommends that you add this to your list of places to dine out. 

Last month I wrote that there was a possibility that a new night manager would be added to the staff of the VFW.  Sure enough, I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Kiss who will be on hand to greet and chat with you in the evenings.  This will allow Mike Harrington to get a bit more rest and free time.  Worried about brown outs?  Not if you are a customer at the VFW for they have just installed an enormous generator capable of handling all the electric needs of the building.  Bob Zither worked his magic at one of the auctions at Cubic and thanks to a talented electrical engineering team, installed and got it up and running within two days.   Oops, spoke too soon.  I was there last night (13 Jul) for a dart match and the lights went out.  My reaction was, no problem, turn on that great big generator.  Sad to report that it is not operational yet as there are a few glitches to be corrected.  It just isn't putting out enough juice but be patient, we'll get Bob Zither to work his magic.  For sure, eventually, backup power will be available in the very near future. 

Thanks to Mo at Kokomo's and Mark Smith at the Roadhouse the Rotary Club of Clark Centennial has collected 91,600 pesos to be put towards its children's educational fund and the Street Children's Center that is in the construction phase.  Kokomo's had a wet T-shirt contest and Mark had his annual fund raiser at the Road House in which all income for the night was donated to the Rotary.  The Rotary educational and building funds require donations to remain solvent and accomplish set goals so the efforts of Mo and Mark are really appreciated.  For more information about the Rotary street children's project visit their website at www.angelesstreetkids.org.  Donations are gratefully accepted.

Phoenix hotel	Flooded Streets	Ariel view of Angeles/Fields Ave

July saw the arrival of some 1SOS personnel, active duty and retired that came to Angeles City for a reunion.  They were all stationed here when Pinatubo blew its top and this was a time to gather, tell some tales, and reminisce.  John Cummings of Margarita Station put on a nice cocktail for the lads and the wives that accompanied them.  A combination birthday and promotion party was held at Jimmy D's Blue Boar Inn where the booze and food really brought out all the old war stories.  It was great seeing some familiar old faces and believe me, as the years pass, the faces are getting a bit old.  Things will never be the same in Angeles City but the memories are certainly great. 

Tom Deasey, a local computer guru, will be glad to see the rainy season end.  It seems he has a tendency to lose umbrellas, especially when riding trikes.  He has lost three so far and then borrowed one from an employee and nearly lost it when leaving the bank.  Bottom line - don't lend Tom your umbrella.

Now here is an original idea for those of you that want to ring the old drink bell but not spend a fortune.  One individual was in a bar where, if you ring the bell, you must buy a drink for all the dancers on the stage.  What he did, was take out around 50 pesos in coins and threw them on the floor in front of the stage.  All the girls, except one, jumped down to collect the money and then our big spender quickly rang the bell.  He only had to buy one ladies drink!

Heard about some dude named "Flash" that passed out at the Black Pearl on Santos Street around 5 AM.  That isn't too bad except that he was found in the toilet, sitting on the pot with his pants down around his ankles, completely zonked out.  No one knows how long he had been in there.  It was three days before any of his mates saw him around the town again. 

Be careful when you drive one of those go-karts at the Clark Base.  It seems some ladies decided to give it a try and the mechanic did make some adjustments to slow the karts down.  One lady was doing ok until the throttle stuck or something and it went faster than she could handle and it flipped over, pinning her underneath.  The Australian manager was not too concerned, and no one took her to the hospital.  Later that night, while at work she felt uncomfortable but refused to go to the hospital and her employer did not tell her to go.  One customer, hearing the story made her go to the hospital and the doctor found that she had a punctured lung.  If she had not gone for medical help, she could have died.  Just another story about life in Angeles City.

In June the Philippine Daily Inquirer ran a story about headlined "Yank sued for insulting RP gov't, Filipinos".  It seems that one Mark Tyrus Henderson found himself in trouble after he called President Estrada and the Philippine government corrupt, cursed a government official and hurled insults against Filipinos.  This took place when Henderson was trying to disembark at Cebu from a Supercat ferry.  Now the Bureau of Immigration is starting deportation proceedings for uttering derogatory remarks.  One Rodolfo Caneda, a National Youth Commission executive director, brought about these complaints.  What happened was that Henderson was a bit drunk and when he saw that Caneda and his wife were pushing to get ahead of people standing in line to exit the ferry he kind of let his anger come out.  Now Henderson, in front of witnesses, got a bit mouthy and really came out with some invectives and strong opinions about the Filipinos and the Philippine government.  He indicated that the government and the President were corrupt.  Wow, strong words.  He also repeatedly said "F---you," "Damm you," "shit," "Drop Dead," and "Damm you Filipinos."  A definite sign he was a bit annoyed.  This was reported on 30 Jun but so far no further follow-up has appeared in the paper.  For sure though, an investigation is taking place and maybe deportation proceedings are being pursued.  Of course, it is possible that Mr. Henderson may have to part with some money to get out of this mess, "legally" of course!  For those of us that have lived in the Philippines for a long time we have all been subjected to the fact that the local folks do have a problem with standing in line, whether it be getting off of a boat, at the supermarket, at school or anywhere.  It is just one of those irritants that we try to live with and hope that we can curb our tempers.  One wonders why a foreigner might slip up and utter the horrible words "corruption".  Why indeed?  Could it be that we might have read the words of Rina Jimenez-David in her 28 Jun Philippine Daily Inquirer "At Large" column in which she wrote "I guess under the Erap administration, us meek and law-abiding middle-class motorists are considered convenient milking cows for a bankrupt government squandering taxpayers' money on corruption and a senseless war."  My goodness, there's that corruption word again.  The moral of this story is that those ex-pats that come from democracies that practice free speech, must remember where they are once they enter the Philippines.  It is a wonderful country - but stay sober and suppress your "free speech" or be deported!         

The "Kitten" bar has opened on Fields Ave and I have heard that it is being well received and that the décor is top notch with a blue theme.  I have not been there yet but will check it out and report next month.

I passed the old "Flying Tiger" location and it appears that someone is attempting to open it again under a new name - "Wings American Dining".  Certainly hope they change the tables this time, their third try.  I liked the Flying Tiger and its location.  It just did not "fly" so I will take an observation flight there later this month and let you know what is developing and if there is a new management team on board.  Hope I can get a "boarding" pass!

Congrats to the Powder Keg pool team that has managed to win the finals in the Mon, Wed and Fri leagues.  Is this a first in Angeles City?  Mark Edwards says "yes".  Well done, it was not easy to do.

Time to draw this to a close.  It is Saturday morning and the electricity is scheduled to go off at 4 AM.  I must forward this to the Beeline folks right away.  Enjoyed the "chat" and hope that each of you remembered to be kind to horses last month.      

Update- Stopped by the "Wings VIP Lounge" and found out that they will open for business on 1 July. They will offer 30% discount on 1-2-3 meals. The new owner/manager told me they will open for breakfast at 6am and close at 1am. American food is featured and the lounge will offer music, line entertainment and hostesses. I will provide more details next month. This time I think "Wings" will definitely "fly"