MAY 2000

We started off May with a week or two of very hot weather and then the early rains started and for 6 straight days we have had a bit of wetness which did cool down the temperatures.  Now there is one sure way to know when it is raining without looking out the window.  All you have to do is pick up your Datelcom phone and try to listen for the dial tone.  Yep, it is not there, because the phone is dead.  Within a one week period I had the line man fixing the problem on 6 different occasions.  Sometimes it would be repaired and then two hours later, dead again.  It appears that Mr Dee,  the president of Datelcom might be spending more money on his political ambitions then on providing adequate cable connections to his customers.  Upon speaking with the line man and asking "how come my Digitel phone does not go dead when it rains?" he informed me that "they have better cable lines!".  He then told me that they have new cable lines in the Friendship area and also on Mt. Pinatubo St. in Clarkview  and that I should ask to have my line transferred.  That would mean changing from a 322 prefix to a 331 prefix.  Of course, this would require me to submit a request that I am sure would take years to be approved and then I would have to go to the expense of informing a whole lot of folks of my new number.  It would be a nice solution if Mr. Dee would upgrade the very old existing cable lines but when I mentioned this to the line man his shocked expression told me that this would not be happening anytime too soon.  So, for those of you contemplating moving to Angeles City or for those residents thinking of getting a phone, please, this old Horse recommends that you apply to Digitel.  It is a more expensive system but much more reliable. 

It is very interesting that President Estrada has appointed a new president of the state-run Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) which overseas the operation of the Clark airport.  A Mr. Franco V. Puson is going to fill the slot normally held by the president of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC), who at this time is Mr. Sergio Naguiat Jr.  What does this mean to the development of the CIAC?  Good question.  No one, at this time knows.   During Naguiat's short tenure he did nothing to enhance the development of the CIAC, in fact, in all the months that he has been at the CDC he has never attended a Clark Airport Ground Handling Systems Inc. (CHGHSI) board meeting of which he is president.  Not a very good record.  Not surprisingly, there are now rumors floating around that Mr. Naguiet may be replaced at the CDC as well.  The one operation at the CIAC that is up and running very efficiently is the Clark Airport Ground Handling Systems, Inc.  A lot of money has gone into getting this joint venture with CIAC and the Airport Handling Agents Int'l. Inc (CAGHSI) up and running.  All that is needed now is for aircraft to land and take off out of the Clark International Airport.  What is strange is that the well known Robert Sullivan, formerly of Services Unlimited Development Corp. (SUDC) and now Alliance Consulting is trying to muddy the waters at the CIAC by trying to get into the Ground Handling Operation which informed sources indicate he has very little experience in.   Now Robert is an energetic individual that has been trying for many years to make a big "score" here in the Philippines and though we all wish him well, it appears that he is always just short of his goal.  We no longer see any reference to the SUDC, wonder what happened to that portion of his portfolio?  Anyway, the monster white house, formerly known as the Galleon, still sits on Don Juico with its unfinished roof and bare interior.  Robert has said "wait until June and see the action" and wait we shall.  Meanwhile, we hope that Robert is not, once again, trying to get into an operation in which he can do more harm than good.  Welcome aboard Mr. Puson and may you do us all some good by getting the CIAC off to something worthwhile which will benefit the community that surrounds the Clark Special Economic Zone.

Not much out of Charles Horne and his "rest in peace" airlines but I have heard that he has on order, two 737's and two DC 10,s which he hopes to bring to Clark and create a second awakening of his Airlines.  We all learn by our errors and Charles has certainly made a lot and will no doubt use his new wisdom to give us what we all want, aircraft flying out and into the CIA.  Charter flights in conjunction with the Fontana Casino are a distinct possibility with destinations out and in to Taiwan and Singapore. 

A well done to Mr. Boley Bolton, the new GM at Fontana Resort & Country Club, on Clark for the wonderful Mother's day buffet presented at the Restaurant.  Mom's were treated to a 50% discount and roses upon departing.  Kudos also to Mr. Danny Del Rosario, Food and Beverage Manager and Rudy Gomez, the Executive Chef.  It was such a nice day, despite the rain, that I have my fingers crossed that Mr. Bolton will arrange a similar buffet for Father's day.  I don't need flowers though, a "kitchen pass" to the Silver Fox will suffice. 

Want to check out a rather different place?  Drop by the Twilight Zone at 140 Narciso St., just past Wings on the way to Hensonville.  The manager Johnny is real friendly and will talk your head off and make you very welcome.  They serve food here and they make a big deal about something called Belgium french fries which to me did not taste any better than the good old English chips.  Most of the customers were not interested in food as much as socializing with the congenial hostesses and enjoying the comfortable seating and fantastic air-conditioning.  All the rooms are air-conditioned to enable sweat free entertainment.  Ladies drinks are 70 pesos for soft drinks and juice but 100 pesos for any local mix drink.  Couldn't quite figure out the rationale for that!  But, believe me, you will be impressed by the atmosphere in this little hide-a-way.  One could very easily part with 500 or 1,000 pesos when involved with short or long conversations in a very comfortable setting.    This is a must see place!!

Give the Lounge Bar, next to the Hang-out a look see as well.  One sees a lot of folks passing in and out and everyone appears to be pleased with what is offered.  Nice clean bar, affordable prices and your usual array of dancers.  Now, one could pretend to be a tax agent as assets are bared for review and appropriate financial penalties are levied.  By all means, drop by and say hello to the manager, Dez, and if you get tired of looking at the beauties, drop next door and have a look at Dave White's newly dyed black beard.  Hurry up before he washes it out or shaves it off. 

Finally had a chance to check out the Blue Velvet and met the manager, Sydney man, Brett.  A good friendly host he is mate.  Brett told me that there had been some changes since it was Archies and then Bronco but it looked the same to me; but then I did not see anything wrong when it was Archies.  In any case, for the pool league players, they were not happy with the table but Brett has indicated that a new one is on order and will be installed during this month.  The drawback for the Blue Velvet is the non-existent parking since it is in a very congested area right at the checkpoint.  But if you park near Domino's a short, trouble free walk will get you there in a couple of minutes.  Being close to Margarita Station has to be a plus.  The dancers are plentiful but there are a few that would be better off not wearing a bikini but if you look closely, there are a couple of charmers.  Ladies drinks are 80 pesos and beer is 45.  Happy hour prices are 35 pesos.  The Blue Velvet is a good afternoon bar to visit especially on those hot days.  I enjoyed the friendly smile and good service provided by a waitress by the name of Lynn.  She is an ex Pecos Petes employee.  I would not put this bar on my "must see" list but on my, "before you leave town - see it" list. 

Had some one tell me that he ate the Molly Malone's buffet 20 times and got sick each time.  I think after the second try I would have quit but maybe he was trying to lose weight.  Anyway, I have eaten there and enjoyed a great meal with no after effects other than a very stuffed stomach.  Some food affects different people in different ways.  After I lose a few more pounds I will give Molly's another shot just to make sure that all is well.  I have lost two inches on my waist since I tried the Adkin's diet and have to stay away from places that offer as good a buffet as presented at Molly Malones. 

Need a good haircut - try the "Father and Son" barber shop on Don Juico Ave, Clarkview, just before the Galleon.  For those with little boys, their special chairs for the tots is great.  It really makes that first haircut go a lot easier on parents and child alike.

Overheard that Mark Smith, Roadhouse, cannot keep it up, even with a girl in a bikini next to his joystick.  That's what happens when you're out of practice and trying to fly without a condom or a parachute!  Seems like Mark had a major ultra light mishap recently.

You read it here first!  Be advised that by 1 Nov, this year there will be an opening of a Marine park at Subic.  It will be situated in a natural environment at the Ilanin Bay Airport side of Subic and will feature false Orca whales.  Eventually, a full blown Marine Park will be available with a variety of animals featured but for sure, you will see something positive in Nov.  Too bad we can't have a few energetic folks here at Clark that could bring in some attractions that would draw the tourists.  The individuals behind the idea of the Marine Park have been working on this for a few years and it will certainly be an entertaining addition to the Subic Free Port.  Maybe some year we will see that Clark-Subic toll road that will enable us to get to that Marine Park in a short time.  In this country you have ground breaking ceremonies and then no action for a year or more. 

At Clark, look for FEDEX to operate out of the CIA within the next 3-5 years.  Makes good business sense to do so.  Look for more domestic flights out of Clark within the next couple of years.  Keep the faith folks, things will happen, we just hope us older folks are still alive to see it all take place. 

The Tayag Dental Office has moved to a new location near Jerry's Café.  The address is 805 Don Juico Ave and Dr. Nolasco G. Tayag, Jr. sees patients by appointment only.  A cleaning will cost you 500 pesos;  a filling P400 and up; caps anywhere from P2,500 - P6,000. These prices are higher than a lot of other dentists but within the range of those dentists that offer high quality work.  Dr. Tayag has a very fine reputation in this area.  One things he warns his patients is that to stay away from alcoholic drinks prior to an appointment as alcohol weakens the effect of the anasthetic.  So get your drinks at Jerry's after you are finished with the dentist!

Do not be surprised if, in the very near future, you see a temporary closure of Moondoggies bar for a month or so and then a reopening with a friendly atmosphere.  This establishment has a great location but conflicts between the management team have prevented them from establishing it as a popular watering hole.  Instead, potential customers are not made welcome but this should all change for the better in the future.  Let us hope so.

I mentioned before that Mo of Kokomo's has added two more bars to his empire so the worth of those "all you can drink" tickets for 500 pesos has gone up.  What a deal that is.  I did want to say that of the nine bars my favorite at this time is the King of Diamonds.  What a nice cozy atmosphere where friendliness prevails and the scenery on stage is very nice.  Check it out!

Angeles City versus Pattaya/Bangkok.  Many tourists coming here and folks on the message board enjoy discussing the differences between Thailand and the Philippines, or specifically Manila/Angeles City and Bangkok/Pattaya.  I promised a few readers that I would provide the feelings of a traveler named Mike who has been staying in Angeles City for six months and has just returned from his first visit to Pattaya and Bangkok.  As far as he was concerned, there was no comparison.  He can't wait to get back to Bangkok.  He loved it there and continues to sing its praises every day.  He liked it so much that the Hotel La Casa is about to lose a good long time visitor.  His plan now is to make Pattaya/Bangkok his main base of action and visit the Angeles City once in a while.  He thought the people were more friendly, the police more helpful, the food better, the shopping better and most of all, the women much better.  He felt that on a scale of 1-10 that only 5% of the Angeles ladies warrant a 10 whereas 20% of the Bangkok ladies fall into this category.  He noticed that food was less expensive and hotel accommodations were less and especially being able to rent an apartment at a much lower rate then here in Angeles City.  Of course, Nana Plaza blew his mind, especially when he found that a few of the bars featured some rather bare displays of flesh.  He wanted to visit Pantip Plaza, the computer nerds wet dream but it was so crowded he decided to pass it up for another day.  That my friends, is the reaction of a first time visitor to Thailand and sadly, it is the reaction of far too many tourists that now pass up the Philippines in favor of that location.  In fact, Pattaya does not suffer a slow season like we are experiencing now where many of the bars are nearly empty on a daily basis and it is difficult to meet expenses.  I have often said that the only advantage of being in Angeles City is that it is so much easier to communicate because English is spoken so widely (I will not get into the debate as to whether they are speaking American or proper English as my friends from England enjoy pointing out).  The fact is, there is no comparison.  Angeles City cannot compete with Pattaya or Bangkok because of so many restrictions and the rather different approach to sexual subjects practiced by Philippine authorities and of course the Catholic church which dominates politics in this area.  The bottom line is that the bars here must adjust and do the best they can to attract tourists and there are a number of influential bar owners in town that are trying to do this.  It ain't easy!!  How can things improve when we have to put up with tricycle drivers that overcharge tourists?  How can we improve when Fields Ave continues to flood during the rainy season and City officials do not even start promised drainage construction?  How can we improve when the CDC continues to allow buildings to be erected on the North side of Fields Ave that cause congestion and no parking areas and also do not have to comply with normal licensing requirements?  How can we improve when eating establishments are built around the basketball court in front of the Chicago Hotel and allowed to operate without meeting any of the health standards that legitimate businesses are forced to follow or risk being closed down by the Mayor's office - a bit of a shameful double standard here?  How can we improve when individuals, backed by the police shake down individuals parking their cars on Fields Ave for illegal parking fees - which if not paid results in scratched paint or flat tires?  How can we improve when the police treat every complaint as if the tourist is automatically wrong?  How can we improve when even the attitude of so many of the ladies employed in the bars have a very negative attitude?  Do I have any answers, heck no.  All I know is that it will get better, eventually, but for now, it is still a fun place to be and believe me, the bar owners are working hard to offer the entertainment the tourists are looking for but still follow the guidelines laid down by the Mayor's office.  Folks, we are not Pattaya/Bangkok and we never will be so just be satisfied with visiting both locations.  Angeles City has a lot to offer with a different atmosphere and a different way of life.  Some year there will be direct flights into Clark and that will certainly help but for now, a few bar owners are trying hard to make things interesting and attempting innovative ideas.  Things change, you know, I am starting to hear that Cambodia is becoming an interesting place to visit. 

The rains have finally stopped so I want to run out and trot over to the Hang-out before it starts up again.  You know, horses do not smell good when wet.  Remember, be nice to horses.