OCTOBER 2000

October is the month in which Fields Avenue begins to show a bit more glitter and excitement.  It's the beginning of the tourist season.  Yes, we have the tourists all year round but there is a bit of a slow down from April to September of each year.  Those are the months in which bars usually change hands due to tight finances and October is when new establishments like to be open in order to take advantage of "the season". 

Two establishments under construction are due to open in October but I do not have the specific dates at the moment.  Both nightspots are spending a bit of money to provide a rather upscale ambience.  The first is on Fields Ave, opposite the Tropicana and this is going to be a beauty.  The name?  Nero's Forum and I were very impressed as I passed through it a few weeks ago as it was under construction.  You can tell by the name that it will have a Roman theme and I can bet what the waitresses will be wearing; maybe a little taste of what the cocktail waitresses working in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada wear.  There will be twelve (12) TV's located around the place plus two outside.  I haven't seen this before, the bar features brass sheets all around and they cost P3, 500 for each 4x8 sheet.  Guess someone will be hired to polish the brass every day.  The bathroom is well appointed and I did not realize that urinals cost P10, 000 each.  The color scheme was appealing to the eye and it will be easy to keep clean.  The contractor, Sammy Bagang was on the job providing daily supervision and from what I could see, he is doing one hell of a good job.  Nero's Forum is on the top of my list as a place to be in October. 

  Another establishment further up Perimeter road, next to the America Hotel is the Music Ago-go Nite Club, which should be open by the time this article goes to print.  I have watched Ted and Ken supervise the construction of this bar since they first started and I have written it up in previous articles.  On 21 Sep I stopped in and I must say that it will be another "must see" nightclub for the tourists and regulars to check out.  The bar is all marble, lots of room and comfortable seating, well lit and something different, there will not be a DJ booth.  The bathroom is large, clean, and ready for the discharge of excess beer.  One advantage of this location is that it will not be congested and there is plenty of parking.  Put this place on your "must see" list. 

Editor's Note: Harry has asked me to add, that late news in suggests that Music ago-go have run into difficulties. We understand that the building that they have refurbished and developed has no building permit - and therefore can not be opened until one is obtained. Seems the original shell of a building was never completed and therefore never inspected or granted a building permit. This could well be a major problem, and at the very least will delay the projected opening.

While playing pool at Woody's pub I saw some construction just in front.  Being nosy I had to check it out and discovered that Grina, an ex-employee from Kokomo's will be opening a beauty parlor at that location.  It was a coincidence to find that out as I had just taken the time out between games to get a haircut.  The next time I won't have to walk so far.

When I wrote about Woody's pub I was reflecting on the games of pool we had just played and the fun teasing I always enjoyed with Gary McQuilkin, one of the owners.  Sadly, I must report that Gary, a few days ago, passed away after suffering a heart attack.  It was very sudden and many of us that knew Gary are still in a state of shock.  Gary, being from New Zealand will be cremated and his ashes will be shipped home.  I was able to visit the Galang Funeral parlor in Dau to pay my respects and it was a bit sad.  I was the only one there and being used to Philippine funerals where there is always someone present 24 hours a day this was a bit of let down for me.  I know that Gary had a lot of friends and I just happened to show up when only the casket bearing Gary was present and a great feeling of emptiness permeated throughout the room.  I've been told that Gary was only 53 years old; too young to be taken away but then we have no choice in the matter.  Anyway, Gary, wherever you are now, you won't be forgotten by those who knew you and I'm sure a few pints of ale will be tossed down in your memory.

  Last month I promised to try out the meals at the Anvio Coffee House and let you know if I considered it worth a visit.  I took the Mrs. with me and she had a beef dish and I settled for chicken.  We were both pleased with the presentation, portions, taste and cost.  It was not unreasonable and we do plan a return trip.  Again, I will state that I am not happy with their 4 PM opening and feel they would do much better with an 11 AM opening to take care of folks out for a nice lunch.  Anyway, enough said, give it a try and let me know what you think.

Ralph Milward, the local Disabled Veterans Commander is a new reader of Harry the Horse and he has asked that I give a heads up on their new location.  No problem Ralph, you guys look after the many veterans in this area with service-connected disabilities and I am more than happy to oblige.  The local DAV chapter has now re-located its office and copy operation across the street from the RAO/FPO mailroom in the new Health Visions Bldg.  Office hours are 0930 - 1430, Mon thru Fri.  Services are excellent copy service, lamination, VA OPC medication/letter pick up, tel/E-Mail service to VARO and VA OPC.  Stop by and check them out.   By the way, "Mouse" pointed out to me that the new Health Visions façade is painted purple, not pink.  Still looks pink to me but then, many years ago, the Air Force experts told me I was colorblind. 

One of the better Filipino pool players in town, Rick, announces the start of pool lessons every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2:30 - 5:30 PM at the mirrors bar, Clarkton Hotel, Don Juico Ave, Balibago, Angeles City.  A & B players - Thursday; B & C players Friday; C & ladies, Saturday; special session by arrangement and sit-in players are welcome on every session.  The rates are P280.00/session/player and the sit-in fee is P180.00 per player.  I'll be curious to see how this goes as most players can pick up lessons for free from some of the better players in town.  I think that it will be good for beginners to learn the basics and not learn some of the bad habits that could be picked up from freelance instructors.  Rick is a good player with a lot of patience and I wish him well in this endeavor. 

I meant to mention that the Golden Gate has a new manager by the name of Bill John from Tasmania.  He appears to be doing a better job than the previous manager that had to do a quick disappearing act as his credibility in town was diminishing at a very rapid rate. 

Last month I wrote that Jerry of Jerry's Café fame might be taking over the premises occupied by Moon doggies.  On 30 Oct, Moon doggies closed its doors but they will not be opened by Jerry.  It appears that the Filipino owner of the establishment has gone back on his word to Jerry and has accepted an offer from a Korean for what is presumed to be more money.   One learns that verbal agreements or a handshake in this town are not to be relied upon.  Nothing is a "done deal" until it actually happens.  I just hope that another Karaoke bar is not about to be born.

There have been a lot of rumors floating around about John Cummings and Margarita Station.  Some have said that John is selling out; some said that he is having financial difficulties and some have said that his lease is about to run out and JJ's is biting at the bit to take it over for their store/warehouse expansion.  There were so many rumors that I decided to e-mail John and get the straight scoop directly from him.  I am happy to report that all these rumors are just that, unfounded rumors that smell worse than the old Tondo garbage dump.  By the time you read this John will be spending a month on the slopes of Mt. Everest where he hopes to capture a Yeti and sell the photos to the tabloids.  He'll use this money to prop up his sagging empire for another month or two.  His lease is getting short, only has 23 years left on the initial lease before he has to decide whether to exercise the option to extend the lease.  It is a poorly written document, but it does give him the first option to purchase the property in the event the landlord (who is one of the nicest guys in Angeles) decides to sell.  Now, John who adds that business has been excellent and in fact well on the way to best 3-4 month run in Margarita's history provided these words.  John provided other facts but all you have to know is that JC and Margarita Station will be around for many more years and for sure, a lot of people will be happy to know that.

JJ's market continues to do well.  Michelle has slowed the construction on her warehouse complex on the street behind because she is a little cash strapped.  However, within the next six months the project should be complete and then she will be able to double the floor space of JJ's, turning it into a major competitor for Johnny's.  Now, if the city would only do something to get CDC to clean up the mess across the street from Margarita and JJ's and allow construction of adequate parking. 

Thai food is becoming very popular here.  I've mentioned in previous columns that Margarita Station has an excellent, if not the best selection in town; following closely is Kokomo's offering and the Swagman.  The good news is that the Thai lady that runs Trend Travel, opposite the Birds of Paradise will be opening a Thai restaurant next to the travel office sometime in November.  There was a Thai restaurant at that location before and I am sure that the reemergence of Thai cuisine at this location will be most welcome. 

More good news for locals in Angeles City and in Manila in that the con-man/thief Greg Olsen has been captured and is in jail, or at least he was earlier in the month of September.  He was caught trying to steal a color TV for the Hotel Intercontinental in Manila.  Not too smart!

Dennis (the Menace) Mitchell has left Kokomo's in what appears to be a permanent move.  Dennis was a popular figure at Kokomo's and was Mo's right hand man.  Dennis's departure was a friendly one and was motivated only by a desire to enjoy a change of pace.  Kokomo's loss was the Volcano's gain as Dennis is the manager at that location now.  The new job allows him more time off and consistent hours.  Part of his heart still belongs to Kokomo's as he and Mo remain the best of friends but the new job presents new challenges, which Dennis is eager to tackle.   Dennis now has time to attend the Clark Centennial Rotary and is planning to become a member in two more weeks at which time he will jump in and assist with the major project of helping the street children of Angeles City. 

One German visitor returning to his hotel informed the staff that he was returning from "the killing fields".    I guess a night on the town could feel like a "killer" at times.  Recently I had the opportunity to take a visitor from the States out for an evening.  We never did make it to Fields Ave.  He was very happy with visits to the Thi-Hi, Honey-kos and then the Silver Fox.  We had intended to work our way down to Fields but I could not get him to leave the Silver Fox.   

For a fantastic view and convenience of location, when visiting Angeles City consider renting the Studio apartment located on the top floor of the Volcano building, just above Mo's Steak House.  This is a one room, furnished, studio efficiency with refrigerator, stove, cable TV, and full kitchenware.  The rent is P750 a day with a minimum stay of two weeks allowed.  One could stay longer but a pricing package would have to be discussed with Dennis.  A second studio apartment will be available by mid November, and again, for pricing and details on that, talk to Dennis. 

The infamous Santos Street will be getting a partial face-lift in the near future an ex-pat that has already invested 35 million dollars in this town has purchased the property just down from the Caddy Shack on the right hand side.  This is where some people have just put up three semi-legal structures with just enough room for a small bar and a few ladies specializing in some active oral conversations.     These buildings will be torn down and a hotel is planned.  Expect some activity in this direction before the end of the year.  Before any rumors get started, believe me the Daddy big pockets investing all this money is not Mo of Kokomo's. 

It sure is nice, when driving, to be able to turn right at Kokomo's and be able to proceed down the street without too much difficulty.  Someone connected with city government finally used some common sense and decreed that parking would be allowed only on one side of the street.  Sure did ease congestion but I wonder if common sense would ever prevail on the stretch of road from the checkpoint to the Roadhouse.  Guess that would be asking too much. 

The days of those cheap Charlie establishments at Real Plaza (in front of the Chicago Hotel) are numbered.  The city has offered to the Kokomo's group an invitation to develop a Singapore style open-air food court featuring some first class eateries that will have bathrooms and comply with the same regulations that all bars and restaurants have to do now.  Kokomo's will have a 25 year lease and three NGO (non-government organizations) will be situated; tourist assistance; Dept of Tourism; Women's Help Crisis Center.  Not sure when all this will start to be realized but I will keep you posted on the details as they become available. 

Move over gang, a new management team has taken over Greenland Sports Resort.    Bob Hiser and Henry Gueco took over management of this facility on Sunday, 1 Oct.  Bob and Henry are owners of the Wings American VIP Dining (formerly Flying Tiger) and it if felt that bigger and better things will be coming to Greenlands.  John Martin will be retained as a consultant on premises but he and Elvie are looking forward to the opportunity to take a much-needed break from the pressures of running this fine resort by themselves.  On talking to John, he advises that now is the time to look into buying a membership to Greenlands if you have not already done so.  Within 12 months acquisition of the land should be finalized and then plans that have been on hold can become a reality.  Once that happens, the price of membership will skyrocket.  Greenlands Sports Resort is one of the most pleasant, affordable, membership clubs available in this area. 

In September the Streetlights Tavern located on Perimeter Road, Clarkview suffered a daring daylight robber in which the lowlife thieves made off with $3,000 from the Credit Union and shot the male helper in the leg while departing.  The victim was bleeding profusely, as an artery had been hit and medical assistance was requested from Dr. Esmeraldo de Guzman who maintains a clinic nearby.  Regretfully, Dr. de Guzman was already treating an emergency patient and was not able to respond.  He advised that the victim be rushed to a hospital.  It had been rumored that Dr. de Guzman refused to treat the victim because he did not want to get involved.  This is not true.  I spoke with Dr. de Guzman who enjoys an outstanding reputation in this area and he related the problem he had in already treating a patient that he could not abandon.  Happily the victim received necessary medical treatment and has returned to work.  The scary thing is the robbery itself.  This took place in broad daylight, at noon, along a busy thoroughfare.  Thank goodness that injury was limited to only one individual, it could have been much worse. 

I learned today, 4 Oct, that Charles Horne and his International Pacific Airways (IPA) has received all necessary approvals to bring his charter service to Clark.  As more details become available I will report it here.  We need this service at Clark, let us hope that by the end of November we will see IPA become operational.

The Peso continues to fall in value making the US dollar stretch a bit further.  It is a good time to travel to the Philippines and enjoy an exchange rate of P46.57 to the dollar.  Of course this changes daily but it appears that the slide could continue for a while.  This is good for tourists but the everyday expenses for those living here are rising at an alarming level. 

My Mrs, Priscilla the Horse and I were invited to attend a birthday party at the Wings American VIP Dining just off of Friendship, along Perimeter Road.  I have mentioned this eatery before but this is the first time that I have had to opportunity to sample their fine dining.  The host wanted a quiet place with reasonable prices.  A small private room large enough to sit 10 people was provided and we enjoyed excellent service, tasty food and prices that were most reasonable.  There was only one fly in the ointment in that the air-conditioner was not adequate and the room became a bit warm.  Mr. Gueco has promised to rectify that minor glitch and I hope he comes through with that promise.  If so, I would not hesitate to recommend the VIP Dining restaurant as an ideal place for your private dinners and special functions. 

It is enjoyable to receive correspondence (e-mails) from readers of this column.  Sometimes it surprises me that there are folks out there that take the time to read my words and I sure do appreciate the words of praise, criticisms and suggestions.  One reader suggested that I mention the importance of the Americans living in the Philippines to obtain an absentee ballot and be prepared to vote in the upcoming general election.  I have sent mine in and regardless of what I feel about the candidates, it is important that I vote.  If I don't take the time to do so, then I have no right to complain about whoever is elected President or whatever policies come from his administration.  I feel that the President, congressmen and representatives work for me, not the other way around and by golly, this old horse is going to have his say through the ballot box.  Well, Thad, that is my little heads up for our duty to participate in our great democratic process, thanks for suggesting that I give a little push to remind our readers to vote.

For those of you involved with obtaining a fiancé visa, eat your heart out.  A friend of mine, Ed, was able to obtain one in just 2 ½ months.  They have just finished their interview at the Embassy and an approved visa is now in their possession.  Happily they will be able to fly out together on Sunday for Ed's return to the Washington DC area.  This has to be a record of sorts as I have heard that it takes from 4 to 6 months for such a visa to be approved.  Ed's suggestion is that "do it right the first time, have all your ducks in order and be lucky enough to be in the area serviced by the center in Vermont.  Congrats Ed, I wish I could be present for the wedding.

In the near future I hope to obtain one of those fascinating digital cameras that will allow me to take my own pictures to enhance this article.  Beeline John is too busy to follow me around and it is time for me to learn a bit more about all this computer gibberish.  It's hard for us old folks to keep up with the latest innovations but we try.  Regretfully, Viagara can't do everything!  Enough for now, only one more night before the Mrs. and I sit down to enjoy "Miss Saigon" at the Manila Cultural Center.  I hope the folks there remember to be kind to horses.