HarryTheHorse - Angeles City Expat Newsletter for November 2001

Game one of the World Series is on as I start this column and my wonderful Yankees are not looking too good but no problem, everything here in Angeles City is looking OK. Do not be put off by various negative travel advisories put out by our overzealous U.S. State Department who does not have one employee living in Angeles City. They would rather spend their excessive pay in Makati and could not handle the good life here on Fields Ave. Seriously folks, yes, there are areas in the South that a tourist should stay away from but for those of you familiar with Angeles City, believe me, it is safer here than working in a Post Office in New York or Washington D.C. After spending one month in Las Vegas, I must say that I am very happy to be back here where I hear more English being spoken than I did back there. It is regrettable that the U.S. Government has not passed a law making English the national language of the United States. The attitudes of many immigrants (both legal and illegal) in the Southwest appear to be "we don't have to learn English, Americans MUST learn Spanish. Where is that "melting pot" I keep hearing about? So, don't get frustrated with your job, leave your fears behind, get away from all those fat American/Australian women, give up on waitresses with attitudes, take a break from Bin Laden and Anthrax, jump on a plane and visit us in Angeles City where the ladies are still slim, good looking and very, very friendly.

BUSINESSMEN'S LUNCHEON

Usually, because of the Friday pool league, I do not get a chance to join the monthly businessmen's luncheon held at various venues around town. It made me very happy to be able to attend the last one at the Top End bar, Don Juico Ave as it was a special meeting to give remembrance to Ken Slide, an 81 year old Brit/Aussie who passed away in October after a brief stay in the hospital that just saw old age catch up with him. Ken was well liked and is remembered for starting up the Australian RSO many years ago. His passing was unexpected and once again, the ex-pat businessmen in town were able to demonstrate the uniqueness of being part of this small town environment in that business is important but when a fellow ex-pat is in need, folks do come together with a helping hand. The Angeles City Medical Center (AMC) would not release Ken's body until the hospital bill was paid. No problem, the Businessmen's Luncheon committee dipped into their funds and came up with P50,000 and at the "go around" during the luncheon another P30, 000 was raised. We will all miss Ken but he would be proud of the send-off he received and he earned his niche in the Angeles City Ex-pat history book. I do believe that Ken would have enjoyed the costumes worn by the waitresses of the Top End and all the lads were hoping that the new attire would be permanent.


Business Men's Luncheon Attendees	Too many for one picture

ORCHID INN ANNEX

Business might be slow but you could not tell it at the Orchid Inn. The new annex is beautiful and the entire complex is booked solid beginning in November. Under construction is a new girlie bar that is right next to the swimming pool. The rooms at the annex feature split air-conditioners (1 1/2 HP), 25" Kolin TV's, digital in room guest safe and also internet connection. You could not ask for a better management team than Ken, Ken and Neal who are constantly striving to make this the best hotel in town. You sure can't beat the location, especially if one does not have transportation. As soon as you walk out the door barhopping can commence after only a few steps.

WELCOME BACK WALLY

The Clarkton Hotel has never been the same since Wally left but after a few months out of country I am happy to report that he has returned. He will be active with Blackjacks, and the new Exotica Club (previously known as Private Dancer). Exotica will have a soft opening on 30 Oct and a grand opening on Friday, 2 Nov. They will feature a live band but to keep it interesting a new band will appear every 15 days. Should be interesting and I will report on it in December.

A REASON TO VISIT

Each person has their own particular reason for visiting and spending time in certain bars. Many folks like to visit those places where they can get the most enjoyment for a reasonable price. One of the attractions is to be able to enjoy the company of a lady without having to take her out of the bar to be heard. It is difficult to carry on an intimate conversation in bars that constantly play loud music. I have found that bars such as Stinger, Jolly Frog, Shifty Nifty's, Bubbles, Misty's, Blue K and Honey-Ko's offer that certain ambience that allows a very quiet conversation in which one just wants to talk and talk for a couple of hours. The advantage is that the conversation can be just as rewarding as when one is taken out for dinner and at a much more reasonable cost. More and more bars are offering the entertainment that you, the tourist, are seeking. The fun is here to be had as dancers reveal more and more of their natural talents.

ANNUAL AUSTRALIA DAY FIESTA 2002

While attending a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Bar-B-Q at the Bonanza last month I ran into a few of the Angeles City RSL members that wanted to get the word out about their Australia Day Fiesta next year. Even though it is a bit early, an event this big needs a bit of advance publicity and planning. I have to thank Cobb for the information that follows:

The inaugural Annual Australia Day Fiesta, organized by the Angeles City RSL, will be held from 24 to 27 Jan 2002, in Balibago, Angeles City Philippines.

Social events get under way with an Australian Wine and Cheese tasting at the Swagman Narra Hotel on 24 Jan. A Paul Hogan Night barbecue at the Bonanza Hotel on Friday, 25 Jan launches the Australia Day weekend festivities. Cuts of prime Aussie meats; drinks at Happy Hour prices and a live band featuring Australian music get the weekend off to a flying start.

The highlight of the Fiesta will be a Curry Cook-Off Competition to be held on Australia Day, Saturday 26 Jan. To provide an Australian flavor, contestants will bake a damper to complement their curries. Damper is unleavened bread made from flour and water and was the staple diet of stockmen in the Australian outback. From around 8 AM chefs and cooks from restaurants, hotels and service organizations, will begin slicing and dicing ingredients and blending herbs and spices to come up with the most original and tastiest curry and damper to win the Curry Cook-Off Competition.

For energetic and sports minded visitors, there'll be Lawn Bowls, Pool, Darts and Golf tournaments, plus a special Hash House Harriers Beach Run, to complement the Fiesta's many family oriented social activities. Sporting events end with a limited over knockout Cricket Competition at the Parade Grounds on Clark Field on Sunday, 27 Jan.

Funds raised during the Fiesta will aid various local charities already supported by the Angeles City RSL - such as the Camsumpang Primary School in Mabalacat.

Travel packages, including airfares and accommodation, will be available from Swagman Travel in Australia and the Philippines.

For competition entry details, sponsorship and further information on this event contact the Angeles City RSL at:

Email: angelesrsl@hotmail.com
Tel: (045) 892-2702 ++ 63 45 892-2702
Tel/Fax: (045) 332-1372 ++ 63 45 332-1372
Mail: PO Box 53820, Angeles City, 2009, Philippines


Percy, Jerry, Ron	Enjoying a good feed at Bonanza Hotel

HEALTH VISIONS HOSPITAL

The controversial site of the proposed Health Visions Hospital where Dr. DeGuzman is battling in court to stay on at is now up for sale. Health Visions has changed its plans and if DeGuzman loves the location so much he can now buy it for himself. The new location for a three story Health Visions Hospital (no elevators) will be at the site that was recently cleared near the Villa Modesto Hotel. Mr. Jones has informed me that it will be operational no later than 1 Jun 2002. Lets hope so!

STAYING HEALTHY

It has been said over the years that married men live longer than single men though I can't see how since single men seem happier than married men, at least in Angeles City. Health Visions must be subscribing to the married man living longer and happier philosophy since Willie Mitchel, a Health Visions Representative married the charming Roda Baldos on 19 Oct and greeted many guests at the reception held at Teresa's Function Hall at Villa Teresa. This function hall is relatively new and I welcomed the opportunity to see it. It is a beautiful building and I liked the spaciousness and the ample room for parking. Mitch, I don't know who prepared the food but it was great. Congrats on your marriage and I wish you and Roda many "Healthy" years together


Roda & Willie united in love	Don - where's the tank top?

TICKLE THAT G-SPOT

The G-Spot has opened (Previously Bubbles) its doors to the public and it is proving to be a very nice, comfortable bar to visit. This reporter was there for the soft opening and I am not going to jump up and say it was a fantastic night or that the bar offers anything that other bars in town do not. I will say that it is a nice addition to Fields Avenue and well worth stopping in for a few hours to drink and enjoy the atmosphere. The management has provided a clean, well laid out facility that allows room to relax and to be able to see the entire bar area wherever you are seated. The fact that the music is kept down to a reasonable level is a plus. The shower set up on the stage is a nice touch and it is larger than the one at Cleopatras. The G-Spot ladies are fun and you HAVE to stop by to see the two sisters, one is 18 (Virgin) and the other is 19 (a bit more experienced). One could really let his imagination go wild with this twosome. They are both good looking and very personable. I bet that they will not be working too long before some heavy courtship takes place and they are permanent house guests of some guys that have fallen in love. Lets see how long it takes. Meanwhile, work continues on Ayers Rock (formerly Thunderstruck) and we should see an opening rather soon.


We're ready to shower	The Boss with his "G" Girls.

Lovely Bookends	Sisterly Love

RISTORANTE VERONA

Just after I left for the States the Ristorante Verona opened for business and I had intended to check it out upon my return. While in the States reports reached me that the food was less than impressive, especially for the price. Chris, the chef had related his experiences as a chef in England and I had hoped that he would be successful here. I guess an English chef should shy away from attempting Italian food as I found out that Kokomo's has taken over the management of Ristorante Verona. They have made extensive changes to the menu including the addition of pizza, a soup of the day plus added some popular Continental dishes. Verona was originally Mo's Steak Place, but underwent extensive renovations by the Champagne Group who added a full cover over the terrace dining area plus a new plush interior. I stopped by there one Saturday night and it was a bit crowded. As soon as a bit more time goes by I will give it a go and provide an opinion next month.

BAR CLOSINGS

Cuddles - Gone for good! Cuddles was one of Angeles City's better bars. In the end the location was too out of the way for the mainstream traffic. Actually, things would have been better if the parking area was not surrounded by some cheap Charlie places that kind of drew a bad element to the area and it was kind of dark at night. Tony has to be complimented for hanging in there for so long and his good food at reasonable prices will be missed. Word is that the mamasan and about 40 of the dancers are joining the ACBars.com group in Ziggy's or King of Diamonds.

Blue Dolphin Bar - Reopening in November with some minor renovations. The dancers are taking up space in the Las Vegas Bar.

Golden Gate - This was never a place that gained any popularity. Run by Koreans that had no idea what to do with this barn like structure it is one place that will not be missed. There are no immediate plans to reopen.

Ziggy's - The staff have been moved to Love Boat (now the Cottontail Club). Rumor is that a Korean is going to rent it and put a karaoke inside (whoopee, just what we need, another Karaoke bar, no wonder North Korea never developed.)

Splash - Not closed but sold to a new owner. Overall management remains with the ACBars.com Group. The day-to-day operations will be handled by Angeles old timer Kel Gallagher. Somehow, as Kel goes limping around town these many years he has remained a survivor of many ups and downs. Under Kel's watchful eyes let us see if Splash remains a "splash" or just turns into a "dribble". Welcome back to town Kel, glad to hear that you have recovered from your recent medical problems.

Love Boat - Still open (nearly closed) but renamed the Cottontail Club. It's a lingerie bar. They have a new high energy manager (Troy) who has injected some much needed life into the place. The lingerie is stunning and sexy.

BAD BLOOD BREWING

The bad blood causing a great deal of anger followed a scathing review on one of the Angeles bulletin boards by a bar owner about another bar owner's restaurant causing some very hard feelings to develop. It's not over yet. (Not Harry the Horse folks).

CYBER-SISTERS INTERNET CAFÉ

The Cyber-Sisters Internet Café has been closed. The plug was pulled on 27 Oct. It's rumored that Kokomo's is expanding its Internet facilities to take up the slack. Word is that the Jade Cool on-line bar will relocate to Makati in a deal with one of the larger bar owners down there and Mark Smith with the owners of Insomnia/After Dark are planning to start a similar operation.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Mo is looking to sell out his holdings in Angeles City. Anyone interested in purchasing Kokomos and six (6) other bars can negotiate with Mo directly or by Email at Mo@kokomoz.com. I found this hard to believe but it appears that Mo is quite serious. Running such a large operation is not pressure free and Mo feels it is time to relax a bit more and enjoy life in Angeles City. Recent minor renovations to Kokomos has enhanced the appeal of this popular gathering place. They've opened up the entire front area on Fields Ave and Santos Street and are calling it "the Porch". It is great for girl watching and every Saturday they are doing a Porch Party from 5 to 8 PM. Seems some of the guys are bringing their own funny signs to show the girls. One guy had "Lady Bed Spacer wanted. No experience necessary. For more information call XXX-XXXX" - he got 4 calls and met 3 of the girls.

Besides the Porch, Mo has converted the old snack bar/sandwich shop on Fields Ave to the Rib Shack and is now offering Skip's Ribs. Old timers will remember Skip's restaurant located on Perimeter Rd. It was one of the most popular rib houses in town. When Mrs. Horse (Priscilla) and I went to sample them the other night, they were completely sold out. Guess this has become a very popular item on the menu. Instead, Mrs. Horse tried the Cajun chicken that was tasty once she got to the meat but she was less than thrilled with the skin that was more like a shell; very unusual! We sat at a booth near the back door and it was a bit hot but when I suggested a fan be installed Mo had it up the next day. It is not often that a suggestion from a customer is acted on that quickly. Exhaust fans will be installed in the Rib Shack to cut down on the heat thereby making it more comfortable for customers sitting in the booths close to where the ribs are being cooked.

BIRTHDAY PARTY

Nov 3rd is Mo's annual birthday party. The event is being held at Voodoo and later moving to Love Boat. Mo's giving away free drinks from 7 till 9 and there will be free food at 10 PM in the love Boat. On 10 Nov there will be a combination birthday bash/bachelor party (a friend of Mo's is marrying an ex-Margarita Station waitress) for Mo and three other Angeles City regulars. It will start with a Wet T-Shirt contest (yes, another one) at Kokomo's and followed by a bar hop. There will be a special event in each of the bars. You can get more details on their web site: www.acbars.com.

SAYING HELLO

It is nice to be able to say "hello" to the good guys that return to Angeles City for a visit. One of those "guys" is simply known as "Uncle George" and he does make frequent visits to this part of the world. Uncle George used to have interests, along with a few other lads here in 13 bars along Fields Ave. He is one of those trusting souls that lent money to various people with just a handshake as his contract. As I have warned many people coming here, a handshake will simply not work. Some folks just do not keep their word or honor their obligations. Sadly, Uncle George found this out the hard way but keeps hoping that things will work out positively. Meanwhile George enjoys coming here to look up old acquaintances and would like Bruce Silverman and Harry Murphy to know he is back in town and looking forward to seeing them again. I bet even Bruce and Harry would agree with me when I say certain people just can't be trusted, especially in this town. By the way, if you are ever in Spokane, WA Uncle George recommends the Riverview Thai Restaurant, Flour Mill, for those that want a taste of the real good, genuine Thai food and tell Carl Wilson you read about it here; should be good for a free glass of water!

SWAGMAN'S MISS BUDWEISER 2001 CONTEST

On 18 Oct Swagman hosted the Miss Budweiser 2001 contest and it was a beautiful event. The evening was perfect and Angeles Electric Co. is to be thanked for not turning off the electricity the entire evening. It was an entertaining evening and the price of a ticket included a nice meal plus the pleasure of seeing some very beautiful ladies. One of the judges was Miss Mabalacat 2001, 17 year old Miss Hazel S. Pecson and she was definitely a fine looking judge. In addition to the local ladies in the contest the Blue K, Volcano and Champagne bars entered their representatives. Two ladies stood out, numbers 11 and 15 and Blue K's Louie and I had a small wager on who would be number one. My pick ended up being the runner-up and Louie won with his number one pick. The point is we did pick the top two and that should qualify us as judges for next year's contest. I was extremely impressed with the gown portion of the contest as I must say each gown was beautiful and the local designers must be complimented. Well done Swagman and for sure it would be nice to "have a Miss Bud", oops, I mean "a Bud".


Hazel Pecson - a beautiful 17 Year old judge.	Runner up but my choice for # 1

Miss Budweiser - 2001 - Louie's Choice	Beautiful Line-up

Happiness is hugging a Budweiser executive

THE ABAD SANTOS STREET MESS

A few months ago I was excitedly relating to the readers of this column that at last construction of the drainage system along Abad Santos street commenced and that it would continue all the way up to Friendship. Now, for three weeks everything has been at a standstill with an open drainage that was dangerous, unhealthy and smelled terrible. Finally, on 27 Oct most of the open ditches were filled in with dirt but why is construction at a standstill? A source in City Government indicated that the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) quit funding the project. It appears that the money ran out but it is hoped that construction will begin again sometime in November. We can only keep our fingers crossed but it is a sad state of affairs for those establishments that are trying to run a business on Abad Santos Street. Now business owners are worried that construction will start again, dig some ditches, and then stop in front of their stores with lack of funds being the excuse again. It is sure a nice way to make a difficult economic situation worse. Come on CDC, get moving and finish what you have started.

We smell good - come see us.

TOP END

The Top End bar towards the end of Fields Ave has just completed some renovations that have improved the interior. The place looks a bit larger now and is definitely more efficient in its operation. It is another example of trying to make things better to attract more customers and to keep them happy. One person that could make any customer happy is Eunice and she is definitely a nice asset to have on board at the Top End. Pop in, say hello to Eunice and tell her that Harry the Horse sent you. I haven't found a "filly of the Month" this time but I think Eunice will make a rather nice stand-in for November.

Eunice is "nice".

GREENLANDS - MEMBERS SEEK ANSWERS

Over the last few months I have heard many members of the old Greenlands Sports Resort grumbling about their status with the new Company formed by owner Greg McDougall. It appears that existing members feel their memberships are in limbo as they are not a member of Ausworld or the New Greenland Recreational Park, Company. Members are unhappy with the lack of any definite information coming from Greg on exactly what they can expect as far as recognizing their current memberships and what additional fees they will be expected to pay in order to remain, if they so desire, members of the Greenlands Recreational Park. There are so many questions and frustration that an Email address has been created whereby frustrated members may register to obtain more information by giving his name and G.S.R. membership number (frustrated2001@hotmail.com).

On 27 Oct I sat down with Greg and related to him what I have been hearing, especially that sources had relayed to me that on more than one occasion he had been heard to say "that he did not give a damm about the Charter members and could care less if they remained members or not". Greg was very forthcoming and I was impressed with his comments and believe that he is aggressively seeking a fair approach to this problem that is far more complicated than most members realize. He indicated that a very important meeting will take place on 9 Nov, after which he is sure that he can be making some definite announcements on what current members can expect. The following comments from Greg are quoted here: "All old members are to be catered to. Details have not been released for legal reasons and not to mislead members. I have engaged the Antonio Carpio law firm and the SGV Accounting Firm to assist me. There will be a meeting on 9 Nov to establish a fair membership arrangement for existing members of the previous Greenlands Sports Resort. The existing members should realize that in actual fact their memberships in the former Greenlands were all illegal and the new owners could have just cancelled their memberships and not absorb them into the new Sports Club. However, we believe that there would be no Club if it wasn't for the previous members and they deserve to be absorbed into the new Club on a preferential basis. The existing members are all of various ages, health, and financial standing. This has been taken into account and there are several categories of memberships becoming available".

Like many of us, when pressured, we may say things in anger that we really did not mean. So it is with Greg and the words that were said in regards to not caring about the current members does not reflect what he actually feels. I am one of those members and it concerned me a great deal when I heard about those most negative comments. But, at this time I believe the words of Greg, especially since he took the time to talk to me and knew that I would be quoting him here. Whatever action takes place, I am sure that not all members will be 100% satisfied for just like in show business, "you can't satisfy all the people, all the time" but you darn sure can try. Lets be patient and wait until the entire meal is cooked, served and consumed before we look for the positives/negatives. A year from now Greenlands will be one of the finest clubs in the area and I hope to be an active member as I am taking Greg at his word that there is a membership option that will fit each and every one of us. Please Greg, don't disappoint us!

SEEKING JUSTICE

It seems that a company (Foreign owned) will have no problems as long as they are not making a profit but as soon as the chance for profit comes about, then lets get rid of them and bring in a local company. Dr. Angeles does not like the exclusivity right of ground handling service given to CAGSHI claiming it is against the Philippine Constitution. Needless to say this contract (Joint Venture Agreement - JVA) was prepared and given to CAGSHI by a previous CDC administration and no one complained while Mr. Lynch sunk over three million dollars into an operation that hardly had any planes landing at Clark over the last five years. This is a very controversial conflict that has high visibility and is a concern to anyone desiring to do business inside the Clark Economic Zone (CSEZ) and to all those that are hoping that the DMIA will become fully operational. I was able to sit in court the whole day watching the proceedings in the court of the Honorable Omar T. Viola (Judge) who was very impressive and quite fair to both parties. I can see why these court proceedings take so long as they use stenographers using short hand to record what is said and nearly every word has to be repeated at least two times so the ladies can understand what is being said. Modern technology is definitely not present in the Philippine court room. Mr. Lynch is represented by the Law Firm of Panlilio Paras & Timbol. During the court proceeding the CDC lawyers seemed to be stumbling all over themselves but Mr. Panlilio was able to show why he is a much sought after lawyer. Believe me, if anyone in Angeles City requires a good lawyer give Mr. Panlilio a call. The office is located across from Marlim Mansions, Diamond Subd. and no, I do not get any commissions for this recommendation. The TRO extension was granted and Judge Viola made it very clear that the CDC must comply, completely. Now, who is right in this matter and how will it end? I have my opinion and as is normal in such a high profile controversy, so do many other people. Mr. Lynch appears to be legally right and is prepared to fight his case in the courts. CDC, well, they have an ax to grind and President Angeles is sharpening it every night and is prepared to go to the wall on this as well. Right now, there are no winners but the losers are the Pampanga people who are hoping that President Macapagal-Arroyo will assist in developing the DMIA. Anything that holds up this development can only hurt a lot of people and the economy of this area. It might be asking too much but wouldn't it be nice if a compromise, suitable to both parties could be worked out? But then, this is a Third World Country and compromises are usually one sided or in lieu of compromise, a more direct, violent approach is resorted to. Let us hope, in this instance, this will not be the case.

JOHN MARTIN NEARS THE END

Another victim of injustice is John Martin, previous owner of Greenlands Sports Resort. I have written about John a few times in this column and how many that know him are saddened about the way he was so obviously set up in a drug raid on his house and how he has struggled through the tedious, abusive, frustrating legal system that all too many ex-pats are exposed to when trying to live in this country. At a recent visit John was optimistic that at long last he may have gone through his last hearing and a final outcome may be realized this month. This is after 10 days under Task Force detention, 13 days in jail and 114 days of hospitalization under 24 hour guard. John's mental state (extremely depressed) and medical condition are not good. He has one dead artery to the heart that can never be repaired. No by-pass operation would be beneficial. He is on concentrated medication to restrain the disease from spreading. John stated "he could be here today, gone tomorrow, or outlive you, who knows or cares". I am sure that a lot of people do care John. Regardless of what personal opinions people might have of John, good or bad, no one likes to see such a travesty of justice be brought upon a fellow ex-pat. If the law is applied fairly then he should be able to walk away a free man, but at what cost? Financially, it has been an awesome burden, mentally, stress leading to near fatal heart attacks, and medically he is struggling just to see the light of day each morning. If he does get his "get out of jail card" then, because of threats on his life, John will no doubt leave Angeles City but not necessarily the country. Whatever, I hope that soon, I will be able to render a final report and render this beleaguered man a final handshake as he departs for a safe haven where he can regain his strength and a peaceful lifestyle, free of stress.

A tired, frustrated John Martin.

It is nearly time for turkeys to be heading for cover as Thanksgiving day will be here this month and before you know it, Christmas time again. This Horse will be donning his Santa Suit again to appear at various events in order to seek donations for my annual Christmas Eve visit to two hospitals in the area. At that time Mrs. Horse and I give out food packages, toys, candy and money to each and every patient. It is our private charity and my way of being thankful for another healthy year of life. If any organization or individual in Angeles City requires a Santa for any event please contact Mrs. Horse at 45-322-7984. Our fee is reasonable, just donate items that can be added to our gift package.
Thank goodness the Pilgrims of long ago decided on turkey meat and not horse meat, so remember folks, be kind to horses!