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SEPTEMBER 2001 There are times when I sit down to write this column that I look at a blank screen for many minutes because I can't quite find the words to start me off in the right direction. There is much to cover this month but I will take a few words to address a couple of comments that I saw on the Go2Phil message board. First, it is not my intent to "cheerlead" the bigger, fancy bars nor am I under any "pressure" to do so. Sorry folks, it is just that the new bars that have opened up on Fields Ave recently have been bigger and fancier than what has opened in the past. Is this the latest trend? It appears to be so and I am simply reporting what is happening at this time. Does this mean that I am not supportive of the smaller clubs that exist and the few that have opened recently? Absolutely not! Most often, my social bar hopping will revolve around the smaller clubs where the owners/managers are easy to find and talk to. There are different strokes for different folks and the budgets of tourists and permanent residents are varied as well. Visitors will find that there is another trend developing and that is more bars are opening further up on Perimeter Road, going towards Friendship. Many tourists do not get beyond the Checkpoint as there is enough action along Fields to keep them occupied but the word is spreading that one's budget can be stretched by taking a jeepney a bit further along Don Juico Ave (Perimeter Road), alighting just past the Petron gas station and start walking towards the Clarkton Hotel. You will be passing many of the smaller bars that I have mentioned during the four years that this column has been published. Another comment I noticed is why did I not keep my promise to follow-up on the status of the legal action involving the two clubs that I wrote about in July? Simply because it was a moot point! I admit that I should have at least mentioned that matters have been settled out of court and that both parties have requested that no more be said. I respect that and hopefully, all of you reading this column will do the same. I agree with those of you that said that this is basically a "gossip" column and it is not my intent to lay claim to any degree of literary talent but I will disagree with those that say "nothing is to be believed". I do try to let readers know what is going on in town and try to present as many "facts" as possible. Recently I have learned to try and confirm rumors and to get both sides of an item when it involves two different parties. Additionally, I do offer opinions and readers can feel free to agree or disagree with those. I appreciate the E-mails that readers have sent to me and I do respond to each one. Many are complimentary and it makes me feel good, some are critical and those are answered as well and quite often, constructive criticism has helped me to learn more about how to write and to cover subjects that I may not have thought of. Now that I have overcome the "blank screen" let's get to the "gossip!"SO LONG MATE! A difficult task for John Holmes was to find a replacement for Owen. Who in the world could match the dynamic personality that over the years brought so much life and character to the Phoenix? Believe it or not, there is one person that could fill those big shoes and John was wise enough to bring him down from La Union. The one and only big guy, well-known personality and man about town, the "Pig"! I met Pig many years ago when he was running Maverick City and since then he has managed a number of bars in town, went to work in Cambodia, then returned to work in La Union. He and Owen were good mates and Pig is just about as well known in the ex-pat community as Owen was. I would suspect that if Owen were tasked to pick his own replacement, he would have chosen the "Pig". John Holmes is to be commended for the dignified, calm, professional manner in which he handled this tragedy and looked after the many details requiring his personal attention. The gathering at the Phoenix after the Mass was a statement to Owens's popularity as the bar was filled to capacity and overflowed to the pool area. Owen helped the Phoenix "rise from the ashes" and now his ashes will become part of the Phoenix legend. May he rest in peace. LATE BREAKING NEWS - Just as this month's article was about to be printed I was informed by a trusted source that the killers of Owen have been caught. One is in jail in Angeles City and the other two are confined outside of Angeles (Manila and Samar). My information is that the vermin were caught by "accident" but I do not have any further details at this time. A relative that he pissed off turned in the AC perp. He confessed because he did not know Owen died and thought he would only be charged with robbery. Giving up the names of the other two. Lawyer tried to get bail; it was refused because he is being charged with murder. JOHN MARTIN UPDATE If anyone needs a reminder that those of us permanently residing here have chosen to do so in a Third World Country that is corrupt from the top down, then look no further than John Martin. As reported last month, John and his wife Elvie were victims of a very obvious set-up by police officials that barged into his home at 7:40 AM on June 14 and as 10 policeman scattered throughout the house they conveniently "discovered" shabu, (in the kitchen) and a gun (under the bed mattress) and sums of money in various parts of the house. Naturally they had to make a big deal about the money despite the fact that John was in the process of having his dream house constructed which anyone knows requires having cash on hand to pay for materials and labor. I will not relate all the details of what has happened since that day other than mention that I have a detailed letter from John and I have had the opportunity to visit him in hospital this month and conduct a very informative interview. He is presently confined at the Angeles University Foundation Hospital (AUF) with a prison guard with him 24 hours a day. His health is precarious because of his heart condition, which required a Coronary Angiography at the Gov't. Heart Center in Quezon City and it was decided that a Bi-pass operation would not help. On his return to AUF from the Heart Center his guard was instructed to handcuff him to the bed, which at the very least was a bit of an overkill in the restraint department. This lasted one day as the handcuffs were removed only because of the actions by Elvie, John's attorney, the doctors and the Liaison officer at the Australian Embassy. John has his suspicions as to who set him up but for now he is putting his faith in the court system, which at this stage he feels is being fair. He has not complaints with the treatment he is receiving from the guards or the warden of the prison that is a separate law enforcement system from the Philippine National Police (PNP). This experience is costing John a great deal of money not to mention what it cost to separate Elvie from the clutches of the "system" and the price of proving his innocence increases with each passing day. John is optimistic that he will be found not guilty or even have the charges dropped without going to trial but his dreams for a comfortable, happy life in the Philippines are shattered. All he can do now is hope that his health holds up long enough for the Justice system to release him and then he can try to put his new life together again which by necessity will not be in Angeles City. John has mentioned that he has already been advised that remaining in Angeles City would not be good for his health. Meanwhile, it reminds all foreigners how precarious our existence is here and how a happy, comfortable life can be brought to an abrupt stop, either by being murdered or at the hands of a less than honest legal system. The Horse will continue to keep in touch with John in order to bring you the end results of this case and hopefully, it won't take much longer. PROPERTIES FOR SALE Now that I've covered all the sad news for those of you that have a few extra dollars in your pocket and feel you would like to invest in this area I have been informed of a couple of deals that are out of my income but may interest someone out there. Firstly, how about coming up with US$ 3 Million to purchase the total Swagman Group of Companies or if that is too much then the various properties can be purchased separately. This is a turnkey operation comprised of 4 Hotels and 13 Travel Agencies, and a Rent-A-Car Company. The Swagman Group claims that they are currently grossing over US$ 3,5000,000 annually. Owner financing is available, good terms, trade or exchange considered. Serious inquiries can be directed to Mr. Rodney Hegerty, Swagman Hotels & Travel, Inc., S.L. Orosa St. Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, Angeles City 2009, Philippines, Tel. 63-45-322-5133. You can reach Rod by E-mail as well at: rodh@swaggy.com/rodney or hegerty@hotmail.com. You can access their web site at www.swaggy.com.Now, in case you are not interested in a business adventure and would rather just settle down in a fantastic home and you have US$ 189,000 available then call up www.geocities.com/the tropics/equator/4445 and see what Don Hildreth is offering. It is an Estate Home situated on three (3) lots in Sunset Valley Mansions, a prestigious community only minutes from Clark Air Make sure when you call about these properties you say you read it in Harry the Horse, maybe I can get a free Thai Dinner out of it from the Swagman or have Don treat me to a feast at Margarita Station. THUNDERBIRDS
Put 2-3 Oct on your calendar, as that is when the United States Air Force (USAF) Thunderbirds Demonstration Team will be at Clark to provide two days of precision flying that will blow your mind. It will be a fun day for the young and old as the Philippine Air Force will be hosting an Open House as well and I am sure that there will be various aircraft on display as well as other entertaining events. At this time I have not received any input as to what is planned but am sure that schedules and itineraries will be forthcoming in the local press. It has been many years since I had the opportunity to see the Thunderbirds and regretfully I will be in Las Vegas until 7 Oct so will miss this opportunity to see them. Hopefully, my family will be able to get out to see the show and they can tell me all about it. FILLY OF THE MONTH One day before going to press I discovered this month's Filly while visiting Rick at Rick's Cafe on Fields Ave. He introduced me to this charming employee working in his telephone office. Her name is Nancy Calara, 20 years old, single, from Palimpe, Masantol, Pampanga. She completed a 2 year computer secretarial college course and is now enjoying her first job and the opportunity to gain experience in her chosen field. Nancy does not have a boyfriend but hopes to find that right guy who is hard working, easy to be with and able to support a family. She likes traveling and generally, is a stay at home young lady. She is the only girl in her family but has 5 brothers so anyone courting her had better be very nice to her. You can communicate with Nancy at her E-mail address, nanshe81@hotmail.com or drop by Rick's Cafe when in town and say hello.
HUNGER STRIKE The Aug 12th issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that leaders of the foreign detainees that are on a hunger strike at the Bureau of Immigration detention center in Taguig, Metro Manila, were forcibly taken from their jail and transferred to other prisons in an apparent attempt to break up the protest action. Canadian Raymond Jackson and seven others were removed and placed in different locations. They are protesting overcrowding in their cell and unhygienic conditions. They are also protesting denial of their basic human rights (bail and a free trial), lack of medical attention and the slow review of their cases. They claim illegal arrests and that immigration officials routinely extort money from them (what else is new). Some things do progress slowly in the Philippines but these protesters appear to be having it a bit harder than those foreigners reported arrested in Manila well over a month ago to include Mark Edwards, who is well known in Angeles City. They were part of a very extensive illegal telemarketing operation that bilked millions out of innocent victims. A source has informed me that when arrested, bail was made for them but upon release, the Immigration authorities immediately detained them. Reports reaching me indicate that they are being housed in a Manila hotel with wife/girlfriend visitation privileges. Life may be a bit tedious for them but they appear to be living in luxury compared to those on a hunger strike. The bottom line appears to be "if you want to walk - money talks". PRIVATE DANCER II
Private Dancer 2 is closed for renovations but owner, Mr. Atle Haug, from Norway informed me that it is due to open in October and will feature Country and Western music with the music performed by a live band. Atle is also the owner of Black Jack and he has done a good job at making that a very pleasant bar to visit when barhopping. DOG HOUSE
FREDDIES BACK It was believed that the Red and White Restaurant on Don Juico Ave was closed after Denmark Freddie was seen closing up late one night with the employees taking their belongings and then his leaving the country. It was surprising to see him back and getting ready to partially reopen again on Tuesday, 21 Aug with the restaurant and then the full opening of the upstairs on 1 October. His quick departure back to Denmark was an attempt to save his marriage but things did not work out so he returned to the country where broken hearts are quickly mended. Freddie indicated that he would never give up on his business here and was anxious to get back in the action. Good luck Freddie and we all hope that you do a better job with the hamburgers. For excellent samples check out the burgers at the Blue Boar Inn and Mustang Sally's! GREENLANDS
Sorry folks, once again I must report that the promised date that the new membership/dues structure at Greenlands would be announced has been changed from 1 Sep to sometime in October. The explanation given by Gregg is that documentation required by the SEC was not prepared on time and this has caused a delay. Meanwhile construction continues and updated pictures will be featured in next months column. LINDA'S TEXAS BAR-B-Q
After attending the opening of the Blue Nile and Cleopatras I was a bit hungry and decided to check out Linda's Texas Bar-B-Q restaurant opposite Cleopatras. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a comfortable little place with air-conditioning, a bathroom and delicious food at a very reasonable cost. It was late and I did not want anything heavy so settled on Linda's beef stew which was excellent. Linda herself was on hand to cook up this hearty dish and it was fun to talk to her. Hubby, from Texas of course, was home sick but Linda, a very hard working lady told me her schedule that made me feel like a slouch. This eatery is open 24 hours and I think Linda only gets a few hours sleep a day. I plan to take Priscilla (Mrs. Horse) there to sample the spareribs, as that is one of her favorite menu items. I'm trying to figure out how to sample everything on the menu and remain on my diet. One thing is for sure, for the budget minded this is one place you want to put on your "good deal for the money" list.
THREE DAYS! Beverly, a well know ex-pat in town that enjoys a drink or two and a good meal at the Phoenix Hotel celebrated his birthday at Treasure Island one night last month. Feeling a bit feisty, Bev found himself on stage where one of the ladies affixed one of those transfer tattoos to a certain part of his anatomy which turned out to be long enough to take it and tended to increase in length as the lady was patiently affixing it in place. Upon seeing Beverly a few days later I had to ask if the tattoo was still in place. Bev replied that it took three days of showering to remove it but the memory of that night still brought a big smile to his face. It indeed, was a very happy birthday and the management of Treasure Island is to be commended for a job well done!
FIRST TIME EVER Friday night boxing @ the Hang-out was a one time event (we hope). Late evening Wayne R. and Wille decided to have a go @ each other and Wayne ended up with a split lip. This is the Hang-outs first altercation ever, and must go down in the running history of this history of this fine establishment. We must thank Damien, the peacekeeper for his efforts in keeping the physical damage to a minimum. OPENING NIGHTS The first Friday of August saw the opening of two clubs on Fields Ave, the Blue Nile and Cleopatras. The Blue Nile was all that it was hyped up to be and I did mention in last month's column what to expect. I wanted to include some pictures of the opening but when the smoke machine began its job the pictures I took did not come out well enough to include here. Needless to say, the place was packed and it was very difficult to move around. Everyone I talked to was impressed except Cliff Wilsey who was disappointed that no food was being served. I did not stay long at the Nile because of the crowd and the fact that I wanted to check out Cleopatras. This was less crowded but interesting enough to keep me interested for a couple of hours. In fact, I was impressed with this new drinking spot despite the air-conditioning breaking down, excess water on the floor (from the shower on stage) and a couple of broken chairs. These were opening night glitches that have been corrected and were responsible for keeping the place less crowded than it would have been if the air-con were working. Most impressive was the piano bar that is at the rear of the club towards the men's room. The air-con was operating full blast here and it was a great atmosphere with Ruby Guzman tinkling the ivories. I appreciated the time that Robert Sullivan took in showing me around and I knew it was time for me to take a trip to the States when I found myself so fascinated with the automatic soap dispenser in the bathroom.
MOVING ON UP More and more investors are realizing that the rents on Fields Ave are way too high and are taking a close look further up Don Juico Ave (Perimeter Road), going towards Friendship. During the good years when the U.S. Military were here the area from Friendship Gate all the way to the Checkpoint featured bars and places to shop. After Pinatubo it became a lonely place to be. Not so now. We have seen bars moving on up towards Clarkview with names like Top End, Mustang Sallys, Good Times, Thi-Hi, Hang-out, Honey-Ko's, Blue Boar Inn and now, on 1 Sep we can add the "Blue K" bar. This is a joint venture between Louie Lewis and Harro whose objective is to make this an exciting, very affordable Sports Bar. Dancers will not be featured but waitresses and GRO's will be present to serve you. Plans are to bring in a sports celebrity once a month with the first one being an ex-Australian footballer that had played in the AFL in the past. Naturally, the AFL Grand Final will be a featured event at the Blue K on the last Saturday of September. The Blue K will be catering to the local ex-pats in that regulars will become members and drink prices will be less than those encountered on Fields Ave (P35 members, P45 non-members). The idea is to have a local bar for the locals but of course, visitors are more than welcome. Once a month there will be a major pool tournament for members with added prize money amounting to P25, 000. To become a member one only has to be recognized as a regular customer and this will prevent those folks entering the pool tournament that show up once a month just to hustle up a bit of cash. This is a good idea as it provides for a fun competition and will reward those patrons that have established themselves as regular customers of the Blue K. I was told by an anonymous source that the reason for the name "Blue K" is because the previous establishment was named "BLUCHE" and to save money on a neon sign they just rearranged the letters. Clever! The location is just before you get to the Clarkton and ample parking will be available. Investors, get with it - get in on the ground floor while the rents on Perimeter road are reasonable and choice locations are still available.
A NEW LOOK The new owners of Thunderstruck/Bubbles had planned to remodel Thunderstruck but to leave Bubbles much the same way. Thunderstruck will be renamed "Ayers Rock" and will have an Australian Steak House theme. Steaks will be on display and customers can choose between self cooking or having the chef do the job for them. A stand-out feature will be the salad bar that when completed will be the biggest in Angeles City offering at least 20 selections to help you build the monster salad of your dreams. Despite being told that Bubbles will stay basically the same I noticed that a change of heart took place and it is being gutted as well. It will be renamed the "G-Spot" featuring beautiful ladies, of course, and a large carousel to rotate the ladies for viewing pleasure. It was a pleasure to meet and talk to one of the owners and he confirmed that after the Thunderstruck/Bubbles project is completed then shortly thereafter construction will commence at the Galleon Building on Don Juico Ave. This man, Paul, was sincere and a pleasure to talk to and it appears that he realizes that the Galleon project is a gamble that may take at least three years to show positive results. The gamble is that the Philippine economy will recover and that some of the forecasted projects for the Clark Air Base will actually see the light of day. If Clark takes off, then these investors are in on the ground floor, holding the lease on a very strategically located property. They appear to have the capital to invest, build, operate and then wait and see. I kind of think that the gamble will pay off in the long run and that Don Juico Ave will see a rebirth of business opportunities in the Clarkview, Friendship area. There are many people that disagree with my optimism but I will stick by my words and continue to predict positive investment opportunities here. Yes, there will still be a period of political instability and a continued fluctuation of the Peso but those who are willing to wait out these "bumps" in the road will be rewarded. If I'm wrong, well, I'll sink in the horseshit along with a lot of other folks, but at least I will have tried. MAD DOGS - START YOUR MOTORS At midnight, Saturday, 18 Aug, members of the Manila based Mad Dogs Motorcycle Club gathered at the North Expressway's Manila entrance to "bless" the official opening of the expressway to motorcycle travel. Despite the rain, they traveled to Angeles City that night, arrived early enough to party hard and then meet at the Hang-out on Sunday morning for an 8 AM breakfast. A few partied too hard and were not able to make it for the scheduled 9 AM departure in which plans were made to travel the entire North Expressway, cross Manila and then travel the South Expressway as far as it went and then return to Manila. There had to be some sore butts after all that cycling but it was a great sight to behold and after many years of trying, finally, motorcycle owners can travel North and South with a greater degree of speed and personal safety.
BATHROOM ART One day I received an E-Mail from Bill McCallum asking me to drop by the Las Vegas Club with my camera. I figured he must have some beautiful dancer he wanted to have photographed but to my surprise, upon arrival, he led me to the bathroom. Being aware that I have listed some of the better bathrooms on Fields Ave Bill wanted to add his bathroom to the list. I must say it was an unusual décor as can be seen in this photograph and I can imagine that customers using the facilities must just stop and stare in awe at the great artistic display. This picture had to be taken quickly as it was difficult to explain to patrons entering the bathroom what two men were doing there taking pictures. Is this a new trend? Plain old bathrooms just don't hack it anymore, what's next, female bathroom attendants handing out colognes, perfumed soaps for your hands and towels? Hmmmm, not a bad idea!
ATTENTION LADIES The Friendship Iron Works Gym has added aerobics training for the ladies and gentlemen if they wish to join in. For P1, 000 a month you can join Julie Mon thru Fri from 0700-0800 hrs for Power boxing (Mon & Fri), steps (Tue), Aero (Wed), and Weights Scout Training (Thr). They also have afternoon and evening classes so stop by Iron Works and see "Lloyd" for full details. A reminder to those wishing to join the Gym, mention that Harry the Horse sent you and get the reduced monthly fee. For further information you can call the gym at 893-0298/FAX: 893-0484.
ANOTHER STABBING DEATH Two JadeCool employees were injured during an attack that took place in their apartment around midnight. Beth was stabbed fatally and her sister Jennifer suffered a few minor cuts and a broken arm. This time the low-life was caught and is in jail. Mark Smith and Mo(Kokomo's) are lending all assistance necessary to Jennifer and thier family. Donations can be made at http://www.kokomoz.com/memorial.htm to assist the family.
Below is a message posted by Mo on the Go2Phil board about the stabbing.
MORE NEW CONSTRUCTION The new construction on Fields Ave next to the old Didi Pizza's building will give rise to two new commercial buildings that will be available for rent. One, a two story, owned by Miss Cleopatra Dizon will be bare with the renters having to renovate as needed. The second building, owned by Al-Aide Drug Store owner, Mr. Ramon Alburo is planned for four stories but will have two initially until more funding is available. No idea on what the rentals will be but I am pretty sure that there will be plenty of takers, regardless of the price.
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John Robinson has asked me to pass on to one and all that the "Dog House" is very active and doing well. I have been a member for many years but am guilty of not attending in quite a while. Over the years the fee for attending the weekly meeting has increased and now is established at P350. The venue changes every week as well as the menu and some places do a better job than others but it is always worth the money that includes entry, entertainment, food and local drinks for two hours. For those tourists planning on visiting Angeles City, it is worth considering joining the Dog House and for further information visit John at Tropicana Hotel's Molly Malone's restaurant.
So starts another exciting month in Angeles City but this Horse will be departing on 7 Aug for the States, Las Vegas, Nevada to clear up some business and to look for one of those automatic soap dispensers. I will be gone a month and I am still trying to figure out how to write the 1 Oct column. Bear with me if it is a bit shorter in length and sort of dwells on my impressions of Las Vegas and the people I run into that used to live in Angeles City. Usually after two weeks I am ready to return to the Philippines so for sure, after one month I will be pulling my hair out. The Management of the Checkpoint Dominos Pizza wanted me to inform you that a free Angeles City E-Z Map will be given away free with your pizza order if you provide them with a copy of this page from Harry the Horse. I hope the folks in Vegas realize that they should be kind to horses so I can return, safely, to this very exciting City. Have a good month!
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