AUGUST 2002

Salutations dear readers! I have noticed that various newsletters originating from here seem to discuss the weather, particularly the rain. Let it be known that I refuse to talk about the weather, especially the rain. Even though I am writing this on a Sunday that after two days, is still raining. Even though it did rain for 11 straight days, stop for two days and start up again, I won't discuss this because it happens every year. I won't discuss the extensive flooding, because it happens every year. I won't discuss the flood related deaths, because it happens every year. I won't discuss the breaching of the dike in San Fernando, because it happens every year. I won't discuss the waist deep water and stranded cars in Manila, because it happens every year. I won't discuss the suspended school classes because it happens every year. I won't discuss the higher price of vegetables in the market due to the rain because it happens every year. I won't discuss the slow business on Fields Ave due to the rain, because it happens every year, but this year does seem to be a bit slower than usual. I just WON'T write about the rain. It is just my intention to welcome you to the month of August and hope that you will take the time to visit us here in Angeles City - of course, bring an umbrella, - why? Because it is raining!

Friendship Bridge Closed for One Day

OPINIONS

Many times I have heard the question, "why do you choose to live in the Philippines" and quite often I and others have half jokingly replied "for the sex, because I can afford to live decently, because the women are not so concerned with our age" and so on. There are many reasons. Lately though, after visits to the States and the hassles with political correctness and the general evidence that America seems to be less and less of a "melting pot" the desire to live in a country where so many are trying to leave rather than wanting to get in seems quite appealing. I cannot speak for the various ethnic expat groups living here but a couple of opinions forwarded to me via the internet tend to put into words one of the reasons I choose to remain here. This is a bit long so the reader may want to skip forward but any opinions to the following are more than welcome:

This is an Editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa Newspaper.

IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT

I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely comprised of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our soverdignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! "In God We trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But, once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE!

This one was sent to me by mrwonderful@digitelone.com and I suspect that since he likes to create some off the wall poems he might be the originator.

ILLEGALS

I come for a visit, get treated regal, so I stay, who care I illegal?
I cross border, poor and broke, take bus, see employment folk.
Nice man treat me good in there, say I need to see welfare.
Welfare say, "You come no more. We send cash right to your door."
Welfare checks, they make you wealthy, Medicaid it keep you healthy!
By and by, I got plenty money, thanks to you, American dummy.
Write to friends in motherland; tell them come as fast as you can.
They come in rags and Chebby trucks. I buy big house with welfare bucks.
They come here, we live together. More welfare checks, it gets better!
Fourteen families they moving in, but neighbor's patience wearing thin.
Finally, American guy moves away. Now I buy his house, and then I say,
"Find more aliens for house to rent." And in the yard I put a tent.
Send for family (they just trash), but they, too, draw the welfare cash!
Everything is much good, and soon we own the neighborhood.
We have hobby-it's called breeding. Welfare pay for baby feeding.
Kids need dentist? Wife need pills? We get free! We got no bills!
American crazy! He pay all year to keep welfare running here.
We think America darn good place! Too darn good for the American face.
If they no like us, they can go, got lots of room in Mexico.

So, it is nice to live in the Philippines, legally, where if we were illegal, we would have no rights at all and no assistance from the Philippine country. Rightfully so! If one is breaking the law by being here illegally, then one should not expect any rights. This is not the case in the United States but hopefully, after 9/11 our borders will be tightened up a bit. Meanwhile, it is a pleasure to be able to live here, grow old with dignity and respect and live in an ex-pat Community where we all share the same problems and live together equally (not talking financial resources here).

BRITON MURDERED IN MAKATI

This is something that would make you want to check your underwear for extreme discharge if you happened to be in this same situation. A Briton, Steven Davis, 32, a director of JadeCool Internet company, was shot dead by three Filipino men who entered his apartment, early in the morning of Jul 18. The men first entered the room of Davis's Canadian roommate, Michael T. Dunn, 45, and took his wallet and mobile telephone. One of the gunmen was heard asking "is that him?" (this is when my underwear might be soiled) when they saw Dunn. After robbing Dunn, they proceeded to Davis's room where gunshots were heard and the three men fled. Needless to say, they asked the same question in Davis's room and after affirmation shot him with 45's at least four times. Davis's belongings were not touched leading folks to believe that this was a professional hit. As of now, the motive is unknown and the police are still searching for the assassins. I have heard that entry was made using Davis's own keys. Naturally, when something like this happens there is a possibility that the wife could be a suspect. A source informed me that all was not well between them and that they were living apart. Could money be a factor in that a rejected spouse is angry that her monthly allowance is drastically reduced? No doubt there will be many theories tossed on the table. When Davis was staying in Angeles City he was a member of the Clark Centennial Rotary and was well known around the town. After transferring to Manila he was no longer a member of the Rotary. It would be interesting to see if this case, unlike other cases of ex-pats being killed is ever solved.

HT GEES FOR SALE

Following is an E-mail notice that Harro has sent out for general information. It speaks for itself and the location is near the Clarkton Hotel, along Perimeter Road. It is true that Shane is a good manager and one of the good guys in town. An investor could do a lot worse, and many have but this deal is worth looking in to. Of course, by the time this comes out in print it may be too late. That is the problem with a monthly article.

Dear fiends and HTG goers,'
I have decided to put HT GEES on the market on a walk in walk out basis as of this weekend.
The asking price is US$30,000, which includes everything in the bar, as all equipment including pool table is owned not rented.
I have spoken with Shane and he is more than interested to continue on as "HE" has built on his following a huge local group of regular clientele.
There is a three-year lease, which can be extended in lots of three years, no rent due till Jan 17th 2003.
I am at the new owners desire to stay on in a helpful capacity if required till the end of the year so there would appear to be no drastic changes.
All our Championship pool teams, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday will stay in the bar, should the new owner want and of course it comes with a guarantee that I do not open, be associated with or partnership any bar or bar related business for Twelve months.

WHY? I have not been well for three months and when moving and selling my share in BLUE K, perhaps in haste, I invested all our money into our house and HT GEES, with a wife and two children I have left us in a very vulnerable situation, which is unfair to my family.
Bottom line, if I fall off the perch they're in deep shit.

If you are aware of anyone interested in the bar business it is important they know it's not a matter of just opening the doors and money walking in, they can do no better with a manager than Shane but it is also very important to be at your place when you can because people like to see you
HT GEES has never had a losing month with all monthly figures available,
Anyone interested can contact the bar on 045 893 3240, email: htgees@hotmail.com or call my cell phone 0918536 4824

Please do not hesitate to spread the word, any help in this sale will be gratefully appreciated and awarded accordingly

Harro

STAGGERS

Last month I reported that Staggers bar was up for sale and many people have wondered why, after extensive renovation and only recently opening. The opportunity to talk with Stacy revealed a man that was a bit down on his luck. He and his partner Dave had some good ideas and it was an exciting prospect but like Harro, unforeseen events change the picture, both management and financial wise. The wise person knows when to pull the plug and sell before a minor disaster becomes a major one. Stacy, like anyone who faces disappointment was a bit down and he now wishes that he had just stayed with the Good Times Bar which he is still paying rent on. I am sure that someone will come along and purchase this establishment, possibly before this goes to print but the lesson learned here is that opening a business is not that easy, especially in this town. One overriding factor is to make sure that you are well capitalized; the other is to keep the number of partners to a minimum or none at all if possible. I was enjoying a drink in the Blue K one afternoon when a fellow customer told me "the hardest ship to sail is a partnership". Truer words were never spoken!

ROBBIE - WHERE ARE YOU?

The biggest surprise to the many long time expats in town was to hear that Robbie Williams, owner of the Bonanza hotel has skipped town without notice to anyone, including his wife. One night he took what money was in the office safe and his personal papers and disappeared. He placed a second lock on the safe and this had to be broken off in order to gain entry. He left an unpaid electric bill of P199,000, owes money around town and one nice guy is most concerned about the $20,000 he lent Rob 6 months ago. Bones is in Australia, Graham has left (no pay for quite some time) and Bob is doing his best to keep things going. The lease is due to run out in September but right now no one knows what will happen. If Robbie does not return then it is up to the building owner to decide what will happen. She wants money up front and right now there are a few of the tenants trying to decide if they will invest to keep the place going, if not, the owner has said she will take it over again. Many of the tenants have moved over to Fiesta Garden Hotel. People are still in shock at this turn of events as Rob was well liked in town and this turn of events was completely out of character for him. Foul play is not suspected and many theorize that things just got too heavy for Rob and he just threw up his hands and bailed out. It would have been better if he had faced his problems and sat down with folks that would have been willing to help him put his house in order, now even after all this time, the disappointment and hurt is evident in many of the people directly involved.
Rob, if wherever you are you can read this be advised that you owe a lot of people an explanation and you have turned your back on a lot of folks that were your mates. Think about it!

HIDDEN VALE NEWS

Greenlands Members Association (GMA) members attended a special meeting with Greg McDougal and Joy Pena to discuss the new dues and membership fees for Hidden Vale Sports Club; in a previous column this writer explained the pricing structure. The GMA members expressed their appreciation to Greg for his recognition of Greenland's original members and also the objectives he had for developing a first class sporting facility. It was suggested though, that in order for the GMA members to fully support Hidden Vale it was hoped that Greg would consider a further reduction in the pricing structure he had published. Joy asked what would the GMA chairman suggest and the reply was "would Greg consider a 50% reduction in the current proposed pricing structure". The meeting was very friendly and a fine lunch was enjoyed by one and all. Joy promised a reply to the GMA proposal prior to the end of July. Greg's initial reaction was that his offer was final and no changes would be made. But, like the weather, a change did come about. It was recently announced that the present dues would continue for one additional month and that in addition to the P2, 500 monthly fee (100% consumable) one can now choose a P1,000 monthly fee (non-consumable). This Horse was not completely happy with the P2, 500 fee as I did not want that large a monthly obligation and when the new offer came along I was ready to jump at it. But, after visiting Hidden Vale and seeing the vast improvement in the quality of the food being offered and the reduced menu prices (Well done new F&B Manager Tony Moralde) the P2, 500 consumable offer has become a lot more attractive. The new dues this take effect 1 Sep versus 1 Aug in order to give Russ, the computer programmer expert the time to reconfigure the billing program (see HVSC clarification below). My only concern is that dues can be changed at any time by management, what is being offered now will take effect while construction is going on and many of the planned facilities are not available yet. I would hate to think that as soon as construction is completed and the promised services are finally ready, will Greg suddenly decide to raise the dues again - I hope not! I have no complaints about the membership and dues that are on the board now and am extremely happy about the turn-a-round in Greg's attitude regarding charter members of a year ago. Construction should pick up as soon as Greg's London based loan package is approved and fresh money is available. A smart businessman does not use his own money to build and that is why my own business will never expand, as this Horse does not have the courage to take out a bank loan. My prediction is that Hidden Vale will be a success, give it a year and if Greg does not have a heart attack before that time he will finally be able to relax a bit and enjoy the fruits of his labor. (This horse was a bit embarrassed when exiting Hidden Vale on 24 Jul when I knocked the hell out of the barrier pole. While looking at the guards I thought the pole was up high enough, WRONG - I guess my L300 is a bit higher than my car but mind you, no security guard tried to warn me, they just looked. By the time I got home the head of security was already calling me to politely inform me I had to pay up but I was hoping that management would understand that it was an accident and forgive this old retiree. Wrong! I was presented a bill two days later for P1200 with no discussion as to how it happened. The owner Greg did not want to hear my side either, just pay up - no discussion. No problem, I will do that for I understand that construction has been draining Greg's finances lately so that P1200 might be hard for his multi-million peso corporation to absorb and I would hate to see construction delayed anymore than it already has. Guess this old Horse should get new glasses).

Following is a clarification from Hidden Vale Management regarding the monthly dues:

1. Hidden Vale is in the process of installing a comprehensive computerized system to cover all areas of club operations. Its members will be issued with a swipe card w/ photo for identification.

2. Due to delays in completing the installation of the computer system, HVSC found it necessary to delay the start up date as previously published from 1st August to 1st September 2002.

3. The buy back option's deadline is until 31 Jul 02 only. Regarding the monthly dues, it's the member's own discretion whether he opts for the 2,500 consumables or the 1,000 non-consumable. They start paying the new rates effective 1 Sep 02.

4. The "buy back" option of P10,000 will be paid by Hidden Vale as soon as we get the SEC approval. The P7,500 administration fee and the P20,000 golf privilege will be paid to Hidden Vale likewise, upon approval from SEC.
 

GMA Members

F&B Mgr Tony Moralde

SWAGMAN

This is to confirm that the Swagman Hotel has been sold and the new owners will take over the management on 14 August. This is applicable to the Angeles Swagman ONLY!

SILK STOCKINGS BAR

An E-mail that was sent out by a very reputable establishment owner in Angeles City to various recipients is quoted here:

"For years I have tried to stay with the philosophy that if you can't say good things about a place, it is better to say nothing at all. But, an event happened to me the other night that was pretty disturbing and from what I found out on the street, it wasn't an isolated event, but a semi-regular occurrence.

A friend and I went into Silk Stocking's just before 6 PM (still very sober). I ordered a mineral water and shortly after it arrived I made the mistake of blowing up a heart shaped balloon and giving it to one of the girls. Almost immediately a Filipino male came over and told me balloons weren't allowed in the club. I tried to explain to him that I blew it up and it wasn't filled with hydrogen like the local balloons off the street (which could be dangerous). Within seconds the foreign owner or manager arrived and he immediately started yelling at me. Again he explained that he didn't allow balloons, even if I blew it up myself because they were "too dangerous to his lighting system." He then told me I was banned and to get out right now. We got up to leave without asking for my change. Immediately three Filipino males appeared and started ushering us toward the door. After we got outside the manager yelled from behind the three thugs "Don't forget your balloon!" - which he then tossed out the door.

Still shocked by the incident we drifted down to the end of Fields Ave where I knew my balloons were accepted. My friend and I related the incident to the manager (a guy that has been working in Angeles clubs for over 20 years) and he told us a good customer of his had been thrown out of Silk Stockings a few days before (after he tried to complain about something) - also by three Filipino males. Still later in the evening a different manager in another club related a similar story about a friend of his about ten days ago.

I can understand any owner or manager telling someone that is out of line to leave, but the practice of having THREE guys to act as bouncers in any club, much less a club the size of Silk Stockings, seems to be out of line for Fields Ave."

HARRY THE HORSE COMMENTS: Needless to say I was a bit taken aback when I read this. How could any club manager/owner act in such a shabby way? Could this be true - was it an isolated incident? Research was needed so in the company of Duck and one other we entered Silk Stockings at a little after 6 PM, in possession of a few small, simple balloons purchased earlier in the day. After settling in and being impressed with the costumes the ladies were wearing I called over one of the dancers and gave her a balloon. The challenge was that if she could blow hers up before I did mine, she would get a ladies drink. The challenge was accepted and it was fun. Besides us, there was only one other customer in the bar. We were enjoying it even though she could not get her balloon to cooperate I was going to buy a ladies drink anyway. Before I was able to do so, one of the Filipino bouncers came over to tell me that balloons were not allowed. What followed was very similar to what was described above except that the English owner or manager, Joe became very aggressive and threatening. Though being friendly, even to the point that I told him I respected his side even though I could not see how his lighting system could be affected. I even asked his name, where he was from and once learning he was from England, asked if he enjoyed a game of darts. He said " I love the game" and I said good, it would be great to throw some arrows together one night. Friendliness got nowhere as this individual became more aggressive and wanted to start a fight. With that, we all decided to leave, of course, escorted by three Filipino males with English Joe still cursing. Once outside, one Filipino tried to return the balloon. I let him keep it.

With that I left Tom and the other lad and departed. Later in the evening I received a cell phone call from Virgie, Tom's wife, telling me that English Joe was inside Kokomo's trying to attack Tom and inviting him outside to the street where his three Filipino's were waiting. Joe was acting like a crazed animal and even got Mo a bit concerned as he was standing between them. Eventually Tom and his wife were able to leave via the back exit and drove home.

Needless to say, the very deviant demeanor exhibited by this expat confirmed the original E-mail message and what he had learned from other managers in town. It is most unusual to have so many Filipino bouncers working in one club and is not conducive to a good atmosphere but to add a very hot headed expat to the pot makes this one club to avoid. When he tried to attack Tom, he was quite drunk but this is not an excuse and anyone entering Silk Stockings must be fearful that any type of behavior could set off threatening behavior; even registering a complaint about a bill or treatment by a lady could set this man and his goon squad off and the exit is quite scary for one must traverse a long narrow, closed in hall to reach the outside. Silk Stockings is definitely a "customer beware" zone.

THE SHEARING OF DAVE

It is said that Kiwis have a very special relationship with sheep so what better way to celebrate a birthday than to have a "Kiwi Shearing" event. The infamous Dave White of Hang-out fame decided that it was necessary to trim his beard, or as Priscilla the Horse calls it, "his mess". An experienced sheep-shearing expert was called in and he was masterful in reshaping Davie's beard into a more manageable Fu Manchu as onlookers cheered while enjoying a bit of drink and food. Davie has vowed to grow "the mess" back again.

Before	After

Hang Out Beauties

A ROMANTIC SETTING

Trying to impress your favorite lady with dinner in a very romantic setting? Try the Mongolian at the top of the Holiday Inn Hotel, Clark Economic Zone (CSEZ), formerly Clark Air Base. It is fantastic and well worth the upscale pricing of the meal as there is access to a great salad bar, Mongolian, and a variety of deserts. Once there, you want to linger over dinner just to enjoy the view. The staff are professional and very friendly and Priscilla is very anxious for a return trip. If visiting this area, make this a "must go to stop" while here as your wife, girlfriend or mistress will be so overwhelmed that you will require a double shot of the blue pills.

Priscilla Loves Mongolian	The Chef Performs

UNTOUCHED

While visiting Confetti's this young lady caught my eye and the manager informed me that she was definitely cherry and is even nervous about anyone touching her. Her name is Rosario, from Samar and was born in 1981. As of 8 Jul, when I took this picture her reputation was still intact but I am not sure what her status will be by 1 Aug. By the way, Confetti's has a total of 60 ladies employed to include the dancers and waitresses - for sure a bevy of beauties awaits you, the customer especially during this rather slow season. Who knows, with Rosario, you might succeed where others have failed.

Still Cherry

ANOTHER WARNING

Please folks, especially those expats living here permanently, stay away from the Santa Maria area after dark (located near Norma's money changing store). Again, a foreigner has been attacked while walking after midnight. He was hit with a bottle on the head and required many stitches. He was "invited" to visit the police station but turned down the invitation. This was on a Saturday night, which does not mean anything as these attacks take place on any night of the week. Pass the word - do not walk the streets in this area after dark, especially after 9 PM, eventually, some one is going to get killed.

BOMBS AWAY

Last month Mr. and Mrs. Horse had a bit of excitement when we were told that 11 World War II bombs had been unearthed at the construction site next to our Hotel. The workers had discovered them a week earlier, sold them to a junk dealer, who then returned them to the workers a day later, obviously realizing they were too "hot" to handle. Remembering the many notices about unearthed bombs I immediately realized that proper authorities had to be notified to achieve proper removal from the site. After notification the police arrived and confirmed that there were bombs in the area, they contacted the 710th SPOW at the Air Force City, Clark and they sent a bomb disposal team to the site. The team confirmed that 7 of the 11 fragmentation bombs still had fuses in them and very gently loaded them into boxes for transport to the base. They left with the warning "be careful with further digging because no doubt, there could be more" - so far I have not seen anymore digging.

A Bit Heavy

Walk Carefully

THE GALLEON - STILL HOPE

Originally, I had written a long piece about the Galleon (now called the Heritage Building) outlining the problems with the tenants occupying the adjoining properties and their reluctance to comply with requests from the lease holder to pay their required rents. After interviewing the occupants of the three businesses in question and also communicating with the legal lease holder of the Heritage I decided that the issue was too complicated to write about here and involved legal issues that did not need to be discussed here. The question remains, though, what happened to the investors that were going to get the Galleon off the ground and why have they backed off? I addressed this question to Mr. Rob Sullivan, leaseholder and his reply follows:

"The squatters (or illegal occupants) are not the main reason for the reluctance of investors to back off, as told to me by them it was more the problems they saw when here, i.e., they were in town when immigration was shaking down guys, they heard it 1st hand and read it on the boards, right after or about the same time the town experiences it's usual down turn in tourism, quite normal for this time of year, but this year has been the worse in many, many tears. The 3rd was the story about the aids guy, probably all blown out of proportion but "off putting" for any investor and lastly, possibly due to Orchid Inn's success, rumors of hotels being built all over the place, renovation of Chicago Park, Gerard's "Rooms" on Santos, and Tropicana's extensions to the hotel
they were just not sure that a hotel as far away from Fields as we are is the right way to go. They have in fact not backed out completely; the day before the investors left we had lunch together and discussed what would be the best way to go. I told them, we had studied the possibility of turning the building into a secure apartment complex a few years back, however back then residential rental was very low and commercial and a commercial approach presented a much better potential. Now, however, residential rentals have increased to a level that return on investment may be possible. The for rent sign was put up, simply to keep options open, however, this is a last option as the amount of rent being asked is minimal and will not result in a reasonable ROI on money spent on work so far accomplished nor rental paid to date."

The Horse has been in communication with the main investor in Las Vegas and he confirms that plans for the Galleon or Heritage Building are indeed on hold but not dead! There is still hope for this site but obviously it will take more time before definite plans develop as more on site visits by the investors will be necessary and more feasibility studies are made. Personally, I like the apartment complex idea and when first presented a couple of years ago with drawings it was rather impressive. It never got off the drawing board because, again, no investor with the funds needed. One thing for sure, the "Galleon" remains an interesting story with a beginning, middle, and a very unknown ending.

OLYMPUS HOTEL

The old Las Vegas Hotel has been taken over by a Japanese investor (Mr. Shimizu) and will be managed by Shimizu's wife, Agnes Deleon. A five year lease has been signed with rent of P100, 000 a month; a mid-August opening is planned.

ANOTHER ONE

First we had Health Visions, then Cyber Care and now Health Associates. What all three have in common is that they provide health care, under Tri-Care to the American military retirees in this area. Like Cyber Care there is no charge to join Health Associates so Health Visions remains the only health provider that charges a yearly fee (In fact the rates have gone up this year). Health Associates is located just past Friendship Gate (Entrance to the CSEZ - Clark) and is not fully operational yet but will be offering a full range of medical care to include dental ($20 annual fee for this). It is easy to locate this clinic and parking is ample as there is very little traffic since the old exit gate from Clark was closed.
 

Another One

NOTHING LIKE IT

It was not the time for conversation when I finally had the opportunity to meet the man behind one of the most well known names in this town, GERARD, while attending a SOB party at the Lollipop. This is a man with vision and enough confidence in the Fields Ave area to spend one hell of a lot of money in obtaining properties and getting them developed. I was fortunate to have a couple of minutes to ask a couple of questions while he was outside trying to get a connection on the cell phone. I was curious about the building he is putting up on Real Street. I was told that it would not be completed until December but that it was going to feature something very exciting, the likes of which even Las Vegas has not seen. The time and circumstances did not permit further explanation but Gerard's reputation dictates I believe what he says and for sure, I will be anxious for this opening and maybe, just maybe, I can get a sit-down meeting with Gerard before then to provide readers with more specific details.

Lollipop SOB Line Up

EVEN MORE

Not to be out done in the idea department is Nero's Richard, another visionary that is not content to be satisfied with the status quo. Right now the Blue Nile is one of the busiest clubs in town, despite the VERY slow season but in a few months one will be able to gain access to the Blue Nile Members Club located on the second floor of the Chic & Ribs Restaurant that is right next door to the Blue Nile. This will be a private club offering lifetime memberships and in addition to the Blue Nile entrance, a private entrance can be accessed through the Chic & Ribs. The room will have two private karaoke rooms and a three level show bar. The first three weeks after opening the club will be open to the public and that should allow enough time to check out the place and get in line to sign up for memberships. Costs of memberships or an estimated opening date were not available when I last talked to Richard.

ORCHID INN

Construction on the covered walkway to the annex has been completed; just in time to keep customers dry during all the rain. Looks pretty impressive and provides a rather unique look to the in back of the main hotel. When Flamingo Bar manager Kelly took over from Hans he came up with the idea to extend the bar and add a pool table. It has really improved the room and being able to look out to the swimming pool area adds to the atmosphere. I also enjoyed seeing the Flamingo Tequilla girl, Sandra in her unique uniform sporting what at first looks like a gun belt but holds a bottle of tequila, and three shot glasses for the calamansi, salt and the drink itself. By the way, Sandra is single, 24 and no kids, that alone is worth a shot or two.

9 Ball Anyone?	Draw!

Nice Walk Way

UPDATE

Folks are still looking for Mike Gimm. One source reported that he is/was hiding out in Iba. Another expat from the Olongapo area has offered to contribute to the reward money as he was taken for $5, 000. It was reported that Mike sold one Filipina phony Credit Union CD/s for P40, 000 and one other local expat indicated that Mike owes him $10,700 and his failure to repay the loan has forced this individual to claim bankruptcy in the States.

ROY'S BAR

Clive has extended the closing time of Roy's Bar to 11 PM. This is a welcome change for those folks wanting a quiet, friendly Pub to get that drink and feed a bit later at night.

THOSE IRISH EYES

This picture was supposed to go in last month's issue but the Duck spent so much time looking at it in Phoenix that he forgot to publish it. I spotted this beauty at the Ayer's Rock opening a couple of months ago. I have no idea if she is still working there, Rob will have to clue me in on that. If she is, then I will let further research come from the readers of this column for by now I have lost my notes. If I remember correctly, I did not interview her at all, I just liked her looks and figured the readers would as well.
 

Irish Eyes

VOODOO ANNIVERSARY BASH

Despite the rain a fun crowd was on hand to Mo celebrate the Voodoo's first anniversary. One individual, Michael (from Memphis, Tenn.), was indeed thinking he was in heaven as he had his hands quite "full" all night and sported a smile that never came off. I spotted party animals Jung, Marine 9000, Bruno, Godzilla and other Go2Phil members that really know how to liven up the place. The big hit of the night was a can of "Billy Boy" that Netguard had brought from Germany. For some reason, no one wanted to open that drink and give it a taste test, not even Godzilla but it sure got a lot of laughs, especially from the ladies; a good item to display in a bar so if anyone finds another can, be sure to save one for the "Horse".

Michael Is Very Happy	This Takes Practice

FUND RAISER

Put this one on your "got to go" calendar folks as it is definitely for a good cause. A Mr. Jonathon Smith is sponsoring a "Christmas in August" fund raising event for the Street Children's Center on Saturday, 3 August at the Road House club, Fields Ave. For a one thousand-peso entry fee you get free booze (including top shelf) and food all night. Right now the center is caring for 29 street children from the Fields Ave area where they are housed, clothed, fed, given medical and dental care and educated at local schools as well as on the premises. The center can accommodate as many as 60 children with the objective of taking them off the streets, educating them and preparing them for a fruitful adult life. It is a monumental project that is up and running but like any charitable foundation it requires operating funds to continue. Fundraisers such as this are of so much importance and directly contribute to giving the many street children seen on Fields Ave a chance to "get a life". For more information on the Center and how to donate please visit their site at www.angelesstreetkids.org.

THE "A" TEAM

"Vegas Dave is presenting a plan to form a league for "A" players only and has sent a letter around to all the bars with pool tables in town. Right now it is just an idea and he will be looking for responses from those interested. If started, the league will be held on a Sunday or Tuesday night, starting at 7 PM. The format would be round robin, minimum of 4 teams, maximum of 4 players per team, BCA except cue ball foul only, games - 6 - 8 ball, 5 - 9 ball, 1 - rotation. Scoring - Total number of games won per match, air-con establishments only, and happy hour drink prices. If you enjoy competition and comradely, give Dave your positive or negative viewpoint of this proposed league. You can call him at 0919-459-1244 or fill out the comment portion of the letter being distributed.

DARTS

Over the last few months Jimmy D, of the Hotel La Casa/Blue Boar Inn has run into a few folks that expressed an interest in playing darts. What he would like to do is to start up a casual get together of EX-PATS interested in throwing some arrows on a casual basis once a week. This will not be a formal league to start with, just a chance to throw some fun, social darts and the format will be decided on how many people show up on any given night. The venue to start with will be the Blue Boar Inn and if enough interest is shown a rotating venue can be arranged. Right now the Blue K and Hidden Vale have facilities for darts and as a minimum, two dart boards with proper lighting are required to host this event. The objective is to let ex-pat residents and visitors that enjoy a game of darts that the sport is not dead in Angeles City. Even if only two or three people show up it does not matter as the evening's play can be planned accordingly. If no one shows up, well, old Jimmy D can continue to play by himself. By the way, the ladies are welcome to play as well.

DATE: THURSDAY, 8 AUGUST TIME: 6:30 PM VENUE: BLUE BOAR INN (CLARKVIEW, NEAR THE VFW) TEL: 322-7984 OR 0919-245-6386
REFER ANY QUESTIONS TO JIMMY D SO DUST OFF THOSE OLD DARTS AND COME OUT FOR A SOCIAL EVENING - HOUSE DARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WITHOUT.

July was certainly an interesting month and for some reason I found a couple of the subjects I wrote about a bit challenging. Being a retired old horse I am not supposed to strain my brain like this. By the way, the Knights of the Brown Ring (AH Club) will be meeting on Saturday, 3 Aug, 12:30 PM. Hope we get a few rainless days so I can dry out as horse hair does not smell all that good when wet - but if you can get by the stale smell, remember, be kind to horses!