HarryTheHorse - Angeles City Expat Newsletter for November 2002

Welcome to the turkey month of November when all the Yanks living here are desperately searching for that perfect turkey dinner on Thanksgiving day (28 Nov). Fortunately there are many locations available, starting with the VFW, American Legion Post 123, Blue Boar Inn, Powder Keg and many others. It is not that difficult to buy your own and cook one up and invite a few of your mates over for a home cooked meal and a few drinks. There is always a lot to be thankful for, even if it is only to be grateful to be alive and relatively healthy. Many of the business people in town are grateful for the continued support of the many wonderful tourists that continue to visit us here in Angeles City. As I write this introduction it is a day after a bomb exploded in a bus traversing the road in Quezon City, Manila in which some passengers were killed and many injured. This incident made it to the TV news stations in the United States and has caused concern to those folks planning a visit to this area. At this time let me clearly state that there is, at the present, no signs of any threat to Angeles City and life remains normal on Fields Ave and the surrounding area. No one is hiding indoors, afraid to come out and the hotels are not encountering any cancellations of reservations. The nightclubs are "business as usual" and construction continues on the newer clubs that will be open in time for the holidays. This does not mean that the situation could not change because nothing is guaranteed in this time of cowardly terrorist activities and one never knows for sure what area in the Philippines will be targeted next, or for that matter what area in the world will be a target. So far, Angeles City has remained a safe haven, and for that this writer is very thankful and I will remember to thank the main Man for that this Thanksgiving day.

Just a quick note here to let you know that there are two owners and only one of them has changed. Thommo sold out his share and has moved on to Olongapo, the new partner is on board and no changes have been made, why try to tinker with success!

There are always so many opinions floating around town and the various message boards about which are the best bars in town that I thought I would add a new feature to my monthly column. Each month I will feature a tourist, or in this month's case, two tourists and ask them one simple question - which bar in Angeles City is your favorite? On 6 Oct I was able to ask that question of Mike (Big Will) Williams, from San Antonio, TX, and Robert Watson, San Francisco, CA, both staying at the Orchid Inn. Mike answered "Blue Fox because of Duke. He is a great host and I will miss his pictures on the AC2 Board". Robert's favorite was La Bamba because "I can walk in anytime and feel like a king!" They both wanted folks to know that they were "brothers in paradise".

I begged and begged Miguel and Amie, owners of the Cotton Tail to let me know what the new name of this bar would be and after one hour they reluctantly told me it would be "Wet Seals". Yes, this is an unusual name but there is a reason behind it but I will not tell the story here, you will just have to go there and see this happily married couple and find out for yourself (after you buy a few drinks, of course). Right now I call the Cotton Tail a "fixer-upper bar" because construction is ongoing on a daily basis. I had forgotten how large a space this bar occupied. The downstairs is large enough but then there is the upstairs area that when Mo had it was never really developed. The upper level will have a pool table and will be available for private parties when necessary. At ground level there will be three stages and a separate area for two pool tables. It will be a while before the entire club is completed but Amie and Miguel are full of ideas and the energy to get the job done. Theirs is a labor of love as well as they blend perfectly. Miguel met Amie back in the 80's when she was working at the Philippine Restaurant (old timers will remember that place) and it was just about love at first sight. They want the bar to be a success and realize that the customers come first and by golly, I might be a sentimental old fool, but I think they will accomplish their objectives. Just be patient, give it a little bit of time and I think that the "Wet Seals" will be a popular stop on anyone's barhopping list.

It will not be long before this street starts to take on a new image though I suspect that the services the ladies on the right side of the street specialize in will still be available but it may begin to look a bit more upscale. Many have seen the mess in front of the Girard construction (four bars) that cause a headache for those driving pass but hopefully this will be cleared up in November as it draws closer to completion. The interesting thing about these bars is that they have a basement where the ladies can rest and change, etc. In addition to the new bars one can notice that the buildings that were situated on the corner near the Flaming bar (Johnny's Street) have been demolished. I have been informed that a Korean, Mr. Simon Park, who owns a laser karaoke in Dau has leased the land and will be building a hotel on this site. This was a surprise to me as I thought that the Uy family would be adding more warehouse space but my source indicated that with all the new malls going up in town it was decided that leasing the property would be a better financial choice. Caddy Shack has been purchased and is closed for extensive renovation. On Real Street I have already reported about the spectacular club being built by Girard and the on-going construction with the old Marine Bar (Splash); Lollipop is being worked on as well. Now the Korean owned Golden Gate Club is experiencing a complete facelift and boy, was that needed. There sure is a building frenzy in the Fields Ave area despite a very slow influx of tourists and many folks are trying to figure out why. The answer, if I ever get one that makes sense, should be interesting.

At last, a proper, authentic Thai restaurant has opened its doors and the owner is a Thai lady, Ms. Porntip Gomez who is well known for her absolutely wonderful cooking abilities with Thai food. The restaurant is located in Villa Sol subdivision, New York St., just a few meters from Perimeter Road. There are other eateries in town that offer excellent selections of Thai food but none compare to what is offered at the Wanjai and the cost is very reasonable. When Priscilla the Horse and I visited the Wanjai we found the food to be excellent and we were able to entice Porntip to prepare one dish that was not on the menu. The one improvement that is needed is the air-conditioning, as it was a bit warm, even after dark. Regardless, I will have to give the Wanjai a five-horseshoe rating for capturing the true taste of Thai food and for selecting a location that is easy to get to and has ample parking. They are not open for lunch but I hope that this will change in the future but for now, dining from 5 to 10 PM is a good start. I am sure it will not take long for this restaurant to be discovered and cause seating to be at a premium, so Mrs. Horse and I will try to take advantage of this "introductory phase" and enjoy a few meals before the crowds come in. Check it out - this Horse guarantees you will be very pleased

On 22 Oct I was able to get my butt over to the Swagman to catch the beginning of the Body Painting contest.

Regretfully, I could not stay for the entire event as I had another appointment but am able to include a few pictures for your enjoyment. There were not as many contestants as in previous years but it is believed that this might have made things a bit more enjoyable as the artists had more time to create some very original motifs on the lovely bodies available. Marty, the Canadian singing MC was a no show but in true show business tradition, the show went on and the stand-in MC was no doubt a bit more entertaining anyway. There were a few glitches for Des and Bill to overcome like getting the proper licenses at the last minute and realizing that many of the Fields Ave bars did not send any representatives but the customers in attendance enjoyed the show as did the contestants. It was good experience for the new management team and will help them to get organized for the wet T-shirt contest on the 29^th of October. I will be there but it may be too late for me to add anything for the November column. If Tom (Duck) is not too far along with the final editing I might be able to provide a picture of the top three. (On 4 Nov good ole Tom got me the winner for you to lust for. She works at the "Club Bar" but we don't know her name. You will have to seek her out on your own)..


A Nice Lineup	I'm Delcious

Bretto - a Happy Sponsor.	Paint Removers

For a first time effort Ingo organized a very fine event that kept the hotel guests and visitors occupied for three days. Regretfully, the area dart players, if there are any besides myself were not interested in making the effort to sign up five days prior to the event. The decision was made to switch to a pool tournament and 25 local players participated. The top three finishers were all Filipinos but they had to ward off a few challenges from the Expat players but like the SF Giants in game 6 of the world series, the Expats could not hang in there for the final count down. On the second day there was a beauty contest with eight lovely ladies representing the Las Vegas Club, Exotica, Foxy's, Stampede, Bananaitas, Flamingo and Volcano. The ladies were judged for swimsuit, gown, talent and question/answer, a very well rounded format. I walked in during the talent portion and most opted for singing to taped music. Many of those singing should have opted for something else but they did their best, and had to overcome bad tapes that brought out that "the show must go on" spirit. Volcano's Anne Marie Daban, 18 years old, should have won a "Good Trooper" award as sang through frustrating technical difficulties with the music. Melinda, from the Flamingo had trouble with the microphone but after her act it was discovered that she had turned it off by mistake. Never the less, the audience cheered all the participants and it was an enjoyable afternoon for everyone. Sunday's family day drew a fair share of little one's that spent the morning with the clowns as they organized balloon sculptures, games and many prizes. Late in the afternoon it was time for the raffle prizes to be drawn and there were a hell of a lot of but after waiting three hours without my number 148 being drawn I left, convinced that someone had forgotten to put my number in the drum. The Clarkton definitely provided a very fun filled, pleasant weekend for this Oktoberfest and manager Ingo is already taking the experiences from this, his first big event, and thinking about how he can throw out the mistakes, keep the good parts and make Oktoberfest 2003 bigger and better.


Too Much Overtime	Oktoberfest Beauties

Champion Beer Guzzlers

The Stampede Bar (previously Jerry's Café) is experimenting with live music every Friday and Saturday nights. There are a variety of bands appearing so the music varies and the format appears to be quite popular as Jimbo (Manager) reports that business is booming on those two nights. The Stampede is proving to be a great place to relax, enjoy good food, enjoy some beautiful waitresses and now enjoy live music on the weekends. It is a very pleasant change from the fare on Fields Ave and this is a place where you can take your wife or girlfriend for a fine evening out.

A local expat who was able to visit a few bars in Makati, Manila gave me a copy of a disclaimer they are making their GRO's and customers sign when leaving the Club together prior to the girl ending her shift - this is one great attempt at the old "cover your ass (CYA)" gambit.

It reads: "I, _____________________, of legal age, certify that I am leaving the premises of the Cotton Club establishment of my own free will and not because of any inducement or compulsion by the Cotton Club management. I also certify that my leaving the premises is not for any immoral or unlawful purpose".

Will these little disclaimers be popping up in any of the clubs in Angeles City?

For those of us living in Angeles City we are fortunate to have two fine expat run meat companies that we can choose our fine quality meat from. One is Bretto's Meat Store located on Perimeter Road, close to the Thi-Hi and the other is Ken Trotter's Butcher Shop & Deli located further up Perimeter Road just past the Oasis Hotel Entranceway. Ken made a recent visit to my stable to pass on some information about his operation in La Union that is quite impressive and I thought those living here would enjoy reading about what Ken has to offer as the meat he prepares in La Union is also available at his store on Perimeter Road. Quality meats at the right price are the key objectives of both Bretto and Ken and that can only benefit their many customers. Ken writes:

"STERLING QUALITY FOODS INTERNATIONAL, INC (Ken Trotter) purchased a small meat processing plant in La Union in February 2002 that was owned by an Australian who moved back to Australia to retire. Since then we have been renovating the plant so that it will pass both local and International Hygiene standards such as USDA. This work should be finished by the end of November. We also have a dealer program where we offer "THE BUTCHER SHOP & DELI"
franchises in selected protected markets. These programs can vary in size to the very small "Sari Sari" plan to a much larger custom designed plan. All products offered are case retail ready so that they are packaged hygienically which means safer products for the consumer plus less work for the dealer/franchiser.

Besides the basic meat cuts from beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, we also manufacture value added products like smoked bacon, hams (bone in and boneless), various beef and pork sausages, cold cuts such as cotto salami, smoked ham, chopped ham, etc., roast beef, pork, and turkeys, hot dogs, BBQ pork sticks, and even beer sticks. In the future, we have plans to produce beef jerky and pork rind snacks of different flavors. We also have a small bakery that produces Australian type meat and fruit pies and even various non-sweet daily breads of International taste.

We offer both Imported and local beef. Our imported beef is from USA, Australia, New Zealand and our local beef is Australian that was raised, fattened, and processed here. In order to have more tender local beef, we normally age the meat up to 14 days in temperature-controlled chillers. Since we are not yet importing directly from the various foreign processors, we must rely upon the local importers to furnish us our imported beef.

Our pork supply is mainly supplied by our sister company who has several piggeries in the Bulacan area. This way we can control the feeding of the animals and we know the medical history too. These facts are important since we can maximize the hog carcass to produce the proper size end products plus we know that the animals were healthy before we put our brand name on them. The public will know that they are receiving high quality, safe products from us.

We have a new test pilot program named "The Butcher BBQ Shack". We are currently testing this out at the DIRTY DUCK Club where we are selling hamburgers, steak sandwiches, Australian style beef sausages, hot dogs, and pork BBQ
sticks. This formula can be applied to various size markets from the very small to the much larger higher volume type of accounts. Again our idea is to make the franchise affordable to the average Filipino, but the end product is safe and tasty."

In no way is this an endorsement by me but I feel it is informative and it gives a fellow expat the opportunity to explain his business and the meat buying community can make their own choices where to shop. The good thing is that there is a choice so fire up the grill mate, slap on a nice big steak and invite this horse over for a feed, I'm not fussy!

The court case (injunction) filed by the Greenland's Members Association (GMA) has been settled amicably with the signing of a compromise agreement by Hidden Vale management. This is a big relief and now the objective of the GMA is to assist in any way to help management make this club a success and the first step is to ask all members to pay their required dues and to actively use the available facilities. It appears that the man from New York, Ollie, has moved on and Greg is back in full control. My sources indicate that he is confident that he will obtain approval for requested loans. The future cannot be guaranteed and construction is still at a stand still but that is something Greg himself will have to sort out. Let all members just concentrate on the present, use the facility, encourage others to do so and MAYBE, just maybe we can enjoy our memberships for many more years to come.

An event to raise funds for the Angeles Bahay Bata Center Street Children Foundation was held at the Blue Nile on 26 Oct and it was a huge success. The goal was to raise at least P300, 000 pesos and with luck, try to reach P500, 000 but thanks to the great people both living here and tourists P600, 000 plus was raised. This is a very worthy cause as the Angeles Bahay Bata Center is a pioneering institution in Central Luzon that seeks to uplift the welfare of street children by getting them off the streets, providing a secure environment guiding their development in such a way that they will be prepared to enter the work force at 18 years of age. The Center accepts male children aged 8-17 years old that have been assessed as belonging to the following classification: Neglected, abandoned/orphaned, abused (physically, sexually and/or emotionally. The Center is a project of the Rotary Club of Clark Centennial and was patterned after Don Bosco Tuloy, a comprehensive rehabilitation program for street children in Manila by Fr. Rocky

Evangelista. Clark Centennial Rotary is made up of a mix of Expat/Filipino members who over a period of three years were able to build a top class three-story facility that is capable of housing 60 boys. Any project of this size depends on the generosity of benefactors and there have been many but the outpouring of support from those Expat residents and tourists that come to Angeles City is amazing. Charity events such as the yearly Roadhouse fundraiser and now the Blue Nile is such a clear sign that there are many folks coming to Angeles City that have deep concerns for the street children they see on the streets and want to do something positive about it. This Horse salutes those tourists willing to donate not only money, but also their time for this cause. The Blue Nile program was from 7 PM to Midnight with a P1,000 entry free allowing drinks and snacks for the entire five hours. There were many highlights to the evening, one being when Dirty Dave challenged Richard to match the amount of money donated by Go2Phil staff without Richard knowing how much was in the envelope. After thinking for a minute Richard agreed and Dirty Dave presented the envelope with P40, 000 in it. Five minutes later Richard handed his 40, 000 to MC Mark Smith. In the audience was the son of Matt Monroe, Tony Monroe, no kidding folks, in the flesh and he sang songs made famous by his father, on request, for a price of course, each song being up for bid with the money being donated to the Foundation. Dave Mar has the honor of being the first person to buy a Platinum membership in the soon to be opened private Blue Nile Gentlemen's Club; not only one but six, with the money being earmarked for the fund raiser. CT Jones bought number 7 and by the time I left ten more had been sold for P10,000 each. It was a super evening and many thanks to Richard and Manager George for their supreme effort.


6 Platinum Cards	Yeah, I got #7!

They think I'm handsome!	Buddies

I know that there are a lot of folks that like Japanese food including myself, but not any of that raw stuff. The Orchid Inn management is convinced that there are enough Japanese food aficionados in the area to justify their adding a large selection of Japanese dishes to their menu. Chef Dallas, previously with Café Verona and now with Orchid Inn has created two Japanese menus, one for every day selections and another for those special dishes that must be preordered or made available for one day only. Items such as sashimi, sushi, and maki take hours to prepare and require that the ingredients be fresh for that day. I happened to walk in as Dallas was preparing sample dishes for review and the layout is shown here. No doubt this will be a welcome added feature at the Orchid Inn, especially as the Japanese tourists and residents increase in Angeles City.

The Orchid Inn staff surprised Orchid Inn's Boss Neal with a huge cake, many handshakes and lots of kisses on his birthday last month. He certainly doesn't look too unhappy about getting one year older.

Who says bar owners don't listen to customers. After a few words from one steady customer of Honey-Ko's the bathrooms were cleaned up and a new sound system installed in the bar. The "spending" crowd is quite happy now - Thanks Des.

Overheard that the phantom KIWI is the only one qualified to punch holes in donuts - preferably "JB" donuts.

Which prominent bar owner on Fields Ave couldn't find the bathroom in a hotel room at Subic and crapped all over the room. He then woke up his mates and said "we have to get out of here, NOW"! A certain Subic hotel manager is asking if someone is going to fess up and come back to clean up the room. He has indicated that from now on he will issue nappies to any bar owner from Angeles as it is easier to dispose of a crappy nappie than to clean up a room with a lot of brown stuff left behind.

The US/Filipino joint exercise is over and the US Marines/Army and other elements have departed but even though they were all restricted to the base many of them did not miss out on any amorous adventures. There was a nightly shuttle service to certain Fields Ave bars that picked up the ladies, got them to their destination on base and left the troops smiling happily in the morning. Regretfully, there was no windfall of free spending GI's downtown but at least a few innovative bars were able to eke out a bit of extra cash. Marines are trained to overcome any obstacles put up to prevent completion of their mission, whether it is in a firefight or obtaining a bit of romance. Well-done lads!

Next years Balikatan exercise (Feb/Mar 2003) will see an increase of participants as we can expect 1200 Marines, 900 Army and 600 Air Force personnel to participate. Six F18's and 3 C130s will be here and the exercise will last 2 ½ weeks. Get those shuttle vehicles gassed up and ready to go!

There has been a noticeable increase in security at Norma's money changing store in the Santa Maria Subdivision. Maybe they noticed a drop-off in patronage.

Korean mafia? In early October, in the Villa Sol Subdivision, a Korean was found dead in the street. He had both hands cut off up to the forearms and was also shot in the back of the head. The police even left him in public view for a good part of the day after the discovery. Are the Koreans watching old Al Capone movies?

A MENACE REMOVED

Many expats will be pleased to learn that PO1 DeGuzman, the motorcycle traffic enforcer that has been harassing both foreigners and locals has been removed from motorcycle duties and reassigned. I thank those expat victims that took the time to report the numerous "shake-downs" inflicted by this individual to me and am happy that certain police officials took appropriate action after complaints were submitted. Again, I emphasize, wear those seatbelts and helmets if riding a two wheeled vehicle. It is getting close to Christmas and you drivers know what that means. Do your best to stay LEGAL!

Meet Jerry Leech who was stationed at Clark AB as an A2C way back in 1958 and has many memories of what it was like to be here that far back. According to Jerry, the area outside of Clark was like a jungle all the way to the Abacan bridge. He used to run the bars, 12 that were called the "Dirty Dozen" downtown where the circle is now. His favorite bar was called Mutts & Jeffs. A jeepney ride downtown cost 20 centavos and three or four lads used to pile on what was then, really a WW Two jeep before they were tinkered with to make them longer. Jerry was assigned to the Ground Communications Depot, Southern Air Materials Area Pacific until his departure in 1960. He plans to retire next year and return to Angeles City to live permanently. He did mention another bar that was just past the Abacan called 'Paulines" and was very popular with the troops.

It used to be called the "Y Bar" but owner/manager Joe decided to create a new image with a new name and that friendly little lizard has found a spot on Fields Ave and is waiting for you to stop in for a visit. Now, after meeting Joe I found that he has to be one of the most interesting owners on Fields as he has been a professional magician for 26 years and continues to perform as when I talked to him he had just returned from a two week stint in Japan and two weeks in Korea and would be hitting the road again this month. He is from San Diego, CA and has been coming here for 5 years and like many of us, once the Philippines gets in your blood you just have to figure out a way to stay permanently. His MaMaSan is Mimi Fave and with her return to this establishment the dancer count went from 13 to 36 charming ladies. This owner is a nice guy that wants to work hard to make this bar a place you will be happy to visit. It is small, but mighty and maybe, if you get him in the right mood, you might see a magic trick or two.

Previously I was not very keen on the Angels Club, located underneath what used to be the Birds of Paradise but manager Jerry invited me in to see the introduction of the new dancer's costumes. My interest was in high gear before I even go into the Club as one of the most beautiful door ladies I have ever seen greeted me. Her name isTrixie, 18 years old, from Negros Occidental and she really qualifies as my "I Would If I Could Girl" for this month. Absolutely gorgeous! But, duty called and I had to enter the establishment, find a good seat in front and await the ladies in their new costumes. You better believe I liked them and by the reaction of the other customers in the club I was not alone in my appreciation. Jerry had dubbed this special evening as a "See Through Party" and I could SEE the reason for that title. All in all it was a fine evening and Jerry was an excellent host. We all appreciated the Halibut meal that was served and it was a first for me to taste this delicacy. There were a few other items I would have liked to taste but being a good boy I departed, said my final goodbye to Trixie, and headed home to my lovely wife, Priscilla the horse. I can honestly say that you can't go wrong by dropping in for a few drinks at Angels and I hope that Trixie will still be there to greet you.


All in White	Black is Nice

Black is Very Nice	Trixie is fantasic

It is bloody difficult to pick out a favorite girl when a bar has over a hundred beauties on hand so when I was in Neros last month I asked one of the managers to pick out his favorite for a photo opportunity. Without any hesitation he selected the lovely Liway Bensorto, 19, hailing from Samar. Meets with my approval but would she meet the "Dirty Dave" test for appeal? Whatever, she is this month's "Manager's Choice". I know, I never did this before but it was one of those sudden ideas, that if the readers like, I will continue. By getting a manager's choice Priscilla will not be able to accuse me of excessive "in-depth research". She just doesn't realize what a hard job this is.

What a pleasure it was to meet John Moore, a veteran that served in Korea from Jul 1950 to Jan 1952. He was 21, a SSgt assigned to the 78^th Anti-Acft. Battalion but had to convert to long-range field artillery because he was there before the MIGS were introduced to the conflict. He handled 90mm pieces that had an 8-mile range. At that time the line was at Pusan and his position was overrun when the Chinese came across the Manchurian border. He is 72 years old and has raised 7 children, lives on the other side of the expressway and makes daily visits to the Orchid Inn. It is the first time I have had the opportunity to meet a veteran from that "forgotten war" and it reminded me that, rights here in Angeles City, there are a hell of a lot of people with very interesting backgrounds. It was an honor to meet this Veteran and I look forward to further conversations with him.

So ends another month and it is getting close to that time of the year when the Horse must don his Santa Claus outfit and start making appearances at different functions in order to raise donations of food, candy, or money for my annual visits to two hospitals on Christmas Eve. Priscilla and I hand out food packages, candy and money to the patients unlucky enough to be in hospital on this special night. This will be my fourteenth year for this project and the hospital still does not know who I am, only that Santa shows up on Christmas Eve and brings a bit of joy to the charity patients there. For sure, my Jan column will be very short as I am extremely busy during December.

The American Embassy Consular Information Sheet follows for those interested in reading it. In not, thanks for reading this far and may you have a great November and I am glad they eat turkeys for Thanksgiving, not horses! Remember, be kind to horses!!

The following is quite long and applies to U.S. Citizens who may or may not be interested. I have included it here for information purposes, as it might be helpful to some folks.

Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2002 5:40 PM
Subject: FW: Philippines- Consular Information Sheet October 2002

Philippines - Consular Information Sheet
October 2002

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Philippines is a developing democratic republic located in Southeast Asia. The archipelago consists of more than 7,000 islands, of which 880 are inhabited. The major island groupings are Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the center, and Mindanao in the south. Tourist facilities are available within population centers and the main tourist areas. English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and most signs are in English.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens may enter the Philippines without a visa upon presentation of their U.S. passport, which must be valid for at least six months after entry, and a return ticket to the United States or an onward ticket to another country. Upon arrival, immigration authorities will annotate the U.S. passport with an entry visa valid for 21 days. If you plan to stay longer than 21 days, you must apply for an extension at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and Deportation; Magallanes Drive; Intramuros, Manila, Philippines (http://www.immigration.gov.ph). There are special requirements for the entry of unaccompanied minors. A Passenger Service Charge, currently 550 Pesos (approximate USD equivalent $11.00), must be paid in Philippine Pesos when departing the country from international airports. For further information on entry/exit requirements, please contact the Embassy of the Philippines at: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20036 (telephone: (202) 467-9300), or via the Internet at http://www.philippineembassy.usa.org.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present.
Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

SAFETY/SECURITY: Although much of the Philippines is hospitable to travel, a number of security-related incidents highlight the risk of travel in certain areas due to incidents of kidnapping, bombings, and other violence and criminal activity.

The Philippine government has been engaged on and off in negotiations with Communist and Muslim rebel groups. Nonetheless, rebel activity and armed banditry in certain areas of the Philippines still pose security concerns. The Communist Party of the Philippines and its terrorist military arm, the New People's Army, remain active throughout the country and have issued public threats against U.S. citizens and interests in the Philippines. Americans are urged to exercise caution when traveling throughout the country and are specifically warned to avoid hiking or camping in the vicinity of Mt. Pinatubo in Pampanga Province.

In Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, kidnappings, bombings, violence, and insurgent activity make travel hazardous in many areas. The terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has kidnapped several Americans and other foreign tourists since April 2000. Some were freed after substantial ransoms were paid, some escaped or were rescued by military action, and some were killed. Other kidnapping gangs operate in the same general area and have abducted a number of foreigners for ransom. Americans should defer travel to isolated beach resorts in the southern portion of the Philippines. Americans should also avoid travel to the central, southern and western areas of the island of Mindanao, including Zamboanga City and General Santos City, as well as to the islands of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Jolo located in the Sulu archipelago in the extreme southwest of the Philippines.

As a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, U.S. citizens and interests may also be at increased risk of terrorist actions from foreign or domestic extremist groups in the Philippines. There are periodic reports of plans for possible terrorist acts aimed at U.S. Government facilities or personnel, public and private institutions, and transportation carriers. The U.S. Embassy takes all such threats seriously. The State Department reminds all Americans traveling or living abroad of the need to remain vigilant with regard to personal security
issues and to always follow some very basic and important security countermeasures: do not establish a pattern or routine in movement and travel; vary the times and routes taken to the extent possible; maintain a low profile; and immediately report any unusual activity, to include possible surveillance, to the Philippine Police and the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy.

The Embassy recommends that all travelers to the Philippines visit the Department of State web site at http://www.state.gov for the latest security and travel information. Travelers are also encouraged to
contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila at tel. (63)(2) 523-1001 for an update of the current security situation, especially if planning to travel outside the Metro Manila area.

CRIME INFORMATION: As in many of the major metropolitan areas in the United States, crime is a serious concern in Metro Manila. As a rule of thumb, Americans are advised to exercise good judgment and remain aware of their surroundings. Reports of confidence games, pick-pocketing and credit card fraud are common. If someone offers you a deal that is too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unknown individuals who attempt to befriend you, especially just after you have arrived in country. A number of recent robberies and assaults involving the "date
rape drug" (known locally as Ativan) have occurred; the drug is generally administered to unwitting visitors via food or drink. It is best not to accept food, drink or rides in private vehicles from strangers even if they appear legitimate. A number of recent kidnappings and violent assaults, especially of foreigners, in the Metro Manila area have occurred, although Americans have not been specifically targeted in such crimes. There have also been reports of vehicles with foreign passengers being robbed by gunman while driving to and from the international airport. It is best not to flaunt your nationality and to maintain a low profile. Avoid wearing large amounts of jewelry, and do not carry large amounts of money. Visitors should use safety deposit boxes at hotels. Taxis are the recommended form of public transportation; however, the following safeguards are important: do not enter a taxi if it has already accepted another passenger, and request that the meter be used. If the driver is unwilling to comply with your requests, it is best to wait for another cab. It is also a good idea to make a mental note of the license plate number should there be a problem. When driving in the city, make certain that the doors are locked and the windows rolled up. All other forms of public transportation, such as the light rail system, buses, and "jeepneys" should be avoided for both safety and security reasons.

Visitors should also be vigilant when using credit cards. One common form of credit card fraud involves the illicit use of an electronic device to retrieve and record information, including the PIN, from the card's magnetic strip. The information is then used to make unauthorized purchases. To limit your vulnerability to this scam, never let your card out of your sight.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents; U.S. Government Printing Office; Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Adequate medical care is available in major cities, but even the best hospitals may not meet the standards of medical care, sanitation, and facilities provided by hospitals in the United States. Medical care is limited in rural and more remote areas. Most hospitals will require a down payment of estimated fees at the time of admission. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost several thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals in the Philippines often expect immediate cash payment for health services. A list of doctors and medical facilities in the Philippines can be found on the web page of the U.S. Embassy in Manila at http://www.usembassy.state.gov/manila.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to
consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including
emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling
Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page: http://travel.state.gov or by auto fax at (202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may he obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax l-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, please consult the World Heath Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Travel within the Philippine archipelago is possible by boat, plane, bus, or car. Few tourists rent a car to drive, as the road system is crowded and drivers are undisciplined. Driving off the national highways and paved roads is particularly dangerous, especially at night, and should be avoided. To avoid overcrowded or unsafe transport, Americans should exercise caution in planning travel by older, inter-island ferryboats or other public conveyances.

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning the Philippines is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
>Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
For specific information concerning Philippine driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. at tel. (202) 467-9300 or via the Internet at http://www.philippineembassy.usa.org. Please see also related information from the Philippine Department of Tourism at
http://www.tourism.gov.ph and http://www.dotpcvc.gov.ph.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has assessed the Government of the Philippines' civil aviation authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of the Philippines' air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel. (800) 322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Philippines customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from the Philippines of items such as firearms and currency. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C. or one of the Philippine consulates in the United States (Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject
to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can he more severe than in the United States for
similar offenses. Persons violating Philippine laws, even unknowingly, may be
expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Capital punishment is possible for certain drug-related crimes. Fraud, swindling and "bad debts" are also serious criminal offenses in the Philippines, as is the illegal recruitment of Philippine citizens for employment overseas. The Philippine government also has strict laws against the possession of firearms, and several foreigners have been sentenced to life imprisonment for bringing firearms into the country. Americans who are arrested overseas should immediately ask to contact a U.S. Embassy representative.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: MARRIAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES: A foreigner who
wishes to marry in the Philippines is required by the Philippine Government to obtain from his/her Embassy a "Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage" before filing an application for a marriage license. Because there is no national register of marriages in the United States, the U.S. Embassy cannot provide such a certification. As a result, the Philippine government will accept an "Affidavit in Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage" in its place. Americans may execute this affidavit at the U.S. Embassy in Manila any day, Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. except for Philippine or American holidays. The American must present his/her U.S. passport. There is a fee of $30.00 or its peso equivalent for the affidavit, payable in cash only. Philippine authorities will not accept any substitute document initiated in the United States. U.S. military personnel should contact their personnel office before traveling to the Philippines regarding Department of Defense joint service regulations.
Execution of the affidavit by a U.S. consular officer is a notarial act and, as such, the consular officer is authorized by U.S. law to refuse to perform the service if the document will be used for a purpose patently unlawful, improper, or inimical to the best interests of the United States (see 22 C.F.R. section 92.9b). Entering into a marriage contract for
the principal purpose of facilitating immigration to the United States for an alien is an unlawful act, and the U.S. Code provides penalties for individuals who commit perjury in an affidavit taken by a consular officer.

The Marriage Application Process: Once an American citizen has obtained from the U.S. Embassy an "Affidavit in Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage," he/she may file an application for a marriage license at the office of the Philippine Civil Registrar in the town or city where one of the parties is a resident. The U.S. citizen
applicant must present: (a) the affidavit; (b) the divorce decree(s) or death certificate(s), if applicable, required to verify civil status and legal capacity to contract marriage; (c) their U.S. passport; and (d) documentation regarding parental consent or advice, if applicable.
(Persons aged 18 to 21 must have written parental consent to marry in the Philippines; those aged 22 to 24 must have received parental advice. Philippine law prohibits marriage for persons under the age of 18.). A judge, a minister or other person authorized by the Government of the Philippines can perform the marriage.
Marriage to a U.S. citizen confers neither citizenship nor an automatic eligibility for entry to the United States. An immigrant visa is required for a foreign spouse to live in the United States. Questions about filing an immigrant visa petition to bring a foreign spouse to the United States should be directed to the nearest office of the Immigration and
Naturalization Service, the State Department's Visa Office (telephone: (202) 663-1225) or, while in the Philippines, to the U.S. Embassy Immigrant Visa Unit at
http://www.usembassy.state.gov/manila/wwwh3023.html.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: The Philippines is a volcano-, typhoon- and earthquake-prone country. During the rainy season (May to November), there are typhoons and flash floods. Flooding can cause road delays and cut off bridges. Typhoons in the vicinity of the Philippines can interrupt air and sea links within the country. Volcanic activity is frequent, and periodically the Government of the Philippines announces alerts for specific volcanoes. Earthquakes can also occur throughout the country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone at (202) 736-7000. Under Philippine law, the mother and father of a child are held to exercise parental control jointly, and child custody cases are considered civil disputes. Parental abduction is not a crime. For specific information on child custody cases in the Philippines, please consult the web page of the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULAR AGENCY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting the Philippines are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and obtain updated information on travel and security within the Philippines. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard; Manila, Philippines tel. (63)(2) 523-1001. The Consular American Citizen Services (ACS) section's fax number is (63)(2) 522-3242 and the ACS web page is at http://www.usembassy.state.gov/manila/wwwh3004.html.

The U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu provides limited services for U.S. citizens. The Consular Agency address is: Third Floor, PCI Bank; Gorordo Avenue; Lahug, Cebu City, tel. (63)(32) 231-1261.

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 21, 2000, to add or update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety/Security, Crime Information, Medical Facilities, Medical Insurance, Other Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Customs Regulations, Special Circumstances: Marriage in the Philippines, and Children's Issues.