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AUGUST 2003
My visit to San Antonio and Houston Texas was very enjoyable except for the rain in San Antonio that nearly cancelled the fourth of July celebrations and then the hurricane in Houston that definitely did cut down on my sight seeing time. As usual, Northwest airlines did not upgrade me to business class and I wonder if they ever will. It appears that they use the frequent flyer program just to keep you flying with them but with no intention of every passing out any benefits. On top of that, in dear old economy class you run into those "why am I still working " flight attendants. Pictured here is a charming flight attendant that I believe started her career with the original Pan American Clippers. Needless to say, I did not bother this lady and was happy to take my sleeping pills, praying that she would not try to wake me up to eat. I avoided a nightmare only because I was able to catch a glimpse of the one cute Japanese flight attendant on board just as my eyes closed. Visiting Lackland AFB brought back many old memories, not only for when I went through staging with the AF Tops In Blue cast in 1980 but also back to 1956 when I went through basic training. Now, I know Marine Steve is laughing at me and saying "what basic training" but go ahead and laugh as the Air Force is the only branch of the service that sends its officers, rather than its enlisted troops off to fight the war while us enlisted weenies stay safe behind the lines, in relative comfort. There were some interesting comparisons between the Philippines and the US and at the end of this month's column I have included a few photographs that will illustrate why so many of us Expats choose to live here in Angeles City. Because of the two weeks in the States, then jet lag plus a typhoon this is a short column but I am so glad to be back and still have enough time to put a few words together. COUP ENTERTAINMENT So, you have probably read about, or seen on TV our latest entertainment for tourists called "just another failed coup d'etat". Every once in a while (last TIDBITS Can the local police confiscate your driver's license when they pull you over for a traffic violation? The answer is yes, that rule is applied nationwide even in Metro Manila, through the local Police's traffic management group (TMG). However, in Metro Manila the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers (sky blue uniforms) duplicate the function and could likewise issue a ticket and confiscate a license. That should clarify a widespread misconception so if the violation is a legitimate one, guess it is cheaper just to settle (give the money) to the officer on the spot but feel free to negotiate the settlement. Ted Lerner, the author of "Hey Joe", stopped by to drop off a copy of his new book and invite me to his Angeles Book Launch Party sponsored by Go2Phil to be held on 22 Aug 03 at the Balkline (Above the Coffee Outlet, Macarthur Hwy Service Rd, directly across from Casino Filipino, Balibago). It will be from 7-10 PM featuring an open bar and buffet with tickets costing just P250. If you add P200 at the door you will receive a signed copy of the book (a saving of P250 off the regular retail price of the book). If you show up with a copy of the book you automatically gain entrance to the party. This invitation goes out to anyone interested in having a fun filled evening listening to two live bands from Manila. The music will be live Reggae and Rock with the legendary Coco Jam, Smokin' Classic Rock and Blues with Kharma "Lupe" Star and Viva Hot Babe Andrea del Rosario. Take the time to meet author, Ted Lerner, and get your signed copy of his new book. PARTY LASTS ALL NIGHT!!!! TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE COFFEE OUTLET, BALKLINE, THE TOURIST CENTER, RED BOOK or call (045) 892-7873, 0918-737-9405 or email info@hey-joe.net. Yes, I'll be there as well for it sounds like it will be one fun night, a little different entertainment not normally offered to those of us that spend our nights on Fields Ave. Shanno, that well known man about town previously with the Flamingo Club, Cleopatras & Kitten Club is now the night manager of the Orchid Inn Hotel. He likes the hours of his new position and welcomes any visitors yearning for a late night chat. Orchid Inn's Flamingo Bar is now in the capable hands of Bill Newman, a very personable English lad with 20 years of bar experience in Pattaya, Thailand. Bill owns the Winchester bar in Jomtien that is very successful but his reason for moving over to the Philippines to take over the Flamingo was "the challenge" of doing something different. It certainly was a pleasure to meet Bill as he has that special kind of personality that allows him to make friends easily and to assure a successful operation of a bar. I suspect that Bill will be with us for some time and that the Flamingo is just the beginning of his challenges here in Angeles City.
First it was Shanno's, then Lollipop, and now the name of that little bar next to Roy's is named "Suckers". I had to smile at that as one of the dancers told me it was the closest they could get to the old name "Lollipop". She was not aware of the other meaning of "Sucker" and I wonder how many folks will think they would be a "Sucker" for going into "Suckers"? I did get a positive reaction from the lady when I asked if that meant all the ladies were "Suckers" and she answered that "she was the best at it". Like a good sucker, I departed with a smile on my face. There was a bit of an altercation at the Blue Nile last month when some Filipino customers became a bit disagreeable with an American customer that led to a bit of table/chair/ashtray throwing that had everyone in the place a bit apprehensive. This incident was a result of an encounter by the American I was told by Greg M. himself to expect good news this month regarding Hidden Vale. He did not go into any details other than to indicate that SEC approval was on the way and that there would be a general member's meeting in August to outline all the changes that will be forthcoming. I was hoping that the "good news" would be that they were finally paying off all debts and that the long promised Club House would see the light of day. For those loyal members that have remained aboard despite the ups and downs of this resort any news will be good news (I think). Will let you know next month. The Blue K bar closed as partners Louie and John sort of parted company as the landlord was seeking past due rent on the establishment. Tenders were invited for new ownership and the winners were Trevor/Des of Honey Ko's. Not privy to any changes to be made at this time or when the bar will be open again but am sure it will not take long. The Byrd Cage and Mr. T's patio bar were closed down rather suddenly last month but enquiries revealed that the lease had been picked up by another person who exercised the option to take over a few months earlier than planned because of overdue rents being owed the landlord. The new owner, or should I say the "returning original owner" is the one and only Trevor of Private dancer and Honey Ko's fame. My or my, for a man that wanted to lay back and take care of his health, Trevor has been quite busy lately. Possibly, being busy is the best medicine a doctor can prescribe. Gentleman Trevor is one of the good guys and it is great to see him back in the saddle again; rumor has it that getting the Byrd Cage was particularly satisfying to him for very personal reasons. The Philippine International Hospital (PIH) will be hosting their grand opening on 16 August (Invitation only). Believe me, for residents and visitors to this area, this will be a very welcome event. The DMZ bar is up for sale. This would be a solid investment and if this old horse had the money I would probably go for it myself. I have heard that big money man Gerard H. has been trying to pick up this property but has not met the minimum price asked by owner Tick. The attraction is that the purchase price brings ownership, with title and this is not the norm for a bar on Fields Ave. For details call up the DMZ website: http://www.vivigirls.com/tgp/dmz/index.htm GUMMIE NEWS Peter Gilchrist sent me an Email to pass on the following very important information: As you have probably already heard this email may be a waste of time but last week Singapore has started to allow chewing gum back if it is licensed for medical/dental Purposes. That is the government will issue sales licenses for those gums proven to have beneficial effects. Read this in the South China M P last week when in HK. This is good news for all visitors and residents in Singapore who are waiting for the Viagra gum to come on the market. HIGH MARKS FOR SUB DELICIOUS I wrote about this new eatery opening up while I was in the States and since I have been back have had the opportunity to eat there a number of times and enjoyed their sandwiches. They are really, "delicious" but I have also spoken to many of their customers and found 100% satisfaction (even Mark Smith eats there nearly every day). I did notice that if a customer had a complaint about anything the owner himself jumped on it and even offered replacement sandwiches or a voucher for the next visit. The mistakes were simple and attributed to the normal breaking in and training of an employee. OK, enough said, you can find out for yourself but what is interesting are the future plans for expansion. Tom took me on a tour of the upstairs area and on the second floor he is planning to open a sports bar with four pool tables, a bar, seating, large screen TV, and charming waitresses. The third floor will house a private club (The Penthouse) that only members will be allowed to use. It will have VIP rooms, music, a lounge, veranda dining. Unlike other private clubs that exist in various locations in town this one will be reasonable in membership costs and will offer reduced drinks. Construction has started and I will be keeping up with its progress. IMHO I think Tom is on his way to creating a very popular entertainment complex in the Jade Cool building and he already has a good following with the food offered on the first floor.
CLUB LANCELOT LOOKS GOOD The transformation of the Volcano into the Club Lancelot has been completed and it definitely is an improvement. The design is less ostentatious than the Cambodia Club but still retaining that touch of originality and upscale appearance. I particularly liked the bar area that allows an overall view of the entire Club. On the Saturday night I visited it was not crowded but a steady stream of customers kept the staff quite busy. It was interesting to meet and talk with dancer Irene Childress who was employed in Olongapo City from 1988-92 at T's Tavern. I wonder how many of the old time readers will remember Irene? She wonders if her father, who resides somewhere in Texas, US, will see her picture and remember her. Also pictured here is Nancy, a very, very, nice looking lady, 20 years old, single who stated that she does not have a boyfriend because "no one is looking for me". Possibly, Nancy may find some folks looking her up now as she dances away the evening.
RAMA BEACH RESORT I should be writing about this resort later in the year when folks are thinking about heading for the beach but why wait, this resort is so nice that even in the off season you can have a nice comfortable get-a-way. It is family owned by Roger and Marichu Bound. Roger was the previous owner of Palmera Gardens Resort but sold out a few years ago. Now he is the happy, sole owner of the Rama International Beach Resort, in Binoclutan Botolan, Zambales. Very seldom do I venture out of Angeles City so when the opportunity came to take the children from the Bahay Bata Children's Center for an overnight stay Priscilla the horse and I jumped at the opportunity. It was fantastic, we did not want to leave. The kids slept in tents but the adults slept in air-conditioned rooms; I'm too old for discomfort. The white sandy beach was beautiful, the water clean and cooling and the view, especially at sunset, fantastic. The prices were reasonable and Roger was a great host, along with his wife and of course, their baby daughter. Future plans include the construction of more rooms and a restaurant on the second floor to take advantage of the ocean view. Roger is also selling off the street 1240 sq. mtr. Lots (16 of them) for P1,000 a sq. mtr. Owners will have free access to the beach and a P6,000 a year membership allows you to bring up to 10 guests to use the facilities. Roger just contacted me last week to tell me that until September if you stay two nights you get one for free. I do know that the Mrs. and I are looking forward to finding the time to visit with Roger again, especially after he makes the further improvements. One nice touch out of many is the swimming pool. I can take only so much of a beach and the sand and being able to use a nice large swimming pool only meters from the ocean is very appealing to me. For more details access www.ramabeach.com or send Roger an Email at ramabeach@eudoramail.com. I won't get into listing all the available rates except to say the prices are very affordable and you can't go wrong. The website will give you the details. Was I keen on the place, you bet! Give it a try and let Roger know that Harry the Horse sent you, it might not do you any good but for sure he will at least buy you a drink.
Musical Managers Many people come to visit Angeles City. Some love the life so much they decide to move here. Who can blame them? Low cost of living, great night life, cheap booze and an unlimited supply of female companionship. Some have the means to retire and some must seek gainful employment. There's not much for them to do but become 'managers'. In many bars, the manager is not much more than a glad hander or substitute liver. His job is to let the owner carouse around town whilst the he swills free beer and tries to keep customers in the bar as long as possible by shouting them a couple of drinks. In some rarer cases, the manager takes his job seriously. He becomes part of the operations team and tries his best to keep the bar operating at 'Western' standards. Staff reporting to work on time, not sleeping on the couches, not chewing gum or texting their boyfriends, CRs clean and bar in good order. He's given some responsibility and authority. These are the large minority. Angeles City managers and owners are not known for their loyalty. Managers are paid the equivalent of a couple of hours pay in their home country for a night's work and have little or no compunction about leaving a bar on a moments notice and owners are always on the lookout for someone who has a 'following' who will change habitat to their bar. We could call the last month or so 'Musical Managers'; Blue Fox is sold. The owner offers to Stay tuned to see who goes where and when. STRANGE TIME FOR INSPECTIONS It seems strange for Fire Department officials to arrive at a bar to inspect ALL fire extinguishers and necessary permits on a Saturday night (9:30) PM but that is exactly what happened to Amy at Wet Seals on 20 July during her birthday party. She was dressed in costume because she was going to dance with the Pick-Up dancers and the customers were looking forward to it. The officials held her up for 30 minutes. Sources told me she went to City Hall that next Monday morning to find out why this happened but time does not permit me to find out the result of that meeting. For sure, I will be making a few enquiries to find out why this type of inspection took place at such an unusual time, I would hate to find out that this is an accepted new procedure. Could there be an ulterior motive for late night visits, especially on a Saturday night, during a special party? INSOMNIA EXPANDING At this time the Insomnia bar is a small comfortable establishment that has plenty of ladies, atmosphere, and friendly hosts. What is newsworthy is that it will not be too long when its size is doubled as they expand into what used to be Private Dancer. The new bar area is already complete and the renovations should be completed around the November time frame. Heiko and Jung have always had a good following and for sure, when the new look is complete this will be a great attraction to dedicated bar hoppers.
A FACE FROM THE PAST This "young lad" is one of those long time residents of Angeles City that was active during the old days. Can you identify him? He was one of the many silent partners of Villa Modesto.
COMPUTER ASSISTANCE When I run across a company that serves a need to the Expat community I like to pass the information on. This is the case with Stevenel Microsystems, a computer repair shop owned by Nelson A. Cuizon with key man Roger Rodriguez who is the engineering supervisor. The shop is located just before the new PIH hospital, across from what used to be, many years ago, the Stop and Shop bar (a lot of good memories of that place). They have been in business for four years, prior to that, Nelson worked for IBM in 1987 and was also president of a computer Co. in Manila. Their technicians are available 24 hours a day but after hours you would have to take your computer to the shop. They maintain the computers at Kokomos, Cyber Care, the DAV and Doc DeGuzman. For assistance you can call them at 892-2788 or 322-9393. They stay pretty busy and at times not readily available for house calls but their work is excellent. TYING THE KNOT Right away I know readers are going to say that this is boring, but, sorry, Iain & Karen Bolton are friends of mine and what the hell, a few pictures of their wedding day and reception is my gift to them. Yes, Wallflower Bill, I am still cheap but then I did buy them a drink on the house as well (I think). The deed took place at the Hana Hotel and a fine job management did with the food and setups.
SUBIC BAY RAO BRANCH The new Angeles City Branch of Subic Bay Retired Affairs Office (RAO) has been open a couple of months now and it is time to acknowledge the dedicated volunteers and staff that are manning this veterans assistance center. Services offered are issuance of VA Forms, VA claims assistance, receipt of medicines from the Manila Clinic, telephone service to call the VA in Manila and the van to OPC (Manila) weekdays. Ski 2, Dennis, Ralph, Macon "Bacon" and Mr. "don't show my face" are on board five days a week until 1530 hours to lend assistance. Do not get this office mixed up with the RAO that Jim Boyd has been heading up for many years now and is also dedicated to helping the US veterans in this area. It is so great to have these folks providing such excellent hands-on services and believe me, it is appreciated.
NEW SCHOOL AT STREET CHILDREN'S CENTER Last 18 Jun, Mr. Lee Yong.Soo, First Secretary from the Korean Embassy, Manila attended the inauguration of a school building donated for the street children by Kim Bok Koy and family, Korea at the Angeles Bahay Bata Center, Cuyan, Angeles City. Mr. Yong.Soo, along with other dignitaries, cut the ribbon, officially opening the school for the children.
FEEDING THE KIDS Last June the US Air Force's 1st Special Operations Wing stationed at Kadena AB in Okinawa donated a many cases of food to give to the Bahay Bata Street Children's Center. It was flown in by C130, off loaded at Clark and delivered to the Center where the kids are now enjoying some rather original food that normally they would never get to taste. It is through generous donations like this that this worthy project is able to sustain a high standard and grow with each passing year. For further information about the Center visit www.angelesstreetkids.org and any time you are visiting Angeles City, feel free to contact me and I would be very happy to take you there for a visit. THAT SPECIAL MASSAGE It ain't fancy and has only one room but I have heard some good things about the massage service offered at the rear of Pattaya Land, located next to the Midnight Rodeo. Only two ladies are on duty now, Amore and Jane and I can vouch for the expertise of Amore as she used to work for me. If you want someone capable of giving you a strong massage, check out this lady for she has a hell of a lot of strength in those hands. Regarding Jane, you'll just have to check that out for yourself. The service will cost you P400 but just like when you buy a car, the extras cost a bit more.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS For some reason the bar I enjoyed the most when barhopping was the newly opened "Hole in the Wall" located on Abad Santos Street just down from Kokomos. The atmosphere was not fancy, the décor was simple but appealing, the ladies were friendly and it was really roomy. It had a bit of the western saloon flavor to it even though that was not the intent. One might think it is a bar dominated by bikers but that is not the case, its appeal crosses all lines, it is a man's bar with friendly down to earth folks in attendance. No doubt, Garth has a winner with this latest venture of his. One other nice touch is that food is offered as well and that sure can be convenient during those bar runs when you forget to eat first.
I WOULD IF I COULD Forgive me, this will be the second time I have featured a lady that works in a bar but has still, for now, managed to retain her innocence. She was just too attractive to pass up. Employed at the Thi-Hi Maricel Diaz is 19 years old, high school graduate, no boyfriend but, for sure, has many admirers. She likes to sing and men in the 45 year age bracket appeal to her. When off duty she lives with her parents in Malabanes.
COMPARISONS For many of the readers residing out of the country and dreaming about returning here as soon as possible I thought I would remind you why you yearn to do so. For those of you that have never been to Angeles City, I recommend that you start saving up for a ticket right away.
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one 14 years ago) some folks in the military discover that the country is filled with corruption (surprise) and that their leaders are corrupt (more surprise) as well. My goodness, then they are lead by leaders who are never punished after their failure to accomplish anything other than to disrupt the economy for a number of years and return to their barracks to await the next attempted coup. On the Saturday night that this was taking place no one on Fields Ave knew anything about it as business went on as usual. Those at home were enjoying it by watching TV. Even the next day, Sunday morning, the coup was on hold as the troops wanted to watch the Pacquiao IBF championship fight, fortunately it did not last long so they were all able to get back to business. The bottom line is that it was all over rather quickly and the newspapers will have many days to fill their pages with analysis. The names of Enrile, Gringo, and Estrada are back in the headlines and even the rebel leader's Mom is being hailed as a hero. I wonder if she promised him apple pie or pancit if he would give up before Gloria really got mad? The bottom line is, don't cancel those plane reservations, there is no reason not to visit us here in Angeles City as the girls are still hungry and yearning for your company. We don't worry about a coup d'etat here, we only worry about how much longer it will take for the North Luzon Expressway construction to be finished!
with these same Filipinos the night before in Neros. It seems that they were trying to take pictures of his girl with one of those cell phone cameras and were told not to do so by management. As luck would have it, they ran into each other the next night at the Blue Nile and one thing led to another with all hell breaking loose. According to Richard the guard did fire off a couple of shots in the foyer, not the main room, to quiet things down; it worked! The police came and escorted the subjects to the police station; about P10,000 worth of damage was done to the Blue Nile and action is being taken to collect that. An altercation with Filipino customers is a rare occurrence in the clubs on Fields Ave but be advised that the Filipino can be a very volatile person, especially when drinking so it is best to retreat rather than attack whenever possible to do so.
make the manager a partner after a couple of years of successful operations. The relationship lasted about a month and the manager departed. There was an opening in Confetti's so he went there - and lasted 1 night. From there he went to the new Cleopatra - and lasted 10 days. The manager of Confetti's went to Blue Fox. Cleopatra hired long time Angeles resident and former Cleo honcho - Hans. He didn't even make it to work but headed for Camelot. Insomnia's manager was there 4 months and did a short stint at Blue K before returning to the States. He was the 6th manager in 2 years. Down at Kitten Club, the manager came back, left, came back, went to Flamingo and left . Meanwhile, the manager of Black Jack was let go. He didn't go far. Just next door to Cleopatra. Dirty Duck released their manager of about 5 months who went to Bedrock. And the manager of Camelot quickly moved in to fill that slot. This is all in the space of 6 weeks.
It has been a challenging month as far as the rains go and the electricity going off so often. The political unrest has settled down a bit but who knows what to expect next. It will be fun to read the papers and see who is being accused of what. There are times I hate my computer. As I write this ending my DSL connection is not working and naturally I can't figure out why. I think if I was in the States I would change to an Apple computer as they appear to be friendlier toward retards like me. Now I can't figure out how I will get this to Tom to edit and put out on the web site. My guess is that publication will be a little late as it is already 29 Jul. Ok, I know, excuses, excuses, but it is quite frustrating. Anyway, I am outta here and will just bury my head in my feed bucket. Have a nice month, but please, be kind to horses. |