AUGUST 2004

For sure, visitors here in July were able to experience quite a bit of rain and umbrellas were a daily necessity.  I suspect that August will be no different as it appears that this will be a very wet rainy season with extremely heavy late afternoon and early evening monsoon rains.  It is also very likely that a typhoon or two will decide to visit us which means that the wise visitor will head for his favorite bar and stay there until the sun comes up again.

                        Harry The Horse

TIDBITS

Mo has done it again!  He sold a bar to Kim, a very nice gentleman wise to the ways of Angeles City and over the last year Kim had his good days and bad days like many of us but it appears that he needed a “rest” and Mo was able to step in and buy the bar back.  Guess what, the “Lollipop” has now been reborn and that man who keeps telling me he wants out of the bar business has just jumped into the deep end of the pool to offer visitors to Angeles City more of his dynamite entertainment.  How sweet it is!

The “Club” was sold to an English lad and after some renovations was renamed “D’Field Ave Fun Club”, that title took a lot of imagination but I can guarantee it is not a “tea and biscuit club”.  New blood and changes are always welcome on Fields Ave, it keeps things from getting boring.  I was told that Vicky is still there and I don’t know if that is good or bad!

I am very pleased with the new Winchester Club located next to the Swiss Chalet Hotel just off of Real St.  Previously there were two small clubs named Secrets and Spanx adjoined by the very popular Hole in the Wall.  Spanx was too small and many people, including myself advised Canadian Bob to work out a way to join the two clubs into one.  Then along came big Bill and Chris, both Thailand veterans who had the funds to take over the two clubs, do the necessary renovations and have created a very fine, spacious club that should enjoy a fair amount of success.  I did not go to the grand opening as I figured it would be packed and difficult to take pictures or talk to anyone. 

I was correct as some first niters told me how crowded it was and that I missed out on some great offerings in the food department.  Instead I waited for the next night and it was a lot less crowded and I was able to enjoy the sight of the many dancers who were on the stage, and walking around as well (the two pictures above give you an idea of how many dancers and waitresses are available to entertain you). Two regular TV’s are available and there is one large screen TV in the closed in balcony area  (sports room) that allows a view of A. Santos Street (Blow Row). 

 Ladies drinks are P125 but if she wants a beer the cost is only P55 as she does not get a commission.  This bar is open from 1000 to 0300 hrs and that is one long work day and there is a pool table available that allows plenty of room to play.  I think the Winchester is well worth a visit, day or night and being able to pop next door to the Hole in the Wall for a bite to eat is a great convenience and the Black Jack Restaurant at the Swiss Chalet is next door as well.  If that isn’t enough Kokomo’s and the Orchid Inn eateries are within a few meters walking distance as well. 

A little bird told me that Neville, AKA Nifty is back at the helm of both Nifty’s and Club Rio and that the action is picking up to what it used to be before Nifty took a bit of a break.  Lately I have been running into a few lads that say if you want a good time with some hands on entertainment, that these two clubs are the place to go.  It will be difficult for me but I guess I better take camera in hand and force myself to visit those establishments regardless of the hard work involved.  See you soon Nifty!

One of the benefits for me when I stopped by the Winchester Club was meeting night manager Richard and learning that he ran a business called “Music Masters” which installs a music system in Clubs and even the smaller bars at a very affordable price.  For 65,000 Pesos he provides a computer, amplifier, 2 speakers, and three thousand songs loaded up and ready to go.  For bigger bars he adds two additional speakers and nothing is final, additional songs can be added, deleted, whatever, good service is guaranteed.  He has installed systems in the Flamingo, Pick-Up, Kitten Club, Bunny Ranch and of course, the Winchester.  He was working as a sound engineer for 20 years and knows his business.  There is a good chance that even the Blue Boar Inn may avail of Richard’s services.  You can reach him at his office number 893-3791 or look for him at the Winchester.

Recently one John Power stopped by the Blue Boar Inn to introduce himself and possibly advertise his business in this column.  I told him I would give him a free mention because I always give a plug to any business that I feel those living here in Angeles City might want to avail of.  John is Australian and operates “Australian Visas” specializing in fiancé, spouse, defacto, skilled migration and visitors visas.  He is a Australian registered migration agent who must comply to strict Australian guidelines.  You can contact him at the Fiesta Garden Hotel, Angeles City, tel. 45-322-1147 or cell number 0916-7475881.  His email address is johnpower@hotmail.com.  If you arrange to meet him at the Fiesta Garden Hotel try to make it on a Sunday so you can enjoy their Sunday live band and great bar-b-q offering at the same time. 

I failed in my mission to get a picture of the Mayor to include in this month’s column, he is a busy fellow and I am not on the priority list of his reading material.  But, I did get to have a couple of quick conversations with him and also with his advisor Rey Pineda.  In fact, I did get to sit in the Mayor’s office for an hour and converse with a few key staff members.  What was I trying to find out?  More details about the plans for Fields Ave, what the bar owners could expect and how about the changes coming about with the removal of the illegal stalls along Fields.  It appears that, for sure, there will be changes, i.e., a closing to portions of Fields Ave and Real Street to traffic during certain set hours, additional standards for the bars to comply with, more security, possibly the formation of a bar owners association that can interact with City officials, etc.  But right now, no one was willing to talk details, it is too soon as the situation is fluid. 

I was told that when the time comes to be more specific that meetings will be held with the bar owners to, some on an individual basis, to get their input and ideas.  Believe it or not, the removal of the illegal stalls is scheduled to begin at the end of July.  I know that this column does not come out until August so if it does go as planned, you will know about it before this is published.  If you are reading this in August and nothing has happened, well, you will know how unreliable plans are here until the actual event actually does take place. 

I know that there are a lot of rumors floating about in town and that many bar owners are concerned as to what to expect.  I will continue to do my best to keep abreast of the situation and report on it but I can relate only what my contacts in the City give me permission to report. 

This will be an interesting year in Angeles City but one thing is for sure, there is a very positive attitude from the Mayor’s office on town about the value of tourism in this area and the importance of Fields Ave and the economic asset it is to the economic well being of Angeles City. 

 In all the years that I have been here I have never heard so much positive recognition of the establishments on Fields, Perimeter Road and off Fields as well.  I do not know what will happen after three years but from now until that time increased tourism is a priority objective for Angeles City along with the safety and well being of those foreigners visiting here and also, of course, those expats and local citizens that call this area home.  The two pictures show the present view of Fields Ave, I wonder if I will be able to show something different next month.  There is one favorable ruling for the City, illegal commercial establishments do not come under the Lina law.  

When visiting Angeles City and you want to have a break from barhopping, if you can arrange it, take a trip to Subic and visit the Zoobic Safari.  You will be able to see the only Tiger Safari in the Philippines, walk through a petting zoo where I had the experience of hand feeding ostriches from Africa and Australia.  The biggest thrill was a ride in the tiger habitat with the Safari jeep where the live tigers roam around and for an extra charge you can see the tiger leap at the jeep to grab a live chicken held out by the attendant for the tiger’s snack of the day.  Believe me, you want to make this trip, it is a most enjoyable few hours of adventure and the cost is very reasonable. 

While I visit Las Vegas, NV in Sept I will miss the company of the U.S. Military who are scheduled to conduct an exercise at Clark during the month of September.  They are inviting local American citizens to participate in various events to include helicopter rides and other modes of transportation.  Free food will be provided (probably MRE’s).  This will be five one day exercises and volunteers can participate in one or all (no push-ups required).  I sure would like to volunteer for a helicopter ride but I will be flying out on Eva Airlines and I sure do expect the flight attendants to be a lot better looking than the ones on Northwest.  I gave up on Northwest because they never let anyone use their frequent flyer miles for an upgrade; just a lot of talk and promises but no consideration at all.  I will be gone for three weeks. 

One reader sent me an email asking what happened to the twins I featured in my column a few months ago.  He thought they were cute.  Well, they were working at the Rising Sun but since then they have been fired because they had a habit of taking off from work with no notice and then showing up days later, sometimes weeks and expecting to return to work as if nothing happened.  They are no longer employed and I have no idea where they are now, possibly back in the province with their third sister (they were triplets). 

TAPS – While eating at the Hole in the Wall I was informed about the sad passing of an ex Mad Dog member, Lock McKirdy who had a fatal heart attack just the day before.  He was only 42 years old, originally from Australia, living in Manila.  Needless to say it was a shock to all his mates.  I promised to write a short notice of his passing but the very next day I received an email from one who knew him well asking that I mention him in my August column.  I decided to print the below comments in full:

Harry,

"Unless you have already heard, we had the tragic news this Wednesday morning 21 July that Lachlan "Lock" Mckirdy died of heart attack. Would appreciate a mention for him in your column for August if possible.

Lock was a well known biker in Manila and Angeles, formerly with the Mad Dogs and then co-founder of the Krimson Kross Motorcycle Club who sought to adhere to a searching and severe code of honour. More infamous than famous, this Aussie was well known for his forthright views and did not suffer fools gladly. For those who saw beyond this gruff exterior and bothered to get to know him, actually found a man true to his word, a heart of gold in caring and looking out for others, professional in his work, and a totally dedicated party animal!

There are many of us who have been on the receiving end of his taunts but also carry with us the many nuggets of practical advice and fantastic memories rarely obtained from others. He will be missed but at least he leaves with us the legacy that he helped build up the rules for Mad Dog prospects, guided many of us to be better riders, inspired others to be better bike mechanics and, of course, the Handlebar building in Makati which was his (and many many others) pride and joy. As a frequent visitor to Angeles, he will be sorely missed by many bars and even more ladies! Overall, his legacy is the reminder that he constantly pushed people to challenge themselves, challenge others and enjoy life to the fullest. You hear a lot of bullshit talked about brotherhood in biker circles, but in this case without doubt, he was family, he was a respected brother." Ride forever Lock.

You know, bikers are fun to be around because they always have stories to tell about their exploits, trials and tribulations.  Case in point, Monty, a very reserved American Steel MC member was telling me how he was arrested in Makati a few months ago for going outside the Handle Bar (Opening night) for a smoke (yes, no smoking rules in Makati clubs and restaurants now) and took his beer outside as well.  After all, one must have a beer along with a cigarette.  Would you believe he was arrested for consuming a beer in public.  The police told him that he had violated an ordinance and that the fine would be P7,000.  He spent three hours in jail negotiating as he refused to pay the P7,000, finally the police asked him how much he had with him and he fessed up to having only P2,000 which he was willing to pay but they had to give him a ride home as well.  They took the money and he got his ride as well.  See, and you all thought Angeles City was bad!

A new Thai restaurant has opened its doors on Perimeter Road called “Siam House” run by a Thai from Bangkok named Udom.  He is married to a Filipina and does all the cooking himself.  It is located in the Clarkview area, just one street before you get to the Galleon, within walking distance of the VFW.  Priscilla and I had a feed there a couple of weeks ago and found the food to be excellent.  The flavor of the Shrimp spicy soup was excellent as were the other two dishes we ordered.

 I always like the spicy chicken but forgot to tell Priscilla hot spicy he made it.  I figure it is quite hot when both my eyes water and my nose runs at the same time, this dish caused a runny nose but only one eye watered.  Priscilla took one bite and that was all she wrote, I had the rest to myself.  The Siam House is small and spare on décor but the prices are reasonable and the flavor of the food comes very close to that of cuisine offered in Thailand. 

The new owner and manager of Iron Works Gym visited me asking if I could give them a plug, being a kind old horse, I agreed.  This gym has had its ups and down since it first opened but now it appears that the new management team is giving their all to improve service and to please those folks interested in physical fitness. 

 They want to erase any negative image that has existed and they are offering programs at a very reasonable cost.  When you join there is a one time P50 administration fee and then P500 a month all inclusive.  They are closed on Sundays but Mon thru Thurs their hours are from 0700 - 2200 hrs except Fri and Sat when they close at 2100 hrs.  Taebo or aerobics is offered at 1830 Mon thru Fri.  This is a fully furnished gym with professional instructors.  Private hot showers and lockers for men and women.  There are special rates for couples and groups.  They are located just beyond the Friendship Gate, 736 Don Meliton Ave, tel:  893-0298.

 TAKE THIS WARNING TO HEART

It is hard to believe that the scam of the “I know you” guys continues to work so well in this town.  Most of the hotel owners warn new guests of what to look out for but a few slip through the cracks.  For some reason, during the last few months there has been increased activity in this con and these guys that are involved are evil, no doubt about it.  So, once again I will post another story that was on the message board and hope that any newbies coming to Angeles City will be forewarned.  My goodness folks, it is safe here, have a good time but be aware that due care is still necessary.

“The 19yr old Air Force kid whom I met on the internet and then in person in Angeles last month unknowingly got into a trike with one of these guys. We left together for Iba, Zambalas for a 3-day side trip from Angeles, but after just one night there, he decided he HAD to get back to AC! I don't really blame him----after all---it WAS his first trip to paradise and I was surprised when he said via email a few months back that he wanted to go along with me to Iba. I was with my Honey-Ko, so I still wanted to stay the remaining 2 days...so I let him take off back to AC on his own. Yes, yes...I know, I know, that was a mistake---I should've never let him take off on his own like that...but I thought he'd be OK. (He HAD been to Thailand TWICE already)  So, two days go by, and I return to Angeles and catch up with him at his hotel where he has a nightmare of a story to tell.

He was wandering around by himself, slightly drunk, down by Blue Nile at around 11:00 am in the morning when a guy standing outside the Chic'n'ribs calls out to him: "Hey friend, remember me? I saw you last night at your hotel."  CherryBoy told me the guy looked clean, well-dressed and spoke very good English...then was quickly telling him about a "bar" he had with "Korean & Vietmanese" girls...and that it was "just around the corner". He even showed him some kind of ID or drivers license from California, and stated he had a son in the U.S. Air Force also in Arizona. So, CherryBoy then got into a conveniently awaiting trike with him and sped off to go see this "bar"...."just around the corner".

A long trike ride later, which included crossing a bridge or two, and he was in some all-Filipino neighborhood. He had no idea where he was....but he knew it was far away from Feilds. Then, they go inside some decent looking house...and there's other older, well-dressed Filipino guys in there. They sit him down on a couch and serve him a coke in can. Then they start asking him if he likes to watch cock-fights...and as he's drinking his coke...they break out a deck of playing cards and ask if he wants to play a game "just for fun". Not long after, he starts feeling very strange and woozy. That's when he said he knew something wasn't right. He said the room started spinning and he felt like he was "tripping", as if on Ecstasy. So he jumps up, and without bothering to put his shoes back on, darts out of the house, running down the street barefoot screaming, "Help me, help me!" as they chased behind him. Said he ran a good 2 blocks at least and came upon a trike, jumped into the sidecar and yelled for the driver to go fast....but the trike-driver said no and shooed him away. So they surrounded him, about 3 guys, and shook him down right there in the street for all the money he had on him, about 5,000 pesos......only.

Then he just walked for awhile until asking someone for help...and managed to hitch a ride back to Fields. He said he felt the effects of whatever drug he was on the rest of that day until the evening. He did go to the local police station to file a report so that he could have documentation of what happened in case he got hit with a drug test by the military or something when he got back home. He was pretty shaken up about the experience when I first saw him...but no worse for wear (minus a few pesos)...and a lot wiser. In all his querying emails he sent to me over the months, asking me all his countless questions about AC, I erred in omitting the warning about these, "Hey, remember me?" guys. Even though he was staying at the Orchid, and they DO have that sign at the front desk warning of the guys, I can't help but feel somewhat responsible for him being ignorant to the scam. I'm mainly just glad he made it back unharmed.
 

He asked what they were going to do to him if he would've passed out there from the drugs. We told him that one possible scenario could've been that they would set him up in bed with some underage girl...and then bring in their local police friends to "arrest" him...demanding a large sum of money from him or else go to jail. Or one of any number of other possible extortion scams. To add to the story, and this is strange, we were sitting at Kokomo's having a drink later in the week when a T-shirt salesman comes up to us and asks CherryBoy if he's ok. He said he had heard about what happened to him. That reminded me of what a small town AC is. We asked this guy if he knew the people that did this to him and he plainly stated that, yes, he DID know but he cannot talk about it.
"Because I am only a Filipino and they will kill me if I say anything...those people have big people behind them...everybody knows that"

I WOULD IF I COULD

This month I break tradition as I must feature two ladies that I considered very high on my “I would if I could” list.  The lady in the pool is 19 year old Ira, who works at Insomnia Bar.  She was in the company of the Road Dawgs having fun in the pool at the Orchid Inn.  When I spotted her in the water I knew that she had to be my special lady in August.  Since she was in the company of a rather tall, strong looking American I approached the subject of taking her picture very carefully.  Gratefully, he and the rest of the Road Dawgs were avid readers of this column and I was able to take Ira’s picture without fear of any physical abuse. 

Now, I was able to get Ira’s picture very early in July and was happy to find someone so attractive that early but then I walked into Stampede a couple of weeks ago and saw this 5’8” body of loveliness attending the pool table in the back.  This 19 year old cherry girl (yes, she is still a virgin) stood out like the Empire State Building, tall, statuesque, solid legs, not shy, fine personality, just plain appealing. 

OK, I had to add a second lady to my list for this month.  Her name is Chenny Ann, from Capiz, Iloilo and currently has no boyfriend.  Guys, you have to check this one out, Ozzie indicated that she does go out but maintains her virginity but that does not mean that one would not have a satisfying evening with her.  There you have it, Insomnia and Stampede have the goods, you just have to get there to enjoy what is offered.  I would recommend you be quick if you want to see Chenny Ann as I do not think she will have to work too long before she finds a steady boyfriend. 

THE ROAD DAWGS

The Road Dawgs are a great bunch of guys and I really enjoyed meeting them.  Big Dawg (Doug) presented me with a great shirt that they had made for the super bowl trip in Pattaya Thailand last year.  It is seldom that he Horse gets some goodies from the readers and it is not expected so when I do it is like, "Wow what an honor" and I run home to tell Priscilla.  I have especially been grateful to the folks that have contributed to my hot sauce collection, soon I must have a bigger display cabinet built.  But, I digress, back to the Road Dawgs who I must say have excellent taste in women and also know how to have a good time when they get together.  No further words are necessary from me as the head dawg did a good job of explaining what they were all about so read on:

Peace,

BigDog

WELCOME TO PIH
Whenever I have the opportunity I try to introduce, to the single guys reading this column, some ladies that I consider worth taking the time to meet, write, email, and court; ladies that are educated, do not work in any bars and can be an asset to any man wherever he lives rather than an anchor around one's neck. 

Now, this does not take away from many of the ladies you might meet in the bar and marry but this gives you another avenue of approach to some charming ladies that normally, you would not have the opportunity to meet. 

I keep telling the ladies that if they do meet that someone special and get married, I have to be invited to the wedding and reception for this horse loves to attend a feast as I love to eat.  So far, no luck.  Now, here is a picture of four charming, good looking, personable ladies that are very single. 

From left to right you have Gina, 30 years old, Dhang, 20, Ann, 23 and Fatina 30, all college graduates.  They prefer men in the age group 30 to 40 so you over 60 guys that are drooling already, forget it.  If anyone is interested they can send an email to patrice17072000@yahoo.com and Fatima will pass it on to the co-worker of your choice.  By the way, they all work at the admissions office at the Philippine International Hospital (PIH) so it will be easy for them to visit you if you happen to get sick while here.  What more can I do for you guys, go for it!

KNIGHTS OF THE BROWN RING

A bit of a mistake was made last month when I said that it was the 5th Anniversary of the Knights of the Brown Ring (AH Club) as actually, it was the 4th Anniversary, this old Horse screwed up.  So, in Jul 05, we get to celebrate the same year again or maybe I will just wait until the 6th year, if it lasts that long.  It was a very fun day and the cake design was fantastic, the snacks were delicious as were the usual toppings that had many of the members enjoying a memorable feast.  The August gathering of the Knights will be on 7 August, same time, same place.  

BUSINESSMEN'S LUNCH

A popular function held bimonthly in Angeles City is the Businessmen's Luncheon that is held at a different location each time.  The President this year is the robust, jolly, Pat Lynch and the MC for life is Peter O'Donnell.  It is an expat organization and is useful in exchanging information and updating members on what is happening around town.  The lunches range from great to "oh well" depending which establishment is hosting the event.  For sure there is a time for fellowship and some pleasant conversation with some attractive ladies.  The membership is one thousand pesos a year and P500 for each luncheon attended.  It a worthwhile organization and any expat engaged in business within Angeles City should consider joining.

TOURIST OF THE MONTH

Stewart Gamble, a representative of the wrecking crew says that he is an "Asshole" and proud to be one.  He is from Glasgow, Scotland but now resides in Australia.  While attending a meeting of the Knights of the Brown Ring he decided to hang on to the Cashier, Joan.  Regretfully, Joan had to return to her duties behind the counter but Stewart, like a true wrecking crew member was able to find another interest.  His favorite bar is Nero's and of course, the Blue Boar Inn once a month. 

 

SPENCER'S FUSION BAR & RESTO

For a new experience in Angeles City I recommend that you check out Spencer's located at the Saver's Mall on McArthur Highway where the BPI bank used to be located.  Whether your palates are craving for Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, American or International treats. 

Spencer's Fusion Bar & Resto is the perfect stop for you.  There is free parking at the Balibago Car Wash & Parking next door  Some folks have said that it is a bit pricey but it compares with the Fortune Hong Kong Restaurant but what can you expect when there are two supervising chefs from Hong Kong and Manila and also employing 10 cooks. 

The ambiance is fantastic and the quality of the food is excellent.  If you wish to engage in friendly chit-chats with family members or pals, you may go al-fresco in the intimately set-up patio.  The owner is Jack Uy one of the famous brothers that own Saver's Mall and our local cable TV station.  It is well worth a visit, not as simple as visiting a MacDonalds restaurant but much more comfortable and entertaining. 

It is a great way to relax after spending a few hours shopping at Saver's.  There is a meeting room as well with the latest Sharp plasma cluster TV that most of us can't afford to buy at P360,00 but I figure that Jack gave himself a big discount on that.  Thurs thru Sat there is a piano bar that is open until 0300 hrs.  
 

Well, I am out of here again and tonight, 26 Jul I am ready to forward this column to John Bee so he can work on it and then forward it to Tom.  Special thanks to my good friend Chuck Guinn that is patiently working with me to teach me the HTML procedures and how to work with FrontPage.  It is hard to teach an old 66 year old horse new tricks.  Now, before I sign off I must finish with a bit of a complaint about our local cable TV company.  Early last month our Cable TV magazine listed the 2003 World Darts Championships to run for three days at 0600 hours on ESPN.  I got up to watch two mornings in a row and nothing, no darts at all.  I was upset but figured it was just another glitch with the program schedule that was sent to ACCTN. 

But then, I received calls from friends in Olongapo and Manila asking if I watched the darts.  They had it in those areas but nothing here, now I was really upset.  So, I called the cable company on more than one occasion and spoke to three different people and got nothing but a glorious run around.  The only information I got was that our provider gives us the ESPN Asia feed.  I was told that they would check and see if the ESPN feed used by the providers in Olongapo and Manila were different.