The sun is shining, it is getting hot, school is out and the kids are running all over the place.  Many are heading over to Hidden Vale to check out one of the better swimming pools in town.  Yep, Hidden Vale is still open and each month making improvements.  The food quality has improved immensely, now, if I could only afford the prices.  You guys know me, I am not classy and can be satisfied with less quality, at a reasonable cost as long as it is tasty and has enough quantity to fill me up.  Hey, a big bowl of chili and rice is good enough for me at lunch time but I am sure that at Hidden Vale, if it was on the menu, Chris would put in some gourmet ingredient and turn a P150 meal into a P295 treat.  The service has improved considerably and each customer is made to feel very welcome and that is a treat at no cost.  I'm looking forward to the month of April and don't forget Dutch National Day on Saturday, 30 Apr.  I mentioned it last month but for those of you that forgot to mark your calendars, do so now!!  I am waiting for Karel Heinen to send me some more information but when I went to see him he had just left for China.  A portion of Field Ave will be closed off so the Dutch guys can organize some fun and games for everyone to enjoy and believe me, the booze will flow.  The Dutch know how to have fun and enjoy organizing entertainment that will be fun for everyone attending.  Karel promised me that it will be bigger and better than last year's festivities and that is something to look forward to.  There is a lot of reading for you to peruse this month so lets get on with it.

Tidbits

There has been a great deal of discussion lately about the higher prices of drinks in the bars, i.e., P70 for bottled water, what attracts the customers in AC, the bars or the hotels, attitudes of girls, runners, etc.  Wow, that is a lot to discuss.  I have been here since 1977 and have seen a great many changes but the one constant is that the Hotels exist ONLY because of THE BARS and the ladies that are working in them.  There is nothing else in Angeles City, at this time, to attract tourists other than the fun and games you can play in the bars.  The reason that more hotels are being built is that more tourists are coming here to enjoy the women, not necessarily the swimming pools at the hotels.  What has changed is that the hotels being built now are a lot nicer than the ones that were here for many years.  Angeles City is attracting those tourists that are willing to spend the extra money for a three or four star hotel and those folks want their conveniences, i.e., internet access, in-room safes, nice restaurant in the hotel, Jacuzzi baths, VIP rooms, room service, and friendly staff.  In the old days it was just, slam, bam thank you mam, I just need a bed to sleep in while I am out chasing the ladies and being on the piss.  In anticipation of more flights to DMIA at Clark, the Clark-Subic road (ground breaking scheduled for 4 Apr with estimated completion date four years away) and the possible development of more casinos and entertainment facilities at Clark there is a need for more hotel construction.  This means, that MAYBE, in a few years tourists will be attracted to AC for reasons other than just the bars and the women, but right now, today, the attraction remains sex and booze.  As for the attitudes of the girls, well, there are some things you just can't change but I will tell you this, when I visit the States every year I run into a wall of attitudes from so many.  When I enter a neighborhood bar there is usually one female bar tender working her tail off and she is neither young or good looking but usually friendly.  At night clubs there are plenty of young ladies and believe me, at my age they have no desire to meet me, talk to me or even pretend to like me.  I am a dinosaur to them and they all hate to hear me talk about the wonders of Angeles City. After one week my heart yearns to return to wonderful Angeles City.  OK, what about the runners?  My goodness are there that many?  When I hit the bars and listen to the guys talking there are so many stories about the great time they had with so and so from such and such a bar.  The details I overhear are graphic, funny at times but always coming from a very satisfied visitor to this town.  Yes, I must admit that I have been witness to horror stories as well but during the five years I spent in Thailand I heard the same stories and even when I was single in England many, many years ago there were horror stories as well.  At least here in Angeles City you can usually avail of an exchange policy and there are just so many choices available, why get upset!  Ah, now we come to prices and the complaints about the recent increases.  Inflation has reared its ugly head, electricity rates keep going up, gas goes up, food at the market goes up, the price of booze goes up (one example, Glenlivet cost P1200 or a 750 ml bottle, it now cost P2300), permit fees go up, taxes go up, up, up, up, everything is just getting more expensive.  The bad news is that the peso rate is improving against the dollar and for the first time in many months dipped below 54 to the dollar last month.  On Fields Ave the P1200 fee for that part of entertainment that does not exist seems to have upset some folks.  My goodness, it can cost you that much for a meal at the "C" Italian Restaurant and you won't complain and after a few hours when you take that night time dump you unload it and think nothing of it.  But, look at the pleasure you can obtain, not to mention the memories of spending a paltry P1200 that will stay with you a lot longer than that meal at "C".  Additionally, I keep suggesting that visitors patronize the bars along Perimeter road if Fields prices bother you.  You can find great entertainment on Perimeter Road at the old Field Ave prices where that unmentionable fee remains at P900 to P1,000 and drink prices can be found from 25 to 45 pesos.  So, don't complain, just shop around, everyone has their own budget and can find the niche they are comfortable with.  Please, just come to Angeles City to enjoy yourself, be happy, and give the establishments the opportunity to take care of you.  If you don't like a bar, or the girls in attendance, or the prices, just give a friendly wave goodbye and walk over to a different establishment.  My goodness, there are so many to choose from, just enjoy the good times now because you never know when things could change and what you get so easily today, could be gone tomorrow.  This is a third world country with some funny politics and remember, at one time even Cuba was the place to go for a wild time until Castro came along.

Would you believe that on 4 Apr a ground breaking ceremony for the Clark-Subic road is to take place?  Naturally I will have to see it to believe it or at the very least see a news item in the local papers.  The estimated completion date is four years from now and I certainly hope that I will be able to drive on it.  Additionally, there are definite plans to widen the Porac road route to Olongapo as well, with additional lighting and increased police outposts.  This according to Mayor Gordon will start in a month or so and will help shorten the travel time to Subic while we wait for the Subic-Clark road to be finished. 

Some people just never give up a cause, no matter how unpopular!  Such is the case with local businessman Ruperto Cruz, Chairman of the economic watchdog group Pinoy Gamising Ka Movement (PGKM) who keeps attempting to stop the construction of a Shoe Mart (SM) mall on Clark.  The PGKM efforts continue even as MacArthur highway is being torn up from the Abacan bridge to Mitchell highway (entry road to Clark} to allow massive concrete drainage pipes to be laid to handle the water overflow from the proposed SM.  Many locals disagree with the PGKM and look forward to the SM locating at Clark but it is controversial and we will now have to wait to see what approach Tony Ng takes as the new CDC President.  There have been rumors floating that maybe under the table money was exchanged between some key CDC people to win support for the construction of this mall on Clark.  But, that is just a rumor and that type of talk is rampant no matter what major project is approved in the Philippines. Admittedly some local businesses will suffer a loss of income but there are others who will be able to adjust and benefit from the increased customer base that will be attracted to Angeles City.  The good news for one and all is that Dr. Manny Angeles, president of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has stepped down from this position and has been replaced by Antonio Ng, a Chinese businessman from Manila specifically chosen by President Macapagal for this posting despite some influential folks here objecting because he is not a Kapampangan; actually this should be a positive as it will allow for a fresh look at the CDC operation and may result in more cooperation between CDC and Angeles City officials then was experienced under the previous CDC administration.  NOTE:  It was just my opinion that the drainage project taking place on MacArthur Highway was because of increased water flow from SM but when I asked a person close to City Officials about it, he said that was not true.  I was told that it was a National Project that had been delayed for three years and that finally, the budget allowed constructions to take place.  I was still sure that SM had something to do with it and then, the very next morning when I was reading the Sun Star (local paper) the front page ran the story of SM providing the funds for the drainage project on MacArthur.  Supposedly, the City Mayor asked the CDC President if he could talk to SM officials and see if they would fund the project in cooperation with the City.  They agreed to do so.  So much for the Government having the funds to accomplish this very necessary project.  You see, no matter who was responsible for providing the necessary funds, everyone living in the Balibago area should be grateful as that portion of MacArthur Hi-way stretching from the Bayanihan Park to the Abacan bridge was flood prone whenever there was a heavy rain.  Now, this flood control project will eliminate this water hazard and allow for smooth movement of traffic during the rainy season.  Thank you Mr. Henry Sy! (SM owner)

It appears that a major change will take place on A. Santos Street in a month or so as some well known establishments on East side of the street, i.e., Duke of York have been notified that they must vacate the premises in 90 days.  The properties have been bought out by - well, we don't know who, for sure, but could it be the owners of the Orchid Inn? 

I was informed that the owner of the Vian Lodge (Filipino) was shot and killed on 27 Mar over a dispute with squatters.  Sometimes squatters are a bit hard to get along with.  They like to set up household on vacant pieces of property that do not belong to them and then hide behind the Lina law when the rightful owners ask them to vacate.  I really dislike that law and have no sympathy for squatters, many of whom belong to professional syndicates. 

Despite all the nice construction of the new Bayanihan Park and the widening of first street into a four lane road there remains a bit of a mess.  Forget "four lane" road as the out of town jeepneys reign supreme as they block two of the lanes, sometimes even three the entire length of the road.  Once again, we see the helplessness of the the City and CDC officials to control these Jeepney driver's associations. It is a ridiculous and frustrating sight to see these characters parked all day waiting for their one or two turns to transport passengers.  There are just too many of them and many drivers do not have licenses and most of the vehicles are not even insured.  The plans are to make 1st street one way, leading to the entrance of Clark and the present Mitchell will be a one way exit.  It is nice to have plans but right now in the fight between the Jeepneys and City Hall it is Jeepneys 1 - City Hall - 0.

Regards to Dean Wineland, a retired USAF lad who is living in Angeles City?  Your mate Andy Colucci (Pakawala) (living in Colorado Springs, CO) sends his regards and wishes that he could be with you here, enjoying the good life.  I would like to thank you for telling him about this column so that he can keep up with what is going on in Angeles City.  Andy has not been back to the Philippines since 1999 and his favorite bar back them was the DMZ.  Good choice Andy, it remains a favorite watering hole and Tick is just as crazy as ever.  Regretfully, he is battling some medical problems now and has to go back and forth to the States for treatment.  By way Dean, advance happy birthday to you, stop by to see the Horse and I will buy you a beer.

The illegal businesses on Real Street are alive and well and the cheap charlie expat customers, some of whom would live on skid row in the States are happy as hell.  Where they go to take a leak after consuming their beer is a mystery.  Maybe they carry around "piss bottles" on their belts instead of cell phones.  It appears that the Mayor, who is helpless to enforce rules on the tricycles, and jeepneys in town is equally helpless against the ladies battling their eviction.  This has to be an embarrassment for the Mayor who wants to upgrade the Real Street area and must deal with the courts to do so.  This is an interesting drama, worthy of daily trips to Real Street just see what the latest "improvements" have been added to the establishments that are owned by Filipinos (and some expats) that have more money than the customers who are drinking there.  Now, if they could only add some outdoor dancing girls, some GRO's and a public toilet then all the visitors complaining about the high prices on Fields Ave could join the "cheap charlies" and everyone would be happy - eh, well, except the Mayor, of course).

There are some events I just love to give a plug to in this column and this one is making me hungry as I write it up.  It seems that a lad named "Boots" is having a 39+++ birthday bash at the Hole in the Wall (Home of Outlaws and Biker Trash) on 16 Apr starting at 2 PM and will go 'til late.  Now, it just so happens that this event will feature the famous Hole in the Wall Bubble's Style BBQ featuring Garth's chops, chicken, and BBQ trimmin's....along with the Hole's special touch and presentation.  The only cost will be your time and a small door charge. Everyone reading this column is formally invited to one of the best BBQ's ya'all ever gonna experience...the great mouth watering food is JUST the beginning.  Garth told me that this is the time to meet new friends in the midst of a truly superb culinary extravaganza presented for all of their OLE friends and as many NEW friends that join in.  Now I am really hungry, better take a break and have Priscilla throw on some steaks.  Hey, see you all on 16 Apr at the Hole in the Wall!

Harry the Horse has his stable at the Hotel La Casa/Blue Boar Inn at 511 Tamarind St., Clarkview, near the VFW.  It is a simple place with six rooms for rent and the owners, Vina and Jimmy D are always making little changes to improve their service.  Lately they have added personal safes to each room and to keep up with all you visitors with lap tops, they have added a "hot spot" so that you can access the internet in your room or in the bar.  The rooms start at P580 a day for air-condition with weekly and monthly rates.  The same room with just fan is a lot less expensive.  Jimmy D tries to keep his rates low so visitors can spend their money on wine, women and song, also, entertainment rates in the bar remain quite reasonable compared to prices on Fields Ave.  How about local drinks at P35 (for now anyway, may go up to P40 soon) and dates at P500 and P900.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner selections from the menu are available from 0800 to 2300 daily.  For reservations call 63-45-322-7984 or Email to harrythehorse@harrythehorse.com .   

The following news item should interest all Hotel owners in the Philippines and of course, the many tourists visiting here who make use of hotel security safes. I have mixed emotions on this one.

THE SUPREME Court has ruled that hotels can be held liable for the loss of items left in their safekeeping even if guests have signed a waiver absolving them of responsibility.

In a Feb. 17 decision, the SC affirmed a Court of Appeals ruling ordering the owner of the Tropicana Copacabana Apartment Hotel in Manila to pay an Australian businessman- philanthropist who lost money in the hotel in 1987. In a 31-page decision penned by Associate Justice Dante O. Tinga, the SC's second division directed the YHT Realty Corp., the owner of the hotel, to pay Maurice McLoughlin US$2,000 and A$4,500, or their peso equivalent. The court also asked the company to pay P1 million in damages.  The Australian's money was stolen from the hotel safe, allegedly with the collusion of hotel employees. The SC threw out the defense of YHT that the waiver released it of liability for the loss, saying this was violative of the provisions of the New Civil Code. "The New Civil Code is explicit that the responsibility of the hotel-keeper shall extend to loss of, or injury to, the personal property of the guests even if caused by servants or employees or keepers of hotels or inns as well as strangers," the SC said. Article 1170 of the New Civil Code states that those who are guilty of negligence in the performance of their obligations are liable for damages. ==== end of article

A VERY BUSY THREE WEEKS

What follows is a very extensive review from a reader of this column who spent three weeks visiting AC in April after being absent for six years. He worked so hard on it that I figured he deserved to see his comments in print and I always appreciate it when someone tried to write my column for me.  It saves me a lot of time and effort.  The poor lad was so busy taking notes that he did not have time to partake of those "dateable" ladies until his last week and became smitten with one that worked at the Lancelot Club.  It was a supreme effort on his part to write this review and it is one that even John Beeline could appreciate.  Seriously, I enjoy input from readers of this column and always try to pass them on.  By the way, this individual did not want his name published so that must qualify him to be an honorary member of the AC Board!

The View from Orange County, Southern California February 2005.  A review of my recent 3 week visit to AC:

HoneyKos - Dead. Unattractive staff of 8-10 ladies. Go next door to. (HTH disagrees with this observation - this is a very popular club with the locals and many tourists that make it that far up Perimeter Road)

Thi-Hi - Nice bar. 15 mini-skirted girls, all very friendly and non-pushy with 4-5 dateable. No dancers. Be sure to seek out unique ex-pat owner Derry and ask for a sample of his special drink. A good place to relax and have fun with the ladies. You will visit this place more than once. (Agree except for the 4-5 observation, actually the choice is a lot larger than that - additionally, I hate that damn special Derry drink ).

Private Dancer - 25+ dancers. Staff, from waitresses to dancers, ignore customers. Dancers in particular have no interest in attracting customer's attention or even dancing for that matter. They appeared to be asleep. No smiles anywhere. Entire staff seemed bored. Door girls more fun to speak with. Recommend a one time visit.  (Things must have changed since Wolfe left)

Road House - May have been a big name bar in the past, but no longer. Same review as Private Dancer. 30+ bored dancers.  Good Happy Hour (2x1) with nice bar snacks, but who wants to be ignored in a Philippine go-go club?  Suggest at least one visit. (Will have to introduce this guy to Mark Smith when he returns to AC)

Margaritaville (restaurant) (or Station for those gutless individuals afraid of attorneys.) - Downhill and sliding.  What a difference returning to the restaurant after 7 years away from AC. What used to be the best ex-pat hang-out in AC has apparently lost some of its luster. Is this because the owner has lost interest in his own establishment or that the supposed center of action has moved further down Fields? Other ex-pat places proudly display their owner interacting with customers and it shows. Where's the owner here? Hiding upstairs?  (Nope - in Thailand) Even the vaunted food has suffered. Unfriendly and inattentive staff appears to have no training (or interest) in making the customer feel at home.  Absolutely no smiles, whatsoever, including the customers. Give it a try and make your own judgement.  (That was a bit harsh, I kind of like Margarita Station even if is has lost a bit of its luster over the years)

Kokomos (restaurant)  - Apparently the ex-pat hang-out in AC. Extremely friendly and attentive staff, constantly looking to serve customer needs.  Absolutely superb, professional management.  The professionalism shows immediately upon entering.  Waitresses normally arrive at your table before you sit down and they actually smile (so do the bartenders). The owner can be seen daily conversing with customers and keeping an eye on operations.  (Daily, what about the days Mo is in Manila?  Maybe he meant manager, not the owner).  Probably the only place in town with a floor manager watching over everything that goes on.  (Sorry, not true).  If there is anything you need or want to know about where to find anything in AC, staff members are happy to help find it for you without making it look like a chore. The staff genuinely appears to enjoy interacting with the customers.  Excellent food and services.  Great seating to view all the street action both day and night. An excellent place to see the girls pass by as they come to work. You can also easily meet girls at the restaurant's pool tables both day and night.  Absolutely, a must visit. You will do so and daily.  Occasional wet T-shirt contest (Mo calls them "pool parties" now) well worth the price of admission. Where else can you eat all you want (the food, I mean) and see 60+ girls in the DAYLIGHT no less!!!!!!!! No surprises the next morning.

Champagne - Big surprise upon entering to see 80+ girls in long, narrow club. From the outside it would appear to be a small bar.  Largest selection of good looking dancers on the street. Many cuties. A number of really attractive waitresses wearing well designed, custom-fitted suits.  No Wal-Mart outfits here, for sure.  Absolutely superior management and it shows. This club epitomizes a professionally run operation.  Employs some of the highest quality mamasans in AC (along with Cambodia, Lancelot, Misty's and Brown Sugar). One of them here is the best dancer in AC and can also down 20 tequilas at a sitting. She actually trains the dancers. No comparison. You want to learn to dance; this is the lady to see.  A mandatory club to visit. Even the locals recommend it.

Misty's - Another example of a professionally run club. 60+ dancers and waitresses, a number of which are dateable. Attentive and attractive waitresses, especially the shooter girls. Good place to give and receive a body shot.  Very friendly manager, known for handing out occasional free drinks. A great business proposition; you get a free drink and mysteriously you get the urge to buy a ladies drink. It works. Excellent club to bring a date. An absolutely mandatory club to visit.

Ziggy's - Small club with 10 - 15 dancers. Couldn't find one I'd date. 

Krung Thai (restaurant) - Across the street from the Doll House.  Excellent Thai food, served in a spotless air-con environment. Many ladies end up here, even though most don't like Thai cooking.  Great place for a quiet lunch, too.  Chef used to work at WanJai Thai restaurant, considered by many to be consistently one of the best over the years. (Wanjai, on New York Street, Villa Sol Subdv. is still at top of the list for great tasting Thai food). 

Red Sea (middle eastern restaurant) - Located across from Blue Nile. Very good food. Liked the rice dishes and the mixed grill. Order the bread.  Tables are both inside & outside. Between 4 and 6 pm, the outside tables are, without question, the best place in AC to view the ladies heading up Fields from MacArthur Highway. You'll see a couple of hundred ladies go by in street clothes. If you want to save time, you can follow your choice to see which club she works in. Cuts down on your search time considerably. (See Harry the Horse write-up in the March issue for this fine restaurant).

Siam Thai (restaurant) - Small place located on Fields, midway between Check-Point and Friendship. The family-run operation serves excellent food.

Rio Club - Specialty club, but staff too unattractive to sample their services.

Nifty's - Like Rio Club, looks like a small, dumpy bar from the outside. Big surprise though upon entering. The Club employs 7 - 9 dancers, the majority of which are cuties. Some still "partially" cherry.   (What the hell is a "partial" cherry - half eaten?) Definitely worth trying their special services. Interior is comfortable. Play room on site.  Mamasan and staff very friendly. After visiting, you"ll know why it's called Nifty's.  Located mid-way up fields behind Sukiyanen Japanese restaurant & pub.

Matrix Brawn - Small club on Fields, around corner from Nifty's and next to Sukiyanen Japanese restaurant & pub. Opens at noon with 7 - 9 dancers, some of which are cuties. Short-time room on site. Relaxed environment. No pressure to buy ladies drinks or their services. (Bullshit!)  Girls a lot of fun to talk to. They enjoy your attention. Definitely worth a mid-day fun visit. (I agree, it is different with a fine "kitchen service".)    Unusual club name comes from numerous pictures of 25-year-old Chevrolet Camaro muscle (brawn) cars on club walls. Brings back memories of my 65 GTO.

Doll House - A large club with choreographed dancing of 15-18 dancers at a time. They alternate with 5 or 6 models that perform individually. Dance routines well done. Unusual seating allows dancers & models to sit with customers along the walls without pressuring to buy ladies drinks. Upstairs seating as well. This is a fun bar, as indicated by the number of dates brought into the club. Have seen these girls dancing on the tables.  Worth visiting. Open 24 hours. (It is definitely different but there are many pros and cons as to its popularity). 

The Jungle - Horrible selection of 8 - 10 dancers. Not even worth going inside.  (Ouch - that hurt).

Brown Sugar - Good sized club with 70+ dancers/waitresses, both of which have numerous cuties. Entire staff wants customers to have a good time and you do. This is another professionally run establishment with exceptionally high quality mamasans and manager. You can always tell a well run operation and this is certainly one. A really fun place to go. The super slender Mamasan wearing the shortest mini-skirts in AC makes the 18 year old dancers wonder just what the hell is going on. How can a mamasan look better then they do? Be certain to buy her a drink. She knows everything you need to know about the girls.

Black Jack - Years ago, one of AC's best clubs. Unfortunately the years have taken their toll as the staff is just slightly above the level at The Jungle. Saw no dancers. Give it a try to see if things have changed since my visit.

Camelot - Large club with well designed, King Arthur (Knights of the Round Table) motif. 40+ dancers/waitresses with a few cuties and the usual 2 or 3 stunners. Attentive and friendly staff.  Truly worth checking out. Say hello to hottie, wild dancer Michelle.

Mirrors (Lesbo Ranch ??) - Mirror, mirror on the wall, Name the place that's worst of all.  Located (surprisingly) in the high quality, professionally run Clarkton Hotel.  30+ dancers, 3 or 4 dateable. Friendly mamasan.  Entire staff (dancers/waitresses) had totally NO interest in customers. I sat in center of club for one hour without being approached even once. Don't bother.

VooDoo   - 30+ girls, Located in Kokomos restaurant. Saw only one dancer worth taking out. This is surprising, seeing as how it's associated with the high-end Kokomos establishment. Of course, there is always Raquel, one of the best looking girls on Fields. Door girls better looking than the dancers, especially Krystal.

Lancelot - Without question, the best looking waitresses in AC. Mamasan Eda (or is it Ida?) specializes in really GOOD LOOKING ladies hired for waitress positions. Most are better looking than the dancers at surrounding clubs. 3 stunning cherry waitresses. At least 80+ dancers/waitresses, all easy to view in a well designed club.  Another high-end, professionally run establishment. High quality mamasans and super neat, German manager.  Well run club. What else can I say?  AC's best dancer works here, but she asked that I don't identify her. I think she's waiting for my California black Mercedes to arrive when I retire here at the end of the year. Wonder if I can get a discount on a date for the car?? (A car in not good enough now, try a P2 million house instead) A mandatory place to visit, although the music's a bit unusual. 

Lollipop - Small, comfortable bar with 30+ dancers. 5-6 worth dating. Nice place to bring your date for private conversation. No pressure to buy ladies drinks.

Rhapsody - Small bar across street from Kokomos. No dancers worth dating. Absolutely stunning cherry girl dancer.  Stop by just to buy her a drink.  (I kind of disagree here, recently I attended a businessmen's luncheon at this Club and believe me, there were some stunners in attendance).

Neros Forum - Located next to Blue Nile.  5 to 6 girls worth dating. Nice layout to view dancers. No pressure to buy ladies drinks. 

Blue Nile - Unique Egyptian motif. Worth multiple visits. 80+ dancers, quite a number of which are worthy of a date.  Girls dance on unique, moveable stage, as well as high above customers.  Dancers unusually stuck-up in this club. Apparently they've forgotten their income isn't earned standing up. Did I word that eloquently, amigos? An Executive Club (more dancers on a separate dance floor) runs on the upper floor. Nothing special here.  VIP rooms, though.  (It may not be special but it sure was packed a few nights ago when I popped in for a visit)

Cambodia - Unique 2 level interior with well designed layout. Sit upstairs after you make your selection of ladies to avoid the hustle below.  Friendly, attentive staff along with one of AC's best mamasans (Elena). Unique, Scottish manager. Ian, needs to learn to translate Scottish to English. Eventually had to resort to sign language.  (Ian is a butcher by trade and he tends to butcher the King's English as well - don't feel bad, most people in town do not understand a word he says, especially when he has had a few drinks.)  8 to 9 girls dateable. Note that the good lookers here tend to be taken before 8 pm.  Another highly professional and well run establishment. A good place for a fun time. Girls visiting from other clubs tend to end up dancing on stage upstairs fully clothed.  I'm sure the dancers appreciate this.

Insomnia - Comfortable club. 30+ dancers/waitresses. Dancers use unique fire station slide pole to enter stage. Great idea. Good view of dancers. 6-8 dateable. No high pressure to buy ladies drinks.

Kitten Club - 30+ dancers/waitresses. 2-3 cute waitresses. No dancers worth taking out.

Flamingo - Great location for a club, which is located in the well run Blue Orchid Hotel.  Friendly staff. 50+ dancers, 8-10 dateable. Run by friendly Australian management.  Occasional dance contests for dancers. Fun to watch.  Worth attending.  Great BBQ served at these functions.

Angels - Surprise. Very nice selection of province cuties. (why a surprise?  Including myself many folks have written about the charming "Angels")  Neighboring bars have poor selection, so bypass and go directly here. Friendly, informative mamasan in a well run club. 40+dancers/waitresses, at least 10 - 12 dateable. No high pressure to buy drinks. Have fun here.

Pasha - Nice interior layout. 50+ dancers/waitresses.  Friendly staff. Good view of dancers. Saw 6 - 8 worth dating. Club always appears to be full. Interestingly, most customers appear to be over 65.  Guess they pass out free Viagra.  (Not really, we old guys just spend more)

Bed Rock - 30+ dancers/waitresses, only 2 -3 dateable. (That's an improvement, last year when I went into this club there weren't any worth taking out - see what a difference a year can make).  skip this one.

Owl's Nest - 20+ dancers/waitresses. Not a single dateable girl. Difficult to say if this is worse than The Jungle. Bypass this one.  (It is really not that bad, well, maybe, OK, what the hell, it is that bad)

My top 6: In alphabetical order; Blue Nile, Brown Sugar, Cambodia, Champagne, Lancelot, Misty's, (special mention: Angels)

My definition of a well run club:

1) Friendly staff that make customers feel welcome. This is more important than good looking dancers. Believe me. Being approached with a pleasant "Hello" and polite small talk is how Donald Trump would do it.

2) No high pressure to siphon money from customers. Make them want to spend their bucks, a la Misty's approach.

3) No excessively loud music. Common sense dictates that if you can't speak to a potential date, because some half-wit has the volume jacked up, you're going to walk out with the 1000p in your pocket. A classic example of this is the group of bars known as the EDSA International Complex in Pasay. Ever wonder why they are empty?

4) No stupid music the dancers can't associate with.  If you cannot recognize that the ladies don't want or can't dance to it, you should be jacking off sheep for a living and not running a bar. Think about this one and then think again.  (Not a fair comment here fella, hell, no matter what the music getting the girls interested in dancing is a major project.  After 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, most music gets old to them.  By the way, are you putting down Kiwi managers?)

5) Employs high quality mamasans and a visible and accessible manager. Note please my top 6.  (Many of the managers are hiding from the Immigration lads - so they like to hide).

6) An intelligent date refund policy, should your companion get a toothache and decide not to cooperate. If you complain the next day, you should be handed your money back, not some laughable policy stating "well, if you don't bring her back immediately, you're out of luck". Who wants to get out of bed and drag the little queen back at 2 am? Please think about that one, Mr. Manager at one of my top 6. (Aha, you are required to get a note from the Dentist to get your money back).

That's it Harry the Horse fans......Not enough time to check out all the bars. (Thank goodness, my ass is sore from sitting so long putting this in the right format)  Why don't you review the rest?  Thank you and best of luck. (Reminder folks, these comments are not from Harry the Horse and any opinions written here are from the unnamed author himself - except for those I added in bold type).

FLY-IN FILIPINAS 2005

Be sure to note the dates 14-15 May on your calendars as a very big exciting, interesting event and it is FREE ( My favorite word).  A special two day air show hosted by the Northern Philippines US Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Chapter 1407 for the first time in the Philippines.  This is a "not for profit" event so there are no entrance fees and no fees for exhibits.  It will be held at the OMNI Aviation Complex where management has donated the use of the facilities for free.  This more than generous gesture on the part of OMNI is to be applauded as they have indicated that they want to encourage the youth of the Philippines to be more aware of aviation opportunities in the Philippines.  In fact this is also the objective of the EAA in that it has been noticed that interest in general aviation within the Philippines is lagging.  

ANOTHER DISENCHANTED VISITOR

The comments below were sent to me by a reader last month and I am passing them on here with my observations in bold print.

Harry,  I just returned from my semi annual visit to Angeles.  What a dissapointment.
The prices are just too high.  The girls have attitudes, and its no longer fun or economical to vacation in Angeles.  (I commented on the higher prices in my tidbit section)

Escort Services are too high...  Drink prices are excessively high.... and the peso was down vs the dollar (54.40) when i arrived.   Airline fuel costs are way up which means its more expensive to travel to the Philippines than in years past.  (Yes, the cost of "dating" has become more expensive but just like the airlines when the fuel costs go up, the price of tickets go up, so goes the price of "dating".  By the way, the peso dipped below the 54 mark and the "sin tax" is causing the price of "sinning" to become more and more expensive.  Expect even higher prices when the VAT is passed).

The girls have bad attitudes.  Years ago the girls would say "Honey ko I love you"
now they say "Honey ko give me peso"   Additionally, the girls have become experts when it comes to leaving early.  Experts at laying out the conditions to which they will accompany you (ie what they wont do.. which is just about everything)  and experts on telling the customer what they expect in terms of a tip.  Furthermore, cell phone use by the girls is out of control.  While on dates, girls feel it is more important to text their friends than to entertain their customers.  In fairness to the girls it is not their fault.. It is the bar owners fault for not laying down the law as to the girls behavior and for not putting any penalties on the girls when a customer complains. (Visit the Blue Boar Inn, our prices are fair and the boss does lay down the law and there is no Mamasan to deal with).

Lastly, I would like to comment on the new bar Doll House.   What a RIP OFF. The outside entrance from field avenue is quite dirty.  (It has been cleaned up) The owners seem to think the sidewalk is better used as a parking lot for motorcycles than pedestrian foot traffic. The inside has a weird use of space and color.  The daytime girls were not that attractive.  The drink prices were the  highest in town (70p for a warm bottle of water) and bar fines were  as high as 3,000p.   My advice to all the foreigners is to JUST SAY NO  to the high priced Doll House.  (From what I have read on the message boards there are many who agree with you.  But, the Club is new, the owners are newbies to Angeles City and there is plenty of time for them to make changes.  By the way, those special P3,000 dates are for a small group of ladies and I agree with you they are not worth it but for sure, there will be plenty of suckers who will disagree with me, most of whom have trouble speaking English.)

If prices remain high in Angeles City ...I will have no choice but to vacation in Cien Fuegos Cuba where bar fines are only $5.00 USD,   And where the girls are happy to meet the foreigners.   I think that the Angeles City bar owners and the Angeles City bar girls need to remember that without the customer they will have nothing.   (Now you crossed the line - I have to disagree with you on this.  I wonder, how can so many tourists come here and find happiness with so many friendly ladies and also still consider the prices for their entertainment to be reasonable.  Maybe you could do something about the higher prices for a gallon of gas in the States, the high prices of beer in the bars of Seattle where the women are ugly, fat, and not all that friendly and where you will definitely not get a blow job at such a reasonable price!  You want Cuba instead of Angeles City - well maybe some of the readers of this column might volunteer to chip in to buy you a ticket to go there.  Honestly Stewart, I think you have a few legitimate observations but generally you are painting a picture that is not all that accurate.  Come here with an open mind, think in today's prices not those prices that existed 5 or 10 years ago - those days are gone!  Hell, I came here in 1977 and I still miss those early years but they are gone forever but I have adjusted and I find that today, Angeles City, Fields Ave and Perimeter Road still offer fine delicacies at affordable prices.  Thank goodness those annual Social Security cost of living increases help me keep up with the price increases (eh, Priscilla, I am referring to food, rent, cable TV, etc., of course).  Stuie, baby, lighten up, look me up the next time you come this way and I will buy you a beer and try to direct you to those bars that do try hard to please the customers at a reasonable price.  

Stewart Moore
Seattle WA 

THIS GUY LOVES SUBIC

OK already, here we go again - this seems to be the month for reading other people's comments instead of just mine - hope you don't mind.  The views about Subic were sent to me by Mike L. Weening and as usual, my words will be shown in bold type.

" If you are truly considering living in Subic I would suggest that you check into a hotel here and explore the area for yourself first. Absolutely the best way. Subic may not be right for you!

Here are some basics .

If Bars and women are your primary reason for living or visiting in the PI then Angeles is the place to be. It doesn't get any better than that! Angeles City's biggest foreign attraction is Bars and Women! It is also its biggest problem. The bar scene attracts significant problems with police corruption, drug use, immigration hassles, traffic that has recently become intolerable and significant air pollution. Having once lived in AC for 10 years (Still own my home there) I can honestly say that bars and girls are the ONLY reason a foreigner would live there. Take away the bars and Angeles would be a ghost town! (I recall the days after the base pull out and the eruption of Pinatubo. Within a week the town was desolate. (that is true, I was here at the time and I have said for years that the only attraction for tourists to AC are the bars and the ladies.  Without that, the town would NOT be a ghost town but it sure would be boring as hell and the income for the City Government would drop considerably). The same is true of Magsaysay in Olongapo). But, if you are here for other reasons Subic is a great place to visit and live. Also,


Clark vs. Subic

Plain and simply stated Clark has failed, Subic has succeeded. There are a number of reasons for this (both simple and complicated) but Clark failed because it did not develop foreign housing that has virtually killed base commerce. Most foreign style businesses could not exist without the foreign resident base to support such businesses. Duty free shops on Clark have mostly gone out of business or now cater to Filipinos. Most stock only local goods. The New Robinsons on McArthur Hwy., Macro, Pure food duty free off base, have also hurt Clark. The new proposed Shoe Mart and recent off base ATM availability will also hurt base development.  Fed Ex did initially sign a long term lease expecting to move it hub from Subic to Clark. However, those plans were cancelled shortly after the initial announcement when Fed-Ex signed a new 15 year lease to maintain the hub in Subic.  Fed will still make use of the facilities in Clark for a small local shipping and processing facility. Improvements to the Subic (Cubi Point) Airport navigational and lighting system have been completed which was the main issue. (Compared to Subic, Clark is a disgrace, ever since Pinatubo when the base was raped by thieves, by crooks in and out of uniform, and managed by misguided CDC presidents.  It is regrettable that Clark never had a leader like Mayor Richard Gordon but then the Mayor had the advantage of seeing what happened at Clark prior to and after the departure of the US Military).

Subic Bay, on the other hand is thriving! American style super markets, 2 Real American style movie theaters (George Lucas designed) Where are the theaters located Mike, I have been to Subic and never saw them). Many American fast food and specialty shops and restaurants including Dairy Queen, Little Caesars and Yellow Cab pizza, Pancake house, Starbucks coffee, Orange Julius, Bread time bakery and a number of other foreign style restaurants, specialty shops and services. Further, it has a two great hospitals that accept American insurance. Additionally, the recreation facilities are numerous including, the best golf course in the PI (expensive and exclusive) all watersports as well as horseback riding, a great zoo and Ocean Adventure (a small version of Sea World) too many attractions to cover here. The SBMA tourism Department is very visible and has done a great job promoting Subic Bay.

Housing on Subic base is not cheap but you can find true American style communities in Binictican and Kalayaan. These areas also have private exclusive schools such as Brent Academy (Send many student to Harvard, Yale, Stanford etc etc) and Montesorri Academy. Both American style curriculum and scheduling.

Barrio Barretto

I live in Barrio Barretto. Lot's of ex-pats reside here and there are many foreign style businesses as well. A very good Mexican restaurant (El Papagayos-Owner grew up in Orange County California and knows Mexican food) one of the best foreign style Bakeries I've ever visited. The Dryden Restaurant is still popular and the "coffee shop" still has there famous tacos. The Steak house at Arizona Hotel has great steaks using all imported beef. There are many other restaurants here as well of all types. (Indian, Thai, Spanish Korean, Chinese, Italian etc etc. Too many to mention here.

Final note on Barretto: Phone service is excellent here with high speed DSL available. I would also add that brown outs in Barretto are far less frequent than in Angeles.

Housing in Barrio Barretto

There are a number of homes and apartments available here. However, rent is generally higher than in Angeles. Again you must come and check it out for yourself. Housing preferences are personal and different for everyone.

Night Life

Barretto

Night life in Barretto is good! Again if you are here for a short period of time and want slick glitzy Bars and women until you drop then Angeles is the place to be. BUT there are bars here and they all have girls. Due to an Olongapo City ordinance dancing girls are not allowed in Barrio Barretto. However, most clubs here have GRO's. Frankly I have come to appreciate this style more than the Bikini style found in AC. Meeting have been conducted with Olongapo City mayor Bong Gordon to establish a bar owners association which will eventually allow for dancing girls. (No Bikinis) 

Midnight Rambler is really hopping. New owner (Alan Doyle from Blue Rock) and Phil the Manager have done a great job.  A new sound system, CR and a number of construction improvements have been completed. The music is top notch. (Real Rock and Roll) Once a month they have a live band from Manila.

Mangos, Oriental Rose, Night Riders, T-Rose, Johansson's, Beach side, Firefly's, Gringos, Islander and Jomaries disco are some others. All have GRO's and provide good entertainment.

The beach resorts in Baloy beach have grown in number and quality. Blue Rock is still the favorite. By far the most popular. There new floating bar is awesome. Mangrove, Sheavens, Bjorns and Johnans are good beach choices as well.

Subic City

In Subic City Bikinis dancers are allowed and there a number of clubs. Asian reef is a hotel/bar that has 20 girls. Very clean, air conditioned bar. Elton Ron's ago-go is the newest. Has about 25 girls, good pizza and well run.

Tahiti Hai is one of my favorites. Have about 20 girls. The Owner Ray Wilson is a good man and great to have a beer with. Girls are a lot of fun.

Fox Hole just recently lost it owner due to a sudden stroke but is being remodeled. This bar will be back! One of the long time Subic favorites it has struggled in recent years.

Crow Bar has recently added to its line up and is a fun bar as well. Girls are very playful.

Muff Divers is still around however not what it used to be. Most of the girls are now working in AC. The word is the Filipina owner was not paying the girls. Worst restroom facilities ever! Very high pressure for Ladies drinks from less than attractive waitresses. This used to be a good bar. Barfines are p1500 and LD is p150. Too high! I hope the Filipino owners will change their current policy regarding the high pressure LD tactics, renovate the CR and make this bar good again. Griff's bar is also a very fun bar. Primarily a daytime bar. Lot's of attractive girls and very animated. Fun Bar!

Keep in mind that bars in Subic City are hit and miss.  One night there may be a lot of girls the next night very few.  But still worth it! Also, the bars here usually open early and most are closed by midnight. (Griff's opens at 12:00 noon)

Most foreign men that live in Subic make an occasional trip to AC to avail themselves of "goods and services" in that area then quickly return home. The new hiway from AC to Subic will help residents of both areas travel back and forth.

Again, if barhopping "till you drop" is your interest then Angeles is your place. But if you have other interest, (wife, children, business, social etc etc.)  Subic is a great place to live and/or visit and has something for everyone. Come check it out for yourself!"

NOTE:  I admit that there is a big difference between Subic and Clark and that will always be the case, hell, one area is landlocked and the other is on the coast so different stokes for different folks.  There are plans for improvements in Angeles City and it is recognized that changes have to be made, especially at Clark.  More and more tourists are arriving and they are looking for more interesting sites besides the bars and the girls.  Recently, the Mayor of Olongapo visited with the Mayor of Angeles City and it was agreed that the two cities will work together to promote each location.  Plans are being made to improve Fields Ave and alternative entertainment is being considered at Clark.  It will take time, ok, a lot of time, but in a few years visitors to Angeles City will start to notice improvements.  Angeles City has the restaurants, theatres, casinos, and night life, all off-base while the big attractions at Subic are all on-base.  AC is building bigger and better hotels and eventually, Fields Ave will become a Vegas style walking street.  We have the night-life, Subic dies after dark.  But, Subic and Angeles City complement each other and together create one hell of a tourist experience and it will get better as the years go by.

MAKING A ROOM

One of the Mayor's major projects in town is to recognize property lines and to make sure that any encroachments beyond one's property is corrected.  This affects many businesses along Fields Ave and recently the money changers near the checkpoint had to give way and also the open market at the Checkpoint.  This has allowed a bit more room for pedestrians and vehicles.  It is all part of the changing scene on Fields Ave.

SORRY - COULD NOT RESIST THIS ONE

At the risk of upsetting a bunch of Royalists I just had to print this picture that was sent to me last month.  From the first time I saw a picture of this lady, many years ago, I noticed a striking resemblance to a horse.  I am glad to know that others think the same way as me.  No amount of make-up or fancy clothes could make this future Queen look good; good luck Charles, keep a stiff upper lip ole boy, thank goodness she is too old to have children.

ACTA OFFICE OPEN

Mayor Lazatin officially opened the Angeles Clark Field Tourism Association (ACTA) office on Fields Ave last month.  The next general meeting (open to all) will be held at the City Hall conference room, 2nd floor, at 2 PM on 7 Apr.  Anyone operating a business on Fields Ave, Perimeter Road, Friendship is encouraged to attend.

FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE

Shown here are a couple of pictures taken last month that show the progress being made on the Friendship Bridge construction.  I have been told that it will be completed before the rainy season.  Once completed, it will be good news for Damien (HoneyKos) as he will not have to worry about falling asleep when waiting to cross the bridge anymore.

MAYOR GORDON VISITS ANGELES CITY

TWO MAYORS - BIG PLANS - Mayor Gordon and Mayor Lazatin sit down together to renew old friendships, discuss the future of the two cities and how by working together they can increase tourism to both Subic and Angeles City.  In the near future Mayor Lazatin and members of the ACTA will make a reciprocal visit to Subic.  This is the beginning of a merger of two energetic, farsighted Mayors with a common objective - tourism, safety and a crime free environment.  Subic, Clark, and Angeles City will not be trying to outdo each other, instead, they will be joining hands in a common cause, and you, the tourist as well as residents of both communities will benefit.

MORE GREETINGS FROM IRAQ

It is always a pleasure to include pictures of the troops in Iraq.  Dave Donney set up this photo shoot from Achello, Iraq as a couple of great soldiers send greetings to Angeles City.  Hey guys, get Dave to buy you a few drinks, he is making lots of bucks over there and you active duty types deserve priority, VIP treatment.

BIRD'S EYE VIEW

A few months ago someone on the AC message board requested an aerial view of Fields Ave.  It took me a while to grow special wings but last month I was able to fly over Fields Ave and Mt. Pinatubo and take some pictures, hope you like them.  It was a bit hazy that day so the pictures are not as clear as I would have liked but I thing they will work.  By the way, the wings belonged to top notch pilot Bill Wright who built his experimental two seated experimental plane from a kit and keeps it in a hangar at OMNI, on Clark.  Bill had a lot of patience with me as I have a bum knee and a bum back so the hardest part was my getting into the back seat.  I had to step on specially designated spots on the wing and since I can't bend my knees very well so Bill had to do a lot of physical hands on help. It was a great thrill for me and I hope to be able to do it again some day if Bill will allow it.  My biggest thrill was flying over my rest house at the farm in Bam Ban as the family were gathered on the deck waiting for the flyover.  The children got a big kick out of it and my son still talks about it to this day.

I WOULD IF I COULD

It is time now for the hardest part of my job, talking about my latest "I would if I could" lady.  Some times I just have to drag myself, reluctantly, from Priscilla the horse to search out these ladies.  My featured lady this month is from Illusions and was recommended to me by owner Wolfe.  I must admit that taking Rubylyn's picture took a lot of effort on my part but I accomplished this task despite my tiredness and desire to go home and watch TV.  This lady is 20 years old and surprise, surprise, she is from Samar.  She does not have any children but has four brothers and two sisters.  No men older than 56 need try to court this lady with her beautiful smile.  She was not keen on being a dancer so was scheduled to take up waitress duties.  I do believe it would be worth a visit to Illusions just to say hello to Rubylyn. 

A NICE COFFEE

After leaving the Winchester Club one night I decided to stop by the Central Park Hotel to have a look at their bar/restaurant aptly named the "Central Cafe".  It is a very nice cozy room, well laid out, quiet, with reasonable menu prices.  The bar has a very nice wooden counter top and there is a place in the corner where one can have a game of darts.  This is a rare pastime in AC now - too bad.  There was only one customer the night I popped in but I enjoyed the quietness of the place and the staff were super friendly.

CHECK OUT THE "PITT'S STOP"

For a very unique place to to relax at, enjoy watching some planes taking off and landing and enjoy inexpensive dining check out the Pitt's Stop at OMNI Aviation on Clark Base.  This is not fancy but I enjoyed it and so did the Mrs., her mother and my son.  We went in the evening to eat and check out their drive-in movie.  Yes, around 1900 hours they show a movie out on the grass area where one can park a car and watch as well.  I had their very non-gourmet steak that only cost P170 which was good enough for the price and their corn/crab soup was delicious.  The entire meal only cost a little over P500 including the soft drinks and that is something affordable to everyone.  What I liked was sitting out near the runway being able to relax and reliving the memories of when I was stationed at Clark and also worked as a civilian.  They are open from 0700-0100 daily so it is a nice stop off any time of the day.

 
A NICE DONATION

THANKS DENNIS - The staff at the Bahay Bata Children's Center and the 30 children housed there were appreciative for the efforts of Dennis Brown who traveled all the way from Carson City, California with a Balikbayan box of stuffed toys for the Center.  He was met by Rotary Club of Clark Centennial Dr. Greg Tengco who accepted the box and provided Dennis with a tour of the facility.  This was a terrific gesture on the part of Dennis and it is great to know that there are tourists coming to Angeles City that want to assist in helping those kids that make the streets of Fields Ave their home.  The Bahay Bata Center is their refuge, a place where they can experience a roof over their heads, three square meals a day, education and spiritual education.  For more information on the Bahay Bata Center go to their website at; www.angelesstreetkids.org

BIG PLANS

As the elevator man asks - "going up Sir?" - that is what Bill is doing at the Limited Edition - going up mates!  Bill showed me the plans for his expansion to the second floor stretching from Limited Edition the Good Times.  This will allow him the same square footage area as the Limited Edition and will feature 2 pool tables and also French doors to a patio, kitchen, bar and plenty of room for 4 standard hotel rooms plus an executive suite with a Jacuzzi bath.  Downstairs the LE will undergo a major renovation where the stage will be moved to the front and feature an oval stage and plenty of seating.  Bill tells me he is doing this just for a "hobby" and doesn't need to make money so no doubt the drink prices will remain low and the room rents will be reasonable.  Hell, this might be the only place in town where an executive suite will be affordable to the masses.  Even now, the Limited Edition has a nice crop of ladies and Manilyn, 19, from Samar along with Nicolle, 19 from Ara, Laguna are two examples.  Now, the lady on the right, Manilyn, has a couple of nice assets that I was able to view briefly and I can suggest that this is one dancer you would enjoy seeing in the flesh.  Bottom line - Limited Edition will become one of the nicest bars to visit on Perimeter bar and still maintain the reasonable prices that are hard to find on Fields Ave.

LOOKING GOOD

I was attending a fund raiser for the ACTA at the Blue Nile last month and just as I was about to leave I turned around and saw this lovely waitress.  Did not get her name or anything, she just had "that look" about her that I had to share with everyone.  You can get information on her if you are interested by going to the Blue Nile and getting her to wait on you.

OK gang, I am ready to start swimming at Hidden Vale again because the weather is sure hot enough to do so and I have to lose a bit of weight before my trip to Vegas in Sept.  Until then though, there is plenty to see and do here as the bars are busy trying to come up with entertainment they hope will attract customers during the slow season.  For me, every season is a good season in Angeles City and I sure hope I will continue to meet readers of this column as they come to AC.  I need to find some more "tourists of the month", I have been remiss in that area for the last few months.  Oops, before I forget, ANZAC Day is on 25 Apr and the remembrance service will be at the Clark Cemetery at 0700 hrs and then food and drinks will be served at the Ponderosa Hotel at 0800 hrs.  Also, the Knights of the Brown Ring will meet on 1 Apr and the ladies from HoneyKo's will be featured.  Now, no doubt this article will never be out by the 1st so the May meeting will see the return of the Stampede ladies on 7 May.  Bye for now and remember to be kind to horses.