Since I will be flying Northwest Airlines on my return to Angeles City mid-October I just could not help but think of the old, old, witches passing as flight attendants on that airline.  Now, way back in Nov 03 I posted a picture of a typical NWA flight attendant that I have been told is still currently flying.  Since I don't really know this lady I can only presume that she might be a kind, gentle grandmother, or maybe even a great-grandmother but that kindness was not evident as she waddled along the small aisles of the NWA economy class cabin.  I am sure the business and first class passengers would never have to get a glimpse of this lady.  Fortunately, Priscilla the Horse is flying with me so I am assured of a decent looking passenger sitting next to me, nevertheless, I am prepared.  I have packed extra sleeping pills and a sleeping mask in preparation for the senior citizen parade.  My timing is not good since the mechanics strike is still on and I have visions of an engine falling off just as we take off from Manila.  OK, enough of Northwest Airlines, how about Angeles City?  Despite the attempts of the various Law Enforcement Agencies to extort as much money as they can from a variety of investors here I remain optimistic about the future.  My goodness, please let me live a few more years so I can see the completion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac toll road; I never thought I would live long enough to see construction start but by golly, I did!  It is so wonderful to see a plan that was developed five years ago finally see the light of day.  The construction of the Shoemart Mall (SM) on Clark is progressing and should be open for business around the early part of 2006.  Gas prices continue to increase just about every month here.  The latest jump in prices came about 10 Sep and now a liter of fuel is up to 35 pesos with diesel being a bit less.  When I return from the States I will look into purchasing a motor scooter to use for the many short mileage trips that I take on a daily basis.  I am looking forward to picking up my new handmade Halloween mask that I ordered and will use to terrify the kids on 31 Oct.  We create a haunted house each year at the hotel and have a lot of fun entertaining the youngsters in the neighborhood and giving out a bunch of candy.  Who said that Halloween is only for the kids?  Now, you all have a great spooky month of October and try to visit Angeles City while the peso rate to the dollar remains very favorable. 

TIDBITS

Looking for Indian food?  I recommend you check out Molly Malone's located in the Blue Nile Executive Hotel.  I had the opportunity to enjoy their Panoras w/meat sauce, Shami Kabab Meat and a nice spicy  Chicken Vindaloo.  There are plenty of choices besides the ones I mentioned and I think it is an offering that folks are missing out on as one usually thinks only of Molly's buffet and not the Indian food. 

The owners of the Doll House fell victim, again, to problems with the NBI and other officials as the owner was "invited" to visit their facilities and this time, a couple of the Mamasans were detained as well.  Not satisfied with the Doll House, the cops decided to invite the Dirty Duck folks to the party as well.  There is a positive outlook on all this harassment as now the Mayor is becoming quite upset and also, Presidential Advisor, Secretary Renato Diaz is arranging to meet for lunch with the heads of the NBI, CIDG and BID to discuss the questionable methods being used by representatives of these agencies.  

It appears that the mass exit of locators and investors at Clark may be avoided after all.  The President of the Philippines has certified as urgent the proposed joint resolution upholding the tax and duty-free privileges of investors and locators here now pending in Congress.  There are 400 investors and locators in the Clark economic zone and it was feared that those investment incentives granted to them would be wiped out by recent court rulings but now they can breathe a big sigh of relief.  Imagine the ramifications to the local economy if these investors were to pull out.  There are 36,000 workers in Clark, their families, and several thousands more who are indirectly drawing income from corollary businesses in transportation, food and beverages, trade, and tourism among other services.  At this point the passing of the joint resolution is not a done deal but the CDC President and CEO Antonio Ng said investors in the 4,400-hectare Clark economic zone will still enjoy the tax and duty free privileges as the SC's decision to scrap the said perks is not final and executory.  The bottom line on all this is that over the years the CDC has enticed investors to Clark with promises of tax breaks and incentives and now the Supreme Court rules against the Government.  Another example of how tenuous any agreement with the Philippine government can be, if you want another example, ask the investors of the NAIA Terminal 3 how happy they are. 

TOURISTS OF THE MONTH

Many, many years ago there were two fun loving single guys from New Castle, Australia who led carefree lives and made it to Angeles City every year with three other mates.  But, alas, as often happens, they met the girls of their dreams and married, and, well, one of them still manages to visit once a year and the other one, had to wait 10 years for a return to Angeles City.  Mark Jacques and Craig Malone now travel with a lot of extra baggage, courtesy of Mark with his Mrs. and two youngsters and Craig (Molly) Malone with a wife and two youngsters as well.  I met these lads when Priscilla and I took over the Hotel La Casa and they were just about our first customers.  There were five of them who I called the "New Castle Mob" and boy could they have a good time.  Back then their favorite drinking pub was the Rhum Runner and there are not many punters around now who remember that fine establishment.  One of these years the Mrs. and I will hitch up the ole Calesa, load it on a plane and visit Australia, particularly New Castle so Mark, Craig, Neal, Lenny and others can show us around the town we have heard so much about.  I can't really tell which bar was their favorite on this trip as they seemed to try and hit every bar in town and never had time to settle down with any particular one.  I have met a few other lads from New Castle and I have come to realize that it is a pretty big place.  I thought it was a small town where everyone knew everybody but I have been corrected.  Thanks to the New Castle Mob I am convinced that it is a friendly place where the folks work hard and play hard as well.  I'm sure Mark will be back next year but I sure hope that Molly does not wait another 10 years for a return visit as I'm getting a bit old and in 10 years I might not be as nimble as I am now. 

SUBIC-CLARK-TARLAC EXPRESSWAY

As I mentioned in my introduction the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway construction is underway and it is really exciting to watch the men at work and realize that in a couple of years traveling to Subic and Tarlac will be so much easier and faster. But, there is always something about the Philippines that gives you pause when such a large undertaking is taking place.  In this particular case, I drove to the Mabalacat gate on Clark to get a couple of pictures and see how they were going to build this "Underpass" that was prominently noted on a big sign.  I got out, in the rain, to observe this engineering feat and as I looked into the deep excavation I noticed that there were a number of large concrete pillars in place.  I was confused, so I asked one of the engineers how the "underpass" would be built and he looked at me like I was crazy.  He began to tell me about the height of a bridge, or something.  I was confused and I told him that the sign indicated the construction of a underpass.  He told me, "oh yes, that is a mistake, it should read "overpass".  Naturally, weeks later this mistake has not been corrected and it makes me wonder about the reliability of this project which will cost millions of dollars to build but they can't even get a simple sign right. 

SANTIAGO NEEDS MORE FACTS 

Solon wants foreigners engaged in cyber porn ops blacklisted
First posted 12:59pm (Mla time) Sept 07, 2005
By Erwin Lemuel Oliva
INQ7.net

CATANDUANES Representative Joseph Santiago has recently urged Philippine authorities to blacklist at least six foreign nationals linked to the illicit cyber porn operations in the country.
These foreign nationals include American nationals (I have omitted the names out of courtesy to those involved). The six were all implicated in the illegal activities of five separate cybersex dens that previously operated in Angeles City, Santiago said.  The nationalities of the others were not immediately known. "We presume that these foreigners, who eluded arrest when their dens were stormed by the police, have since fled the country," said Santiago, adding that the Bureau of Immigration should declare these aliens undesirable persons and permanently ban them from re-entering the country. He said the police should apprehend them if they are still in the country. Apart from the six foreigners, eight other foreign nationals suspected of involvement in cyber porn operations have either been nabbed or killed by local police in the last 10 months.  The other suspects were American nationals (names omitted). Dutch nationals and brothers Willem Cornelis Van Engelenburg and Hendrikus Erik Van Engelenburg were killed in a raid on their cyber porn den in New Manila, Quezon City in May, said Santiago.  The police have already raided over a dozen cybersex dens in Baguio City; San Fernando, La Union; Manila; Las Piñas City; Quezon City; and Davao City in recent months.  Angeles City, San Fernando, Las Piñas and Davao have also been tagged cybersex hotspots by the National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

OK, the reason I left out the names of the individuals listed in the Inquirer article is because some of them are involved in legal investigations against the police involved.  In one particular case even the FBI, working together with Homeland Security officials at the American Embassy are investigating charges of kidnapping and ransom against some CIDG officials in relation to wrongful procedures used against one American falsely accused of running a Cybersex Studio.  This Representative, Joseph Santiago, should use his energies to investigate the millions of pesos being extorted by certain law enforcement officials.  Additionally, why isn't he naming the Filipino operators of studios that have been raided and then let off the hook after paying large sums of money?  There are many players in this so called cybersex industry and they are not all foreigners but the industry is driven by the smell of easy tax free money and those Philippine agencies tasked with shutting down these dens are driven by the same smell of money.  Every closure of a den is followed by gleeful officials running to the bank with their new found wealth.  The cybersex industry, in this country, occupies a gray area, legally, but those so called clever people that want to go for the quick buck should think twice, especially if a foreigner is involved; it just isn't worth it!

ROADHOUSE FUND RAISER

How would you like to win these two?  All you have to do is buy a bunch of raffle tickets in November when they start to go on sale in preparation for the Roadhouse December Fund Raiser for the Bahay Bata Street Children's Center.  Imagine wrapping your legs around these beauties, feeling the power, the vibrations and the get up and go that will leave you wanting more and more.  One of them has more stroking power than the other but both will be fun to ride and at the end of the trip you will feel a giant, satisfying climax.  Yes folks, some folks really get off on riding a motorcycle and to a lesser extent a motor scooter but those two bikes pictured here are yours for the taking, if you buy that winning raffle ticket.  Remember, December, at the Roadhouse, bring money for the great items to be auctioned off and enjoy the great food and drinks, all for the low price of P1,000.  ALL monies collected go to the Children's Center, a very worthy cause.

POT BELLIED PIGS RFC

One of the most exciting events of the year that did not feature sexy bodies in bikinis was the Fat Boys 10's II event held at Challenger Field last August.  I did not want to waste the good pictures I had on file so am going to share them with you this month.  Some of the larger lads shown can be models for the Pot Bellied Pigs but I did manage to include a picture of a few of the cheer leaders just to soften the images. 

One picture shows that the ambulance on standby was put to good use and the very young footballer shown represents what many of the Fat Boys looked like when they were young lads and had not discovered beer yet.  The event this year was well organized and the attendance at the game showed a marked increase over last year which attests to the growing popularity of this event.  It was a great fund raiser but sadly, the Bahay Bata Street Children's team suffered their first defeat in three years of competition.  Thanks fellas, many folks will be looking forward to your return next year.

A RELAXING AFTERNOON

With each passing month the popularity of the Wild Orchid Resort on A. Santos Street increases dramatically.  Their occupancy fluctuates between 85-90% and this is during the slow season.  What this old horse enjoys is to stop in for a bit of a feed, sit in the bar area on a Sunday afternoon and then enjoy the mellow sounds of the in-house combo.  The swimming pool is a pleasure to look at but so far I have not ventured into the water because animals are not allowed but don't worry, it is more fun sitting around watching some of the fine looking female guests cavorting in the pool.

TOURING CLARK

Many visitors to Angeles City never get beyond Fields Ave and they are often heard to comment that there is nothing to do here except go barhopping.  Well, this ole Horse will have to disagree as there are a few things to see here that will not cost you anything and will not take up much of your time.  For one, you could visit some of the old sections of Angeles City, even stop in to the City Library, visit the Pandan Market which is a great photo opportunity.  But best of all, spend a day at Clark and look into its history.  There is the parade ground where you can see some historical markers, there is the Centennial House, and best of all, the Clark Museum.  I have never tired of walking through the Museum and it makes me relive the past and also brings back memories of when I first arrived here in 1977.

After that tour, drive over to where the old riding stables used to be and the present picnic area.  Just beyond that you will see the signs for the firing range, turn left onto that road that takes you around the back of the old Ammo dump and you will see the tunnel that was used by the Kamikaze pilots for protection.  I never knew that was there until recently.  So, take a break from the beer and women and check out Clark, you might find it interesting and a welcome change in your daily routine. 

THE GREAT RAID

If you have had a chance to see this movie about the rescue of the most American POWs ever imprisoned you will have a chance to visit the actual site at the Cabanatuan Memorial located only 60 miles from Angeles City. This is the only memorial in the Philippines officially maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission. The memorial was erected by the survivors of the Bataan Death March and the prisoner of war camp at Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines during World War II. It is a pleasant drive through the heart of Luzon which is known as the "Rice bowl of the Philippines". Go out the North gate of Clark and proceed to Concepcion, La Paz, then turn right (eastbound) until you reach Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija. Then turn left onto the Maharlika Highway and proceed north for about 10 KM until you reach a very busy intersection called the NE intersection near the north end of Cabanatuan City. There is a restaurant and Bakery named NE on the right side and a Manson Drug Store on the other corner. Turn right and proceed 8 KM and you are there. Mr. Teofilon Ongalon maintains the memorial in excellent condition and will be happy to give you the nickel tour. If you get a little hungry or thirsty along the way stop by the 4 Sisters Restaurant just after the Tarlac/Nueva Ecija boundary and say hi to Beth and her cousin Anne. They don't have cell phones or an email address but they do have nice smiles.

OUT WITH THE OLD - IN WITH THE NEW

The Koreans have taken over the Las Vegas Club but on the last night before the takeover I popped in and joined the four other customers there to wave goodbye to the present stock of dancers that no doubt, the next day, would find their way to the Bunny Ranch.  I guess I will have to wait until I return from the States to find out if the Korean owners have finally learned how to manage a Club in Angeles City without alienating the staff or the non-Korean customers that enter the place.  Thank goodness William is hanging on to the Bunny Ranch as it was always a fun place to visit and it should be twice as good now. 

YABBA-YABBA DOO IT CLASSROOM II

Now, who in the world could resist young ladies in school uniforms dancing on stage, especially when you know that they are of legal age and you don't have to worry about getting in trouble.  Our man Ray has done it again, put his experience and talents together to create a nice little Club that is pleasing to the eye.  There are so many clubs on Fields that it is difficult to come up with some original ideas that will attract customers.  The "Classroom" theme is not new, it has been used before at a club by the same name on Santos Street and the school girl outfits were and are being used at Nifty's as well.  Hey, don't knock it, whatever works and remember, there is always a little school boy in all of us but way back when I was in High School the gals did not dress like this, if they did I sure would have enjoyed school a lot more.  Now I can go to the Classroom II, buy a few drinks and let my imagination run wild.  Thee was only one problem that I noticed and that the uniforms could not replace personality.  The dancers appeared less than energetic and displayed a complete lack of interest in appealing to the customers.  I am sure that this attitude will be corrected right away.  Now, can we look forward to a bar named "The Emergency Room" with the ladies in short nurses uniforms, wearing those white stockings with garter belts?  In that way I can be educated at the Classroom and then get my heart worked on in the Emergency Room, my goodness, it is time to put my fantasies in neutral and go for a cup of coffee at Margarita Station.

I WOULD IF I COULD

I found this charming lady at the Rhapsody when I stopped in to visit Mamasan Cel.  Her name is Amie and she is 21 years old.  She does not have any children or a boyfriend.  Hailing from Bicol she has been working at Rhapsody for one year and I expressed my surprise that she did not have a boyfriend yet; she told me she was waiting for the Horse.  I knew she was fabricating! 

INTERESTING FACES

In addition to finding Amie I ended up spotting a charming, slightly shy lady dancing on stage at La Bamba but I did not get her name or any details.  Despite the fact that she had a bit too much of that white stuff on her face she had a few of the customers mesmerized, and I just had to take her picture.  She just had a certain charm about her that I think any customer would do well to meet her and spring for a few ladies drinks.  Now, what about the lady in black from the Viper Club?  Is that a teasing pose or is there a bit of a promise of the good times she could provide?  Again, no name or details, I just took the picture and you guys will have to do the on-site research. 

It is 0100 hrs, 14 Sep and in two hours Priscilla and I must head to Manila to catch our 0800 flight to the States.  It would be so nice to one day be able to fly out of Clark instead of having to make that long journey to Manila.  From what I have been told that might only be a couple of years away.  As usual I won't be getting any sleep until I get on the airplane out of Narita and after popping a sleeping pill I should be snoring in no time.  Eh, this time though I have to stay awake a bit longer to make sure that Priscilla is OK and that we converse a bit, maybe I can slip a sleeping pill into her cup of coffee.  OK folks, I am out of her, remember, be nice to horses.

THE HORSE HITS VEGAS:

The Northwest flight from Manila to Narita was uneventful, five hours of watching Priscilla closely to assure that she did not get too nervous on her first big time flight. We did run into a small glitch as the plane was departing Japan. One of the indicator lights malfunctioned and we had to sit on the plane for over an hour as the maintenance folks tried to find the problem. One had to remember that the Northwest mechanics were on strike so this was not an incident that instilled confidence in the rest of the flight. Not to worry, I guess they got one of the senior citizen flight attendants to fix the problem with a hairpin or something. I must be kinder this time, yes the flight attendants were old, but these were aging with a bit of class, and they were nice. So, with the aid of my cane wheel chairs Priscilla and I finally made it all the way to Las Vega. The flight from Narita to Los Angeles took over 9 hours but it seemed like only two or three with the aid of my sleeping pills. Priscilla mentioned that if there was an emergency should she wake me up. I told her not to do so, why wake me up to tell me we were going to die. So, here we are in Vegas, the weather is fantastic and Priscilla and I spent the first two weeks shopping, shopping, and more shopping. So far we have mailed off two Forex door to door boxes and we are still stocking up on more horse feed. At this time I will not go into too much detail except to make a couple of observations: one, yes folks, there are a hell of a lot of chubby folks here in Las Vegas; two, there are a hell of a lot of Latinos; three, there are a hell of a lot of those Latinos that can't speak decent English; four, now if an English speaking person wants a job in McDonalds you have to learn Spanish, that is a company policy; five, I predict that in three or four years, if I return to Vegas I will see signs in fast food restaurants reading "welcome, we speak English here!" Enough for now, it was great to stop in to the CD lounge and the Rhum Runner Lounges on East Desert Inn road where steel tip darts is still alive and well. It was fun to watch the blind draw doubles tournaments on Friday and Saturday nights. The good news is that Priscilla is enjoying herself but she has no desire to stay in the US and is looking forward to returning to Angeles City. Believe me, that is one subject we are in complete agreement on. Got to get to bed, need more sleep so we can shop till we drop.