HI Harry,

Word reached me today that the “Just My Luck” bar, managed by Vidar has closed its doors for good.  Why?  The word is that for not paying the rent and other bills. Guess it was a victim of the recession or bad management.  That is anyone’s guess.  Sad day for the employees.

Steve was a long time employee of Dave (Mo) Fisher and a friend as well.  He was a true gentle human being, well liked by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  He was 65 years old.  More details and pictures will be provided in my June column.  Steve will be missed by many.

Harry, Upon interview with a BID immigration officer and based on my research work (www.dfa.gov.ph and cfo.gov.ph), here is one particular provision in the immigration law that subjects Filipino tourists / temporary visitor’s visa to PRIMARY and SECONDARY inspection. The conduct of secondary inspection makes it difficult for Filipino tourists (especially women) to clear immigration lines. The reason? It’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. Please take note of the provisions on “partners or spouses / fiancees” meeting their spouse abroad” (CFO clearance) and “tourists / temporary visitors” (capacity to travel / affidavit of support).
Here it is:

GUIDELINES ON DEPARTURE FORMALITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL-BOUND PASSENGERS IN ALL AIRPORTS AND SEAPORTS IN THE COUNTRY

        Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9208, otherwise known as the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the “Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995”, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022 and other related laws, the following guidelines, providing for definite parameters in the strict enforcement of immigration departure formalities intended for the prevention of trafficking in persons, illegal recruitment, and other related offenses, are hereby promulgated for strict implementation/compliance by all concerned:

• I. TOURIST TRAVELERS

       A traveler intending to go abroad with a tourist/temporary visitor’s visa shall be subjected to:

1. Primary Inspection

During primary inspection, the following documents shall be required from a traveler:

• a)  Passport
• b)  Visa when required
• c)  Roundtrip Ticket

2. Secondary Inspection

2.1 The Bureau of Immigration shall conduct a secondary inspection of a traveler, when deemed necessary, for the purpose of protecting vulnerable victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment and other related offenses, through the assessment of the following circumstances:

• a)  Age
• b)  Educational attainment
• c)  Financial capability to travel
• i. If not financially capable to travel, an authenticated affidavit of support, indicating therein the relationship within the 4^th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, together with the supporting documents, may be entertained; and
• ii. An affidavit of undertaking/ guaranty may likewise be entertained.

2.2 Any passenger/traveler who will be subjected for secondary inspection shall be required to accomplish the Bureau of Immigration Border Control Questionnaire (BCQ) to be furnished by the Immigration Officer.

2.3 However, the following shall automatically be subjected to secondary inspection:

• a) Travelers without financial capacity to travel escorted/accompanied by a foreigner who is not related;
• b) Minor traveling alone or unaccompanied by either parent or legal guardian without the required travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
• c) Repatriated irregular workers, in which case, travel may not be allowed without the clearance from the IACAT (generate data);
• d) Partners and spouses of foreign nationals intending to depart to meet and/or marry his/her fiancé without the CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate;
• e) Passengers traveling to counties with existing deployment bans, alert levels and travel advisories and those in possession of a visas to the said countries; and
• f) Passengers who stayed abroad for more than one (1) year during a previous departure from the country as a tourist/temporary visitor, intending to depart for the second and/or subsequent time.

2.4 Clarificatory questions may be propounded relating to the above-mentioned documents/purpose by the Bureau of Immigration.
2.5 A traveler found to be misrepresenting the purpose of his/her travel as tourist shall not be cleared for departure.

Ronaldo “Ronnie” Tiotuico
Regional Director
Department of Tourism – Central Luzon
Paskuhan Village, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
Website: www.visitmyphilippines.com

Hi folks, welcome to the month of May.  Here we are again where we have to mark 13 May on our calendars denoting Mother’s Day.  If we forget that special day we are in deep poo-poo.  Even Dindo, pictured here is probably planning a special day for his Mrs.  You are probably wondering why I am starting off with this photo.  Well, Dindo and his wife have been supplying the Clubs with beer and soft drinks for many, many years now.  His business has grown with the town.  Not too long ago he suffered a stroke and is slowly recovering.  I stopped by to see him and he is still sitting in his favorite chair at the entrance to their warehouse, keeping an eye on everything and still supervising a bit.  I use to see him on a daily basis until my wife’s nephew took over the daily task of ordering and picking up supplies.  Dindo is an icon here in AC and I am so glad to see him recuperating so well.  He is staying alert and active and that is the path to complete recovery.
It is my pleasure to still be around to greet you on this first, hot day of May and I hope that wherever you are, plans are being made to visit us here where the weather and the action is still hot and my Yankees are still hanging in there.  Go Derek Jeter, did he take a youth pill or something?

HOLD THE PRESSES – LATE NEWS:  Hi Harry, A well known retired-American that has been hanging out at Margarita Station probably since its inception has come under the curse of having too much fun in Angeles City. He forgot that the human body has limits on how far you can push it. I have known a few good men who have accomplished so much in their lives prior to retiring here but then when they are as free as a bird and they can do whatever they want, they tend to go overboard and their bodies can’t take it anymore. James C. Williams is the latest victim and right now he is holding on by a thread at Sacred Heart Hospital. He goes by the name J.C. Until a couple months ago he was a big strapping guy that played billiards almost everyday at Margarita Station always having kind words to say to anyone who would listen to him. He is somewhat of an Icon here because he has a sandwich on the menu named after him and I am sure there are other things about him that make him so well known. He has countless friends and acquaintances. When I first came in town in 1999 he offered his friendship right off the bat and listened to me when I had some personal problems and gave me his advice on how to overcome them. Thanks J.C. On Sunday April 29th I dropped by Sacred Heart Hospital in the early evening to pay my last respects to him. I thought he was on his way out. His nurse gave me the rundown on his situation and she felt confident he was going to recover. When I was in his room he mustered enough strength to lift up his hand and I shook it. I said “fight on man” and looked at him astonished how far he had fallen. After I left the hospital I had some time to kill and I drove my motorbike to a Perimeter road bar, ordered a San Miguel beer and was happy I could still drink one of those. There are times when I have gone overboard on my favorite drink, I can only hope I temper my love for that before its too late. Martin B.

THE FEEDBAG

Harry, I just returned from S&R and was really disappointed at the checkout counter as I had to have the manager come over three times and turn back a couple of products. They over charged on many items and refused to honor prices on signs and in some instances prices plainly marked on the item. I kept myself from being over charged P1,500 on a bill of P8,000. While in line I heard Filipinos and foreigners complain while the manager made it all seem like it was the customers fault. I was waiting for them to claim it was all Bush’s fault. I am willing to admit that some of the confusion was caused by failure of store employees to remove signs and to relabel sale products. I did not attend their overcrowded sale and had no reason to be aware of what was on sale. Wrong prices were coming up on a lot of scanned items. I was used to accepting this as foolproof and I ended up the fool. It would be great if you could warn shoppers of the situation and warn them to closely monitor  the register at check out. Normally my total is in the range of P12,000 and I hate to think how much they have scammed me for at the checkout counter.  John Casey.

Response:  (Thanks for the heads up John.  The Mrs and I shop there quite often but I am guilty of never paying attention at the cash register.  Guess I will have to be more careful.  Priscilla does pay close attention so they can cheat me but not her)

Comments and Remarks: Dear Harry. Thanks for your informative reply to my recent blog. As you know I love reading your monthly newsletter and may they long continue. As you well know the Philippines is a potentially rich country its just badly governed. Corruption is out of control and has destroyed the infrastructure of the country.  In my province the main road going to Manila is just like a ploughed field. The road building work was skimped and the saved money went into the pockets of wealthy officials, we all know who they are. The political system stinks!  Where else do you find blatant vote buying?  Most of the Filipino politicians would be in jail in a civilized country. Every educated Pinoy knows what is going on but lacks the backbone to do anything about the ills that are killing the country.  Stephen B.

(Stephen, Yes, we do have a bit of corruption here, but so does many other countries, and even America is not squeaky clean, i.e., Chicago.  Oh yes, blatant vote buying, guess what, think Chicago again.  Taking shortcuts on road building and pocket the money that should have gone into the construction, oh yes, that happens in so many countries, and yes, even the US back when the Mafia was in its hey day.  Pinoy’s lacking the backbone to do something?  My goodness, how many of us lack that backbone?  How many of us are willing to stand up to a society that is embedded with a certain power base that has existed for generations?  The Filipino’s know that drastic changes are needed but this is their country and those changes will be made in due time, but we won’t be around to see it.  Many of us expats live here because we are not completely happy with living in America, or Australia, Canada, wherever but we are still proud of our countries.  We are still very Nationalistic, despite those faults we are very aware of.  So are the Filipinos, they are proud and aware and they have a nature that is patient and adaptable, but man, don’t piss them off for then you will see that back bone.  So, when they get pissed off enough they will stand up and change things. When that happens, we expats will have to move for we won’t be able to afford the place.  Love this country!)

First and Last Name: Ted “SNAKE” Walsh
Comments and Remarks: Harry, being with my asawa for 25 years & doing a 5 week holiday every year to the P.I.  I now find that to venture out of a day onto the strip, called walking st. the beggars are becoming unbearable, and you have to run the gauntlet every time you go out from your hotel.  The worst ones are the groups of young girls around about 11 or 12 yrs. old.  Surely Major Tan or his officers can do something about this harassment of tourists.  We are thinking of trying another overseas venue if this cannot be resolved.    These young people are taking the pesos away from the real needy beggars.  Dont get me wrong we love Angeles & the great nightlife it provides, & have for years.   Thank you for your consideration in this matter & all the best to you & your asawa.”SNAKE”.

(Just like you can’t get rid of rats, ants and cockroaches, you can’t get rid of those little beggars.  Over the years they have been rounded up many times without any great success.  Yes, their numbers can be reduced dramatically if the will to do so was there.  Neither Maj Tan or the City Government has that will.  Those of us who have lived here for many years do not pay attention to it as we are used to them.  We tend to forget how annoying the little shits are.  I have read that it is worse in some parts of Italy and India and I am sure, elsewhere.  Don’t give up on us “Snake” just duck into the bars a bit quicker and stay longer so you can avoid them) 

Harry, When I first moved to the PI about 9 years ago ( 2002 ) there was all sorts of talk about a train system being built from Manila to points north in Luzon, to Pampanga, Subic,  Baguio etc. All the VFW experts said it was imminent. My most recent visit, about 2 years ago , I heard the same thing from some bar owners. The cho cho train is coming, any day, great.  It is needed.  Most other Oriental countries make extensive use of trains.  Have for years.  Very useful but, so far, nothing for the Philippines except for a small system in Manila which hasn’t been paid for yet according to Pres. Aquino.  He was quite blunt about it on the PI Channel in the US.  He admitted that It was bad for Manila’s credit rating and future serious investments.  But, on any future train system who would move the squatters off the tracks?  What if the locals steal the steel rails which they have done before and the cho cho train derails?  Anyway, the next time I visit, I plan on taking the train from Manila to Fields Ave.  Joe W.

(Hey Joe, I guess you do not plan on visiting us here for at least another ten years)

I received a message from someone calling himself the “Cebu Sandman”  He passed on info about two subjects, the price of alcohol in the Philippines and Human Trafficking, particularly the over use of the word “rescued”.   The latter has been discussed and written about extensively but the article on the American influence on why locally made alcoholic prices will increase was new to me, to include the WTO and some European countries.  Here, you can read it and form your own opinions.

“refer to this article which i am really really pissed at the American government.

http://cebusandman.typepad.com/philippines_travel_news/2012/04/alcohol-prices-in-the-philippines-beer-and-spirit-prices-in-the-philippines-rising.html

The US government has been targeting the Philippines for its low tariffs through the WTO.  You can search online.  The sin tax bill is therefore a way of rebalancing this indifference in pricing that exists between the local products and imported products.  The cost of alcohol will increase as the Philippines has an “order” on them by the WTO to comply, all bought about by the US and in some parts some European countries.”

Harry, the police raid on Coyote Ugly must have caught you as your newsletter was hitting the printing press as it was only a brief mention. I don’t know whether others see it the way I do but Angeles City is under siege. It’s like the frog that doesn’t realize it is being boiled because the water temperature starts out cold. The NGO IJM has done some wonderful things in Cambodia by making a huge impact on pedophilia there but after living in AC for 10 years I have never witnessed anything like that, at least not in Pampanga. I’m not saying it couldn’t happen if everyone turned a blind eye, but I don’t think the Filipinos would put up with such garbage. I believe Filipinos would hang pedophiles and no one would care. IJM is now firmly established in the P.I. but their strategy and methods are the same as they were in Cambodia. Police bribes, applying pressure at the international level by threatening to withhold aid money, while at the front line in a crusade against all forms of prostitution, using decoys and plants to build a case against bar owners before the police raid ever takes place. In just one decade Christian NGOs have managed to lump adult mutual consent prostitution together with what they are now calling “Human Trafficking.” This will end AC as an entertainment zone and most of the places adult males and females get together for mutually consenting affairs but it will not end prostitution. It will only drive it underground where health issues will become catastrophic and where real Human Trafficking will burgeon. If one thinks police corruption is bad now, imagine what it will be like when prostitution no longer officially exists. I remember clearly how president Obama publicly threatened the Philippine government that unless they got Human Trafficking under control the Philippines status would be reduced and aid money shut off. Not long after president Obama’s well publicized visit to Manila three different police organizations along with Cox’s army of NGO’s hit the place and forcefully rescued dozens of girls who didn’t want to be rescued, especially the one who was taken from a police bus and raped by a policeman in exchange for her freedom. Today it has become apparent that a shameful hypocrisy is unfolding. President Obama wants to clean up the Philippines while he is obviously unable to keep prostitutes away from his own immediate subordinates in the Secret Service. Scott Grant.

(The International Justice Mission (IJM) is a human rights organization that rescues victims of violence, sexual exploitation, slavery and oppression.  All too often an NGO like the IJM can be overzealous in their efforts to make a name for themselves.)

First and Last Name: Phillip Williams, Email Address: pfw72@hotmail.com
Comments and Remarks: Good morning Harry. I am here to decide if I wish to settle here. One activity I am interested in is an Aikido Dojo. Can you point me in that direction. I have looked and asked everywhere I can think of. Thanks, Phillip.  (Phillip, I have no idea where an Aikido Dojo is located here.  Somehow I think that some of the readers of this column will know where one is located.  Hopefully they will drop you a line or at least let me know.  I will continue to ask around myself)

Comments and Remarks: A friend from the Gym is asking if anyone has heard of a problem with re-registering a bike.. He bought a new Honda 125 four years ago and got new tags every year after but then ran into a problem when he tried to get the tags this year. The people at LTO say that he cannot get new taggs becaause he was seen someplace riding without a helmet and would need to go to manila to get that sorted out before he could get new tags for this year. The LTO woman could not tell him who reported him for not using a helmet or where it was supposedly seen. My friend has an extreme phobia and fear of riding with no helmet. He says that it is completely impossible that he would have been seen on a public road with no helmet as he won’t even move the bike in the driveway without a helmet. Does anyone know anything about this? thanks I enjoy your site Jeff

(Jeff, this is a new one, never heard of such a thing before.  I do not have time to check with the LTO before this column comes out but will certainly put it on my list of things to do.  Meanwhile, if any reader happens to know anything about this, please drop me a line)

Comments and Remarks: Hi Harry, just saw your MOJO recipe & was that different from my day! I was on the MIDWAY fm ’73-’75 & the Subic mix then was 1 pint of rum, 2 (cans) of coke, 2 (cans) of beer, & fruit punch to taste. From there you can add anything from the bar that you like; but the base is more than enough to sneak up and get you! CHEERS!  Mike McGuire

( Hi Mike, question –  with you guys drinking all that MOJO how did you avoid grounding the ship?)

TIDBITS

Boeing has been preparing a 1000 passenger jet that could reshape the Air travel industry for the next 100 years. The radical Blended Wing design has been developed by Boeing in cooperation with the NASA Langley Research Center. The mammoth plane will have a wing span of 265 feet compared to the 747’s 211 feet, and is designed to fit within the newly created terminals used for the 555 seat Airbus A380, which is 262 feet wide. The new 797 is in direct response to the Airbus A380 which has racked up159 orders, but has not yet flown any passengers.

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There are several big advantages to the blended wing design, the most important being the lift to drag ratio which is expected to increase by an amazing 50%, with overall weight reduced by 25%, making it an estimated 33% more efficient than the A380, and making Airbus’s ! $13 billion dollar investment look pretty shaky. High body rigidity is another key factor in blended wing aircraft, it reduces turbulence and creates less stress on the air frame which adds to efficiency, giving the 797 a tremendous 8800 nautical mile range with its 1000 passengers flying comfortably at mach .88 or 654 mph cruising speed (another advantage over the Airbus tube-and-wing designed A380’s 570 mph).  

(This is what upsets me about getting old.  I am beginning to see some futuristic designs that I may not live to actually see or be too old to enjoy.  Does this mean that one could fly from the US to the Philippines non-stop?  That would be interesting.  There is no date established for this plane to be in service but I hope they don’t wait too damn long)

Hi Harry, I read with interest the stories of people being robbed on jeepneys, there is a simple solution, buy a wallet with a chain that attaches to your trouser belt loop, they cost from as little as p150 and are available from the stalls opposite the Swiss Chalet here in Angeles.  They have Velcro fastening with plenty of room inside for notes, coins, credit cards and Id.  Having lived here for 6 months of the year since 2006 and travelled on jeepneys late at night, usually the worse for wear, once the robbers catch sight of the chained wallet you are left well alone! Love the column, cheers Graham.

(Good suggestion Graham, might buy one myself)

This is long, but important to one and all.  It is also a coincidence that it came to me at this time, I will explain at the end of the article.

Johns Hopkins Update
This is an extremely good article. Everyone should read it.
AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY (‘TRY’, BEING THE KEY WORD) TO ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY .

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body.. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients  that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person’s lifetime.

3. When the person’s immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, but also to environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing
diet to eat more adequately and healthy, 4-5 times/day and by including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc., and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often
reduce tumor size.  However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

*CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc. are made
with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color Better alternative is Bragg’s aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the  gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus.. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based
diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little other meat, like chicken. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building
healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)..

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e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body’s killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals,  EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body’s normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or
unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body,and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment.   Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

1. No plastic containers in micro.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave..

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don’t freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn’t bad but you don’t know what is in the paper. It’s just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper, the dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food.. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

(A few days before I received this information, which I have read in bits and pieces from earlier articles, a guest at our Rotary meeting named Sifu Jen Sam spoke to us.  He called himself a “Barefoot Healer”  and runs the International Shaolin Yau Kung Mun Foundation, Philippines. He deals with acupuncture, bone setting, Chinese herbal medicine, nutritional therapy and detoxification.  In other words, alternative medicine in dealing with many medical problems, especially cancer.  I cannot relate all of what he said because I did not take notes and it would be too long but, in much more detail, he echoed what I present above by the John Hopkins Update.  Additionally, I have been perusing a book written by Suzanne Somers titled “Knockout” Interviews with doctors who are curing cancer and how to prevent getting it in the first place.  In this book she interviews 11 different “alternative” doctors who treat cancer victims.  I am beginning to believe in the many reports I have read in which American Medical Association medical Doctors inadvertently align themselves with the multibillion-dollar pharmaceutical Industry who really do not want to support cures in which there is no money to be gained.  It is something to look into but one problem that I see is that these treatments are not covered by insurance and most of us are too scared to try something so radically different from what we have been told.  But, on 21 April I will be meeting with Sam again and try his treatments.  I am not so sure that I can change my life style and diet that radically but if it helps my circulation problem as well as other ailments then it is worth a try.  I will try to let you know how it goes)   

3J’s got robbed Tuesday night (10 Apr). They kicked the bottom of the door in and had the smallest crawl through and unlock the door. They took the computer, all the frozen food even the ice cream, all the American Steel t-shirts and everything else they could carry.

(This is not headline news but it is a bit disturbing.  3J’s is a small store/bar located in Villa Sol.  It is kind of isolated, awkward to get to but it is a gathering place for the neighborhood guys and they have their own familiar clique of drinkers.  It has been a long time since I dropped by there.  It sounds like teenagers might have been the thieves, man, it is pretty bad when you have to take frozen food and ice-cream.  Why take all the American Steel T-shirts?  The American Steel is a motorcycle club in which I believe everyone has to be at least 250 lbs and at least 6 ft. so the thieves should have left the XXL, XXXL and XXXXL shirts behind)

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays.This happens Once every 823 years.This is called money bags. (I wonder what the world will look like in 823 more years?)

Last month was a time to remember Deery, past owner of the Thi-Hi on the 1st anniversary of his death.  His employees and many friends visited his grave-site at the Clark cemetery and left a few mementos there then made it back to the Thi-Hi where drinks and finger foods were available.  I do believe Deery would have approved and been quite touched by such a display of employee loyalty and the outpouring of friendship.  He is still missed by many and Josie is still keeping the place going.  That year sure did pass quickly.

The 19 Apr issue of the Sun Star newspaper featured the headline “Disneyland at Clark Eyed”.  My first reaction was “Holy Shit, you have to be kidding me” then as I read the details it described how this was an idea by 1st District Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin who feels that the Clark Freeport Zone is an ideal spot for a Disneyland theme park.  He has written a letter to Thomas Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to offer the area within the Freeport for their next Disneyland location.  He pointed out that the Clark Freeport Zone offers tax free privileges to locators.  I have the greatest respect for Lazatin, one of the finest Mayors this town has ever had and he is fully supportive of Angeles City and Pampanga and it sure would be great to have his offer seriously considered by Mr. Staggs but I wonder what the odds are for his offer to be considered.  For years I have hoped that there would be more family entertainment within Clark but the emphasis has always been focused on locators and not entertainment, other than Casinos.  The one point he made that I have a bit of trouble with is referring to the Clark International Airport (CIA) as a “World Class Airport”.  I sort of think that the CIA (or DMIA if you wish) has a long way to go before it would qualify as a “world class” airport.  It certainly has the potential to enter that category and there are plans to do just that but for now, well, it is a decent airport with a future.  For now Lazatin has a dream and I sure would like to see it come true.  If anybody could turn a dream into a reality it would be the grand old man, the “Tarzan” of Angeles City.

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The solution to the negative image of Fields Ave will be resolved by 2050.  No longer will there be a problem with underage girls.  If a robot is made to look like a 15 year old then there is no breaking of the law.  How about Angelina Jolie look a likes?  Men could live out fantasies.  One problem, if these ladies are built, then women will be looking for male counterparts.  Husbands or boyfriends cannot be jealous as the women are not messing around, same for men with the women.  Wow, no more divorces for cheating.  The price could be a problem.  I think I would rather have a robot maid that I could trade in every two years.  Check this out:  http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/robot-prostitutes-the-future-of-sex-tourism-20120419-1x8eq.html

The new Kalaklan gate at Subic is great and wisely, they put a traffic light at the main road going to the Barrio Barretto to avoid accidents.  But, it is out of order and here is where you get one of those only in the Philippines situation.  SBMA built it but they say the town should patrol it since it is on the highway, and of course, the town police say, SBMA built it, so they should patrol it.  Result – Stalemate!

The Coyote Ugly story - I have had people writing to me asking why I did not write more details about the closure of Coyote Ugly and the arrest of Ken Graham.  Mainly because I wanted to wait until things settled down, find out the facts and give a status report.  First off, Ken Graham, Joyce Pungos and Rose (Mommie Rose) Craste are now confined at the Angeles City jail after being transferred from Camp Olivas in Manila.  They are charged with human trafficking and Prostitution.  Jocelyn Ordinario, the registered owner of the Coyote Ugly Bar was not at the Club and escaped arrest.

How did all this come about?  The following information is from the statements of the ladies taken during the investigation and of course, does not prove guilt or innocence until the judicial process is completed.  Supposedly Mommie Rose recruited 16 ladies from Tacloban City and picked them up in Pasay City on 23 Feb. The girls were brought to Angeles City and put to work right away without any ID or permits.  One girl, 14 years old was alleged to have serviced four customers at different times during that night and two of the girls, 16 and 17 were also with customers.  They said they were forced to work.  Some of the girls were left at the Coyote Ugly and others taken to the Coyote Ugly Hotel in Dau.  Over time three of the girls that were used as door ladies outside the Club befriended a Mamasan from a neighboring Club.  This Mamasan assisted the girls in escaping from the Club.  She had attended Balibago Barangay Captain Tony Mamac’s PEACE meetings at the Barangay Hall and was well aware of his no tolerance approach to underage girls in the Clubs.  PEACE is an approved SEC organization called “Pro-active Entertainment Association of Concerned Establishments, Inc.” established last year which is slowly gaining in membership.  She took the three ladies to Tony Mamac and he secured them for ten days.  He then requested assistance from General Ladao, Regional Director of PNP, Region 3, Camp Olivas.  He was directed to take the girls to Camp Olivas and report to Col Jacky Puapo, head of the Women’s desk at Camp Olivas.  All three girls were underage.  After statements were taken from the three girls with lawyers present, DSWD assistance and representatives from NGO Visayan Forum requests for two search warrants was requested from a Judge in Manila.  The reason for using a Manila Judge instead of one in  Angeles City was to avoid any chance of leakage of information.

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Saturday, 31 Mar - Two teams were formed, Tony Mamac provided marked money.  Col Jacky, Women’s Desk, acted as a girlfriend of an American asset in the company of another American asset.  They entered the Coyote Ugly Club as customers with the knowledge of the name of an underage girl working there.  The name was provided in the statements of the three girls mentioned above.  With this knowledge the American called over Mommie Rose and asked for the girl by name. The girl was brought over and stood next to Rose.  the marked money was used to consummate the transaction for the girl to leave and when Rose took the money a signal was given to those waiting outside and they entered the club to serve the search warrant and rescue.  Capt Mamac was standing by in his office.  At a planning meeting, prior to going to the Club, Tony insisted that no customers in the bar will be detained or harassed in any way.  His wishes were carried out as all customers were allowed to exit the Club peacefully.  The second team was notified that they could proceed with serving the search warrant at the Coyote Hotel.  When they entered and presented themselves to Ken Graham he kind of had an Asthma attack or something, ran to his room and locked himself in.  It took them 30 minutes to coax him out of his room.  He, along with 37 ladies from the bar were taken to Camp Olivas.

Sunday, 1 Apr - Barangay Capt Tony Mamac drove to Camp Olivas to seek the release of the girls that were not underage and not directly involved with the human trafficking charge.  He did not want them kept longer than necessary.  He brought them food and drink from Jolly Bee.  He could not get them released that day as they were all undergoing medical examinations so he had to wait until Monday.  On Monday he sent two vehicles to pick up the 23 staff that were innocent and not underage.  Fourteen were kept by the Visayan Forum for coordination with the parents and to secure NSO certified birth certificates.  That is what Tony did with the original three girls that escaped from the Club, one of whom was 16 and was still bleeding one month after she was roughly treated by a 6′ 2″ tall foreigner.  The 23 staff were brought to the Barangay Hall, LACEM leader Cel Paran was contacted to come and assist them which she did, even assisting a few with transportation expenses.

What now - Ken, Rose, and Joyce have been transferred to the Angeles City Jail and await trial.  No bail is allowed.  Ken might be able to work something out in court on a technical point in that Jocelyn is the registered owner and there is no paperwork connecting him with the Coyote Ugly.  One thing is for sure, he will have to find one hell of a good lawyer to head up his defense.  I was told that there have been various well known people contacting Tony to offer “incentives” for reduction of charges or even more.  Tony Mamac says absolutely not!  Everything was done legally, according to law and he does not condone the presence of underage girls being employed in the entertainment zone.  Those members of “PEACE” understand this from the meetings they have attended and know that as long as they comply with Philippine law and directives from the Mayor’s office that PEACE will be available to assist and advise them as needed.  Fourteen underage girls employed in one bar can cause adverse affects to all Clubs in the Entertainment Zone, forget 14, even one is too much.

Once again, dear Club owners, keep an eye on your Mamasan’s and floor managers, they can get you in deep shit.   Plus one bad Mamasan can cast a shadow on all Mamasans and that is not fair to the many that are loyal, good and honest at their jobs.  So, that is the story, remember, these people are innocent until a Judge decides otherwise.  Regretfully, the process will take a very long time.

This is Ken Graham of formerly Coyote Ugly Bar and Coyote Bar.

You have probably heard that we were unfortunately closed by local government at Coyote Ugly Bar and had to close Coyote Hotel when a lot of our hotel material was seized after a raid by Department of Justice.

As a result we have a very nice near new Pepe Damien pool table 9 foot by 5 foot with top class pool balls and light shade. We paid 60,000 pesos for everything about a year ago from the now RSL Treasurer Ron Parrott.

We now wish to sell the item as we have no where to put it and we need the money (I’m still in jail).  We will accept 40,000 pesos. This table new can cost around 200,000 and its hardly used.  yours sincerely.

(I wonder what items had to be seized and why?  I asked Tony Mamac if he knew and his reply was: “I dont know about materials seize cos i was not given a copy of the list of items taken into custody by the team which are subject of the search warrant.” Why was it necessary to remove materials when the objective was to remove any underage girls and to detain Ken?  It would be interesting to know what materials were removed and why?)

Treasure Island – has relocated and reopened.  You can find this very popular club directly across the street from the Wild Orchid Resort.  Scott, long time popular manager is on board to make sure you are well looked after. The hours of operation are 5pm -2am, Regular prices are 75p Local Drinks, 150p ladies drinks.  Happy Hour 5-7pm Local Drinks 55p, Ladies Drinks 135p.  I hope that I can make it there to take some pictures but I am getting close to dead line time.  Will do my best.

(Darn, I did not make it.  Will get pictures this month)

I am sorry to report that Douglas (Dougie) Frost and his girlfriend, Grace, were involved in a serious car accident last Sunday, 22 Apr.  Initial police report indicates that he was driving too fast and hit a steel post on Ma.Roxas Boulevard.  They have both undergone surgery for head injuries. Douglas also has a broken arm and broken leg and although conscious has not spoken yet.  They are at the Angeles University Foundation Hospital (AUF).  Dougie is the owner of the Hang-out bar onPerimeter Road, between the Thi-Hi and Honey Ko’s clubs.  Doug is a long time ex-pat resident ofAngelesCityand his many friends here will be praying for his complete recovery and also Grace.  This news was a bit of a shock to all of us.  Update:  Grace has been released from the hospital (26 Apr), Doug will be confined longer.  His arm is broken in three places, but does not have a broken leg.  Instead, they are looking at his hip as despite extensive pain killers he still has a great deal of pain in that area.  More X-Rays are needed.  He has someone watching him and he is able to talk but is in and out of sleep and wakefulness.  Additionally, he wants out of the hospital and he has mood shifts.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Mark Begich (D-AK) recently introduced legislation aimed at restoring the Clark Veterans Cemetery, which is the final resting place in the Philippines for more than 8,300 United States service members and their dependents.  The “Remembering America’s Forgotten Veterans Cemetery Act” would require the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to restore, operate, and maintain Clark Veterans Cemetery to honor the courageous Americans buried there.

(This is very good news. Finally, it appears that our cemetery here is beginning to get its deserved recognition)

The Mark Dizon trial dates are scheduled for 8 May and 26 Jun at 1330 hrs.  I hope to be at both hearings.  This is for the Mitchell complainant.  The other two murder cases have separate dates.  The good news is that Trial Court 58 has moved into the new Justice building which is much more comfortable and convenient than the old location.  What a great renovation project for the Justice building.  What a remarkable transformation from the old building.  Now, if they could only find more spaces for parking everything would be perfect.

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ANGELES SPORTS AND COUNTRY CLUB GOLF NEWS:  Jimmy Allen updated the following event on “ASCC” site. Here are the details:

GRANDVIEW TOWER:  I stopped in there last week and was surprised to learn that they will be selling the hotel room units, just like condos, with title and will be managed by them.  Good investment opportunity?  I don’t know.  Those rooms not sold after a certain length of time will be rented out as regular hotel rooms.  I was also told that the offer to buy from well known businessman Noel “Toti” Carino was turned down as the bid was too low.  Right now, there are no plans to sell the GrandView as they feel so much work and drama have taken place over the years that they are determined to finish the project and establish it as one of the prestige addresses in Angeles City.  Work on the pool is nearing completion and I should be able to get a picture next week.  I asked the Promo lady “Kitty” to send me the pricing details on the hotel room sales but despite her promise I have not received anything yet.

Look up Ann Barnhardt on Google.  A very interesting lady.  She has a few strong words about different subjects.  Not bad looking either.

At last a direct European, USA & Australia flight to Clark (via Hong Kong), on one ticket, coming up… Direct transfer at Hong Kong, bags checked straight thru and no HK immigration requirements, also at 10am arrival into Clark.
Dragonair starting 29MAY12 is launching HongKong – Clark service,on board mono-class Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline will be the 4th carrier offering service on this route. Overall service on this route will raise from20 to 27 weekly.
Reservation is available, however this route remains subject to government approval:

KA375 HKG 0755 – 1005CRK 320 234 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
KA376 CRK 1055 – 1250HKG 320 234 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
and
KA373 HKG 0800 – 1010CRK 320 157 Monday Friday Sunday
KA374 CRK 1110 – 1305HKG 320 157 Monday Friday Sunday

KA service is currently scheduled to operate until 27OCT12,  (have heard it was extended to Dec 2012) but may extend to year-round at later date.

His name is Bong Bandada and I see this face all over the Club scene, year after year.  Every time I see him I give the same greeting “you again”.  Then he gives me that big Bong smile and says yes.  This man has to be the king of Club design as every time I attend an opening of a new bar or walk into one newly renovated I see Bong.  He is a very talented man who is well known by bar owners and is in great demand.  He is the designer, builder, innovator, the man that brings that special look to a bar.  He is reliable, honest and just one hell of a nice guy.  I saw him at the opening of the One-Eyed Wench and even in the company of others at Honey-Ko’s.  He is talented and fair with his pricing and in all the years I have known this man I have never heard any negative comments about his work.  That makes him kind of special in my book.  He can be reached at cell phone number 0927 219 2010.  For sure that is one number you want to keep on file.

Thai Horror Story – This is long and I did not bother trying to correct spelling, punctuation or sentence structure.  I can only hope the cops here in AC never try to copy this procedure.  If you like visiting Pattaya, be advised, do not drink and drive!

WARNING - DRINKING AND DRIVING IN PATTAYA - Beware.  This was written by a Pattaya resident and happened recently.  Be warned.  Best regards and Happy  Songkran.  Ted.

A word of warning for those farang who may occasionally have a drink or two, and then drive a motorbike or car in Pattaya.

As of Friday 13th April Pattaya Police are actively using breath testing to test for people over the drink driving limit of 0.05. They have digital breath testing units they can setup and will stop all traffic, as they do when they have a blitz on.

On Friday 13th April at 2am until about 5am they setup on the corner of 2nd Road and Pattaya Thai (Pattaya South Road), where they often sit looking for people not wearing a helmet. They were stopping all bikes (didn’t see any cars but they were on the road blocking most traffic) farang and Thai. They were breath testing all – not sobriety test, straight onto the digital breath testing units. The units have a digital display and a printer. Once you blow if the reading is about 0.050 then they print out the reading and you are arrested on the spot. You will then be taken to the Pattay Soi 9 watchhouse and locked up in the holding cells.

Your phone will be confiscated and you are not allowed a phone call or to contact anyone. Farang’s are locked up with Thai’s (men and women) in the one lockup in the police station. Not air conditioned, very basic, no seats, just concrete floors, the toilet is behind a waist high concrete barrier and is a bowl with no seat, just a hose and a bucket. This doubles as the shower area, if you were so inclined or happened to be locked up for many days like some of the farang over stay people in there. No water or food is provided, you need someone on the outside to bring you that – and they are generally allowed to hand it through to you. On Friday about 18 farangs were detained (Australians, Americans, Italians, Iran, Israel, India, Swiss – holiday makers and long stayers) and 10+ thai’s for drink driving and other offences. If you don’t have your passport – it’s more difficult – they need to be able to positively ID you to begin processing the paperwork. You are generally not told what will happen or what the process is – if you have someone on the outside then they can get some of the story and relay it, but generally you do not know what will happen or when. And if you are told – it’s likely to change, and of course “just wait 10 minutes” really means 2+ hours at least.

Once they have processed all the paperwork, and you have signed some documents in Thai (no translation available, no legal advice, just “is this you? sign here), you will be finger printed (in the cells, Thai long stay prisoners do the finger printing). This took from 5am until midday of waiting in the holding cells at the watch house. Then when everyone is processed you are ready to be moved to the Privincial Court House at Jomtien. To move you all the prisoners (Farang and Thai) are handcuffed and chained together in one long line. Then marched down to a paddy wagon, all squeezed in, some standing for the drive from Soi 9 to the court house at Jomtien. You are then unloaded into the holding area in the court house. The holding area is under the building, not air conditoned, You are unshackled, you have to take your shoes off and sit on the concrete floor. No seating, no smoking, no standing. Sit on the floor with all the other Thai’s waiting to be processed. The only toilet available is very bad, there are rubber boots outside that you need to wear because the floor is 1cm deep in urine and the smell is so bad you have to hold your breath (it makes the toilet in the watch house look luxurious). The whole area wreaks of urine as the other holding cells (for those Thai’s being held for more serious crimes) just has open urinals. During this process – no communication, no advice, no phone calls allowed, you are told “just wait” … if you have someone on the outside who knows where you are they can bring you water and snacks, you can also buy some thai food that is sold by a local kitchen. The farangs were processed in the last court sitting of the day, after sitting on the floor from midday until 6pm, signing various court documents during the afternoon.

No translation is provided into any language, all documents are in Thai, no legal advice provided, no explanations – very little english spoken, only enough to get you to sign documents and tell you “sit down”, “stand up”, “come here”. If you dont sign the document you will not be processed – there is no option. In the court room there is no visitor gallery, no visitors allowed, no legal representation, no translation available. About 40 people are processed at the same time, sitting on wooden benches or on the floor. The judge (a woman in this case) speaks NO english (she even had to get help from someone to read out the amounts of the fines in English). Each person with a related charge has their name read out in turn, then stands, the judge then addresses everyone in Thai, then decides on a penalty and reads that out in Thai. For drink driving a motorbike you can expect a fine of 2500 to 2700 baht … Thai and farang the same. There was no discrimination, positive or negative – you get treated like a Thai. Once all have been sentenced you have to pay the fine to the clerk of the court, on the spot. If you couldn’t pay you would be locked up again until you can pay. If you have someone on the outside you are permitted to liaise with them for them to get you the money. You may also be escorted to your accommodation to get money as a last resort.

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You will now be relieved that it is all over and ready to walk free, as you have been watching all the Thai’s do once they are sentenced … but wait, there is more!!

If you are a farang you now need to have your passport checked for any possible visa violations – overstay’s, back to back tourist visa’s etc. However at 6pm on a Saturday night (even worse on a Songkran long weekend) there are no immigration officials available to check your passports. So it’s back to the Soi 9 lockup. The trip back to the lockup is sitting packed into the back of a police utility truck, all sitting around the edge packed into the open tray (interesting lack of safety concern given you have just been booked for an equally dangerous driving offence). You will then be locked up again until the police can arrange for immigration to check your passport. None of this is told to you in advance, you are told as it happens, and after thinking you are processed and free, being put back into the holding cells at Soi 9 is a shock – particularly then being told it’s likely you will be held until the next day (which is a Sunday – so perhaps 2 days, but Monday is a public holiday in Thailand – so perhaps 3 days). Fortunately through some furious negotiations by some Thai supporters of some of the farangs how had been assisting, those farangs who had been able to provide a passport to police were advised they would be let out immediately, and then return at a later date for the immigration check (the police will hold your passport). This was at 11:00pm (after returning from the court about 9pm), the farangs with the passports were then called out and released from the cells one at a time. The group being released is then detained further in an office while the head of police decides how to handle the processing, you then have your passport photocopied (main page and visa page), you were given the copy and asked to return to the police station the following week to meet immigration, and collect you phone, passport and motorbike at that time (assuming no immigration violations). Only then, after the 18 hour ordeal are you free to leave.

NO “tourist police” were present or available at any time during this process (not that I believe they would be able to help anyway – but interesting in their absence the entire time considering how high profile they like to be on walking st).

Also – don’t think you can flash a few baht and get let off. I’m aware of a number if discreet attempts directed to the police at the testing station of amounts up to 3k baht which were politely returned.

This story if from my personal experience, I was riding a scooter. I have lived in Thailand for 5+ years, I speak reasonable Thai, I have a Thai drivers license, I had 10k baht in cash on me, I had Thai helpers on the outside who know police and were able to plead my case to all levels of police. None of this helped me get processed any faster or dealt with any better. Not that would expect it too – but just as advice for those farang who think they are “special”.

I have no complaints – I was guilty. In future I will be catching a taxi.
There is a new police chief in town – and he is cracking down on drink driving.   Be warned!!!  (TY Rupert for sending this to me)

Frank Drakopolous – It was Nov 2010, Frank had his operation at the 1230 Pizza on Fields Ave.  I am sure many will remember him or at least his name.  Life was good for Frank until he was accused of raping 15 year old Cristina B.  That is when his life changed dramatically and he was able to leave the country before being arrested. According to Frank and Sean he was assisted by Steve (in Black) Hidosan.  Charges were filed and many people who knew Frank at that time did not believe he would do such a thing and that he was somehow, set up.  For 18 months Frank led a quiet life in Australia.  He was able to make contact with a man here named “Sean” (Expat) who does investigative work and agreed to work on his case since he believed that Frank was innocent.  Sean is an Australian and had already known Frank from a time that they met in Australia.  After an extensive investigation one Riza Maglaqui Y Sambile, 21 years old submitted a statement to Assistant City Prosecutor Mark Oliver C. Sison on 2 Apr 2012 clearing the name of Frank.  In the statement she indicated that “after we have been to City Hall, we left and while we were outside the City Hall, Christina B. told us the truth that she was not raped by Frank Drakopolous.  And she told us that her Korean boyfriend was the one that had her and not Frank Drakopolous.”  There is more to the statement but the Prosecutor had enough to where any charges against Frank will be dropped and Frank can now walk the streets with his head held high in that the truth has finally come out, and he is vindicated.  Frank has returned to Angeles City for a short visit but will be returning to Australia with Sean to clear up personal items there in preparation for a return to Angeles City.  Plans are for him to join with Sean in his investigation company.  I and many others will be wishing Frank good luck in his future endeavors.  Sean can be reached at:  0915-404-6766 or G0D_sean@yahoo.com.  That is the #0 not the letter o.

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TAPS

John Amos, 75 years old, an American expat that has lived in Angeles City for many years passed away on 9 Apr.  He is survived by his wife of 8 yrs, Nereza.  He was bedridden for the past 2 yrs, had tests which showed he had lung cancer.  He was buried in Samar.

DICK CLARK, 82 YEARS OLD – THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.

TOURIST OF THE MONTH

Yes, once again I happened to be in the Thi-Hi after an absence of two weeks and in walked Charles Wills with a big happy smile on his face.  The man was so happy to be in Angeles City that he could have been a poster boy for the Dept. of Tourism.  He was in the company of best friend Keith Carpenter who has been visiting Angeles City for many years as has Charles.  His first visit was ten years ago but has been back 5 or 6 times since then.  He is from Charleston West Virginia but is now a semi-retired music teacher, specializing in brass instruments.  He taught school in Ohio but also in many different countries like Ethiopia (his favorite was there for 15 years), Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Bahrain.  I was surprised when he said Ethiopia was his favorite place until he showed me some pictures of the ladies he knew there. I believe I would enjoy being a teacher there as well.  He always stays at the Central Park Hotel because of the relaxing atmosphere.  His favorite bar is “Just My Luck” and he made special mention of Jessica and Jocelyn, Twin ladies working there who he has known for a long time.  He also likes “Barhoppin” and “Strawberry Fields”.  He is still single and is a youthful 62 years of age.  I had him pose with one of the Thi-Hi dancers so his friends back in the US could see what they are missing.  Keep that smile Charles, it was a pleasure to meet you.  Update:  You interviewed me about tourist of the month in Thi Hi last week. I would like to change one thing. My new favorite bar is The One Eyed Wench because that is where the twins, Jessica and Jocellyn are working now. Also there are many attractive, very friendly girls working there. Chuck  (This is a first for me, an update from a tourist of the month before it was printed.  Now I have to go to the One Eyed Wench and get a picture of the twins – Ah hah, I did go on the night of 14 Apr and to my surprise it was the official opening of the new One Eyed Wench.  Now you have to read further down for more details on that)

NEWBIES AT THE THI-HI 

Yes, of course whenever Josie brings on any new ladies at the Thi-Hi I have to post their picture here. You better believe that some are better looking than others but you can pretty well depend on them looking pretty good and also being very friendly.  Now, if Mouse will let me, I would sure be happy to pop into Honey-Ko’s and see how the line-up of dancers looks lately.  For no logical reason I have not visited the place in a while.  I guess because Des is no longer there and Damien doesn’t stick around as much as he used to.  Mouse is doing a great job holding things together and keeping the ladies on their toes.  I don’t want the readers thinking that Thi-Hi is the only Club I visit.  I have heard some good words on the Candy Bar so I have that place on my list as well.  OK, the two ladies, oh boy, I nearly forgot the details.  On the left is Rose, 22 years old, 2 kids, hails from Binan, Laguna.  Email: rose_annlascano@yahoo.com.   The lady in white is Michelle, 27 years old, also with two children and she is from Olongapo.  Email address:  jmgambal16@yahoo.com.

PROFILING ABUSE AT THE DMIA

I have received, in the last few months, complaints from foreigners about their girlfriends being stopped at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) by Immigration officials and not allowed to travel because of some agents abuse of power or not using plain common sense.  The Immigration Chief in Manila admits to the use of profiling but refuses to admit to Immigration agent abuse.  If a single Filipina woman is traveling by herself she is targeted, verbally abused and refused admittance to the scheduled aircraft.  This results in loss of money as her ticket is non-refundable.  Naturally, the excuse used is to eliminate human trafficking.  Usually I receive complaints via Email but this time one lady came to my stable, nearly in tears to seek assistance.  Her name is Ms. Lilybeth T. Bernabe.  Her boyfriend of 10 years is Arne Robert Hansen, a ship’s Captain of many years and long time visitor to the Philippines.   Robert had a break from his ship duties and was in Thailand.  He asked Lilybeth to join him there for a little over a month.  He wrote her a letter of invitation providing all the details to include the hotel name, address and telephone numbers.  Lilybeth had her old and new passport which showed her previous trips outside of the country, even to Egypt.  The agent at DMIA was extremely sarcastic in his questioning of Lilybeth and no matter how specific she was in answering his questions, this agent’s only objective was to dismiss anything she said.  There was no common sense displayed by this agent, what kind of profiling was he using?  Is any Filipina single woman to be abused when wanting to travel abroad?  Is this the dictatorial manner in which the Philippine government wants to treat their citizens.  I wonder, if the girlfriend of President Noy Noy went to Clark on her own for travel to Bangkok, would she receive the same treatment?  I think not!  Be advised, this is not a single incident, foreigners, accompanied by girlfriends, have had their ladies denied the right to board.  How many of these incidents go unreported?  Lilybeth will purchase another ticket and try again.  This time I have asked for the assistance of a government official to assist lilybeth in her second attempt to board her flight to Bangkok in two days time.  Even if she does succeed in her travel plans, she has agreed to submit a formal complaint upon her return.  Update 1.  No matter what, she was required to attend a seminar in Manila for two or three hours and obtain a certificate of attendance.  This seminar is normally for OFW’s and ladies getting married to foreigners.  My question is this.
If this is a government requirement for single ladies traveling abroad to meet a foreigner for a short vacation or to accompany a foreigner, then why not publicize this and why doesn’t every travel agent know this so they can advise their clients before they purchase a ticket? Is this a fair process, hell no! Saturday, 21Apr – Finally, Lilybeth was able to board a plane at the CIA/DMIA to join Captain Robert.  I hope they have a fine holiday, but Robert, do not feed her too much, she needs to get her figure back.

I had another visitor yesterday, an American who wanted to travel with his live in girlfriend of five years.  He went through shit at CIA as well.  He had gone through Immigration but they held his girlfriend.  The agent told the girl to go to a different area.  When the guy went with her and sat next to her he was told that he could not sit there.  He got up, moved away but still had eye contact with his lady.  He was told he could not be there and they made him move out to where he could not see her.  After five minutes or so, she came out and said they refused to let her fly. The guy asked the agent why not and was told it was the head agent inside that said no.  He asked why?  The reasons, one at a time were:

Yeah, I know, this ain’t the best picture to promote a Club that just opened but, hell, that is the best I could do.  Scott had his reopening of Treasure Island at the new location, opposite the Wild Orchid on 26 Apr which is my dart night.  Additionally, I do not go out that close to when I have to finish up my column.  So, better pictures will have to be taken this month.  The main objective is to let you know that it is open and I am sure will be offering up the “treasures” that make this bar so popular at its old location.  For sure I will be heading there to get more details and to let Scott buy me a drink.  I bet you I can find my “I would if I could” lady there for June.   The door was open and I was going to peek in and take a picture but could not find anything to hold onto for me to get up that high step to the sidewalk.

THE ONE EYED WENCH

There you have it, nine pictures taken at the opening of the super renovation of the one eyed wench.  The first picture highlights a few beauties along with Manager Alan.  I was surprised to see Gordy in attendance (Picture 4) as he is calling Thailand his home.  He is working hard at a language school but told me of some of the benefits of being in Thailand where the rental costs are lower and most definitely, electricity bills are not heart breaking like here.  Food is better as most of us know but then, he has to admit the drinks cost less here and yes, the women here are much easier to get along with.  The last picture features one of the twins (Jessica) that Chuck (TOM) likes so much.  Her sister was not present so I guess I could have taken her picture twice to make up for the absence.  She admitted that she met Chuck 10 years ago and man, that is a long time to stay friends with one, eh, I mean two ladies.  She named the many clubs she has worked in over that period of time.  She is 29 years old but if you would like to communicate with Jessica and be added to her “friends” list then drop a line to jessica.porras33@yahoo.com.
What did I think of the new look?  Great but when crowded it is difficult to maneuver from the entrance to the back because of the narrow aisle.  Hell, only old guys like me would find it difficult.  I do agree with Chuck, there were plenty of cute ladies on hand.  I am not sure the pool table is necessary as players disturb customers sitting along the one side wall near the table.  But, I suspect that on most nights it is not quite that crowded.  The face lift was successful, Bong did his magic once again.   This was a small club, made bigger and when you enter, the atmosphere grabs you by the ass with the lighting, the decor, the happy ladies and well, doggone it, it is a happy place and the customers mirrored that happy mood.  It made you want to stay, and I did stay stay longer than I had intended.  You can keep those big clubs with the big prices and ladies on stage so far away that you can hardly see them. Give me the One Eyed Wench where all your eyes glow with the light of anticipated pleasures.

THREE LADS FROM ADELAIDE

These three energetic folks took the time to stop by my stable for a chat and they were so happy to be here in Angeles City that I had to take their picture so those folks who have never been here might consider a first visit.  Going from left to right we have Kieran Owens who has been coming here since 1985.  Kym Leak since 1994 and David Morgan only goes back five years to 2007.  Naturally Kieran and I told stories of how great it used to be prior to Mt. Pinatubo.  Kym and David kind of wished they could travel back in time to see what it was like.  Kieran is an accountant, Kym runs a Bistro at the Racquets SA Club in Adelaide and David is semi-retired.  They all stayed at the Sunset Gardens and have done so for many years.  Kieran is sort of a matchmaker as he has convinced a few lads to visit here and many have been married off to some local ladies, eh, a few not successfully but enough on the positive side to keep his good reputation.  The Clubs that met their fancy were the Thi-Hi, T & A, Sunshine bar and Dirty Duck.  Naturally I agreed with all of them, especially the Thi-Hi.  These are three fine representatives of Adelaide, in South Australia and for sure, I know I will see all three again in the near future.

I WOULD IF I COULD 

This young lady of 28 years is employed at Honey Ko’s as a waitress.  She has only worked there for 7 months and in that time has developed a very nice personality.  She is a high school graduate who likes to read and exercise, especially swimming.  Guess that is why she has such a nice figure.  She hails from Leyte, has 2 brothers and 1 sister.  Yes, she also has one child, a 6 year old boy.  Naturally, she would like to meet that special guy who would love and respect her and does not have to be rich.  She just wants to meet that guy with a good heart who is kind.  Ah, now the age preference – how about 45 to 75!  I think she said 75 after I told her I was 74.  Her Email address is:  myrna@yahoo.com.  If that Email address does not work, let me know because I think she might have left something out.

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GASTHOF CAFE DELI

Do you want some great salads?  How about German sausages?  Do you yearn for terrific baby back ribs?  These and many other delicious meals await you at the Gasthof Cafe Deli.  I attended a Hotel and Restaurant Association luncheon at this establishment located at A-Line Bldg, Ramon Tang Ave, McArthur Hi-way, Balibago, AC (across the street from Pure Gold Jr.) and everyone was very impressed with the food and the owner Bot Gersbach.  Bot was married to a German chef for 20 years and while in Germany owned an authentic German restaurant in Frankfurt.  From Germany they moved to Angeles City and opened a Gasthof in Mimosa from 1996 to 2000.  According to Bot, when the “invasion” began they moved to Boracay where they opened what became a very popular, famous Gasthof which, after 10 years was sold as a franchise.  A second franchise was opened in Legaspi City and also Naga City.  This tireless woman then opened her restaurant in Makati which became popular and after she sold it, made her final move back to Angeles City on 4 Dec.  Wow, what a lady and thank goodness she has brought her talents back here so that her talent can be shared with all of us here.  She has 2 daughters and one son.  Sadly, her daughter, Melody, was the beauty queen that was killed in an auto accident on the Expressway 2 years ago.  I remember the story and it was tragic.  But, Bot has overcome her grief and you can’t help but enjoy talking to her.  Her specialty is Baby Back Ribs and for sure I will be taking Priscilla the horse there very soon as she loves ribs.  By the way, they cater events as well and you can call 624-0097 or 0927 508 1975.  The Email address is:  sanktadelheid@yahoo.com.

ROCKIN HORSE RIDES AGAIN

Thanks to an Englishman and an American with a talent for Italian cooking the Rockin Horse Bar is back with us.  It has been closed for a few months after Tim sold out (have no idea why since he appeared to be doing a good business) and after some very decent renovations we now have another small, cozy, friendly bar to cool off in on these very hot days of summer.  I noticed on the signboard that it is also named “Zarducci’s Cocktail Lounge” but Rockin Horse is a lot easier to say.  Once again you can say that this is the very first bar you come to on Perimeter Road, or the very last.  Depends on whether you are exiting Clark from the Friendship gate or driving from Fields Ave.  Makes it kind of unique.  The decor is well done.  When you enter you immediately feel welcome and a festive mood hits you.  The colors are bright, the staff are friendly and the dancers are very happy to see you.  Right now they are a little short of dancers because of vacations, days off and of course, those that just decide not to bother going to work. That is a problem easily resolved and the very nice manageress, Rosel, will take care of that.  She used to be the manager of Club 68 on Fields Ave before it was sold to Koreans.  They are open from 1 to 11 PM.  Happy Hour is 1 to 5 PM where local drinks are only P45.  Regular price is P60.  Ladies drinks are P120, but they do have those darn double drinks which are P200 so be careful when ordering.

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Outsourcing of ladies will run you P1300.  Every Sunday from 4 to 5 PM snacks will be on hand for you and starting in May, food can be ordered to eat in or take out.  The Italian stallion will be whipping up some spareribs, chicken cordon bleu,  burritos, lasagna and I am sure, a few more items.  What I like about this bar is the location, plenty of space to park which is convenient for those of us with cars but they are a bit off the barhopping zone.  This is one of those bars that will start off slowly and gradually build up a steady fan base.  Will it succeed?  It will be up to the two owners as their presence and personalities will be of utmost importance.  One of the two will have to be there at all times.  Don’t leave it to the Filipino staff to bring in the customers, it won’t work.  I wanted to mention their names but the Englishman said no.  I don’t know why since the last name of one of them is already on the signboard and he is well known in town anyway.  I look forward to seeing them both and getting a taste of some good lasagna.

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Saint George’s Day - 

is the feast day of Saint George. It is celebrated by various Christian churches and by the several nations, kingdoms, countries, and cities of which Saint George is the patron saint. Saint George’s Day is celebrated on 23 April, the traditionally accepted date of Saint George’s death in AD 303. For Eastern Orthodox Churches which use the Julian calendar, 23 April corresponds to 6 May on the Gregorian calendar.  April 23 is also the anniversary of the St George Dragons Rugby League Football Club. The St George club coincidentally played their inaugural NSWRL first grade match on St George’s Day, April 23, 1921 at the Sydney Sports Ground in Australia.

There,  you have the meaning of St. George’s Day.  Now, here are a few pictures taken at Honey Ko’s of the dedicated Subic Crusaders, led by Tony Strokers, who started celebrating on 22 and 23 Apr, took a day off to rest and then finished in Angeles City on 25 Apr.  By the time I saw them at Honey Ko’s they were still up beat and partying hard.  I must say I have never seen a happier group of inebriated, saintly Crusaders.

CLARK ODE COUNTY

For us old timers that have been here in Angeles City for 20 or more years we have seen a lot of changes.  I am always sentimental about the Clark Air Base (Freeport Zone) and how much it has changed since the US Military left.  We got used to the Duty Free Stores, McDonalds, hotels, 7-Elevens, a University, and so much more.  But, now look at this fantastic new Condo complex put up by the Korean Dongwang Clark Corporation named the Clark Ode County (DCC).  440 condo units are available and underground parking for 440 vehicles.  It will house a casino, restaurant, shopping arcade, gym, coffee shop, spa, pool and even its own duty free store.  Already 41% of its units have been sold. They are leased for 50 years plus 25and they offer an in-house property management service.  You can choose from studio units to 1, 2 and 3 at prices ranging from $84,400 to $196,000 which is a healthy amount of money.  
Don’t forget the maintenance fees which range from P3,200 to P8,500 a month.  The sales staff are all Korean with a fairly good grasp of English.  I did not tour the place as the folks there kind of lost interest in me once they realized I was not there to purchase a unit.  Needless to say they never heard of “Harry the Horse”.  It is a beautiful complex, very secure and I was fascinated by the underground garage.  But, you are still living within the Freeport zone, on the main street surrounded by Duty Free Stores and not the best view in the world.  Good investment?  Maybe, especially if the Philippine Government ever gets moving on developing the Airport.  By the way, this same company is currently developing a 304-hectare area into a tourism, recreational and leisure estate, including the construction of a new golf course at the former True North inside the Clark Freeport Zone.  This True North area has had its ups and downs over the last few years as one company after the other bid, bowed out fought with CDC officials.  I guess, this time, enough folks made enough money to finally get it off the ground.  Should be nice, but no doubt, exclusive.  If you would like to contact a salesperson directly drop Jay Kim a message at kimkihyung@hotmail.com.  Try the website at www.clarkodecounty.com.  Oh, before I forget, you can rent units on a yearly or monthly (six months) contract.  Prices are not bad, studio P24,000 a month.  It sure is a nice looking building, impressive as hell.

DENNIS, PETER AND JOHN 

There is not much to say about these three lads.  The one on the far right, John, is married to my wife’s best friend.  They knew each other here in Angeles City from their school days. John does not get over here that often and I have never put his picture in this column.  This time he and his two mates consumed enough beer in my stable to justify an honorable mention.  John has been a bit sick with a serious foot problem that kept him in bed for some time and now his wife has a few problems that prevents her from traveling.  He was in good company this trip as all three of them come from Sydney, Australia.  I asked my staff to pose with them as I felt the picture needed a bit of a dressing up.

THE BLISS HOTEL

I know that most of you would wonder why the hell I am writing about a hotel that is well off the radar for tourists to Angeles City.  Your curiosity would be justified.  The Bliss is located at 17-22 Lazatin Blvd., City of San Fernando.  Lazatin Blvd. is that bypass road you take off of McArthur Hi-way when driving to San Fernando to avoid the main congested intersection with the overpass.  OK already, I am sort of taking editorial freedom here because I think one of the best hotel general managers I have ever met is the head man at the Bliss.  His name is Noli T. B. Reyes who used to be the General Manager at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club on Clark and is also the past President of the Hotels and Restaurant Association in Pampanga (HARP).  The Bliss Hotel is lucky to have Noli as General Manager and I am highlighting him this month in case some big Hotel in town or anywhere in the Philippines is looking for a good manager.  Additionally you never know when you might have a need to look for a hotel in the San Fernando area.  If you are on your way to the SM Mall in San Fernando, Robinsons or S & R stop by and have lunch at the Bliss and look for Noli. The Hotel has 19 rooms plus 38 in the drive-in area (3 hrs only P416).  The hotel rate is P2,500 featuring twin or king size beds.  The have a bistro offering a full menu.  I like the Chef’s special menu offering 6 choices ranging from P250 to P350.
I would suggest you hang around the front desk and talk to Jhaylin, 20 years old, working college student who is “very much single”.  She is majoring in tourism, graduating in Oct.  Her Email address is:  maylyn_manalili@yahoo.com.  I have a bit of a problem here, there are two ladies pictured above, one is Nancy and the other is Jhaylyn and I have no idea where to place the names.  I forgot!  I think Jhaylyn is the one on the right and I have a 50-50 chance of being right.  Noli, I’ll be up for lunch one of these days, see ya!  (www.blisshotelsanfernando.com)

WHY THE LOCALS LOVE CONG. LAZATIN

From the time he was the Mayor of Angeles City and now Congressman his popularity has never never slipped, in fact, he is like the father of Angeles City and his heart is in Pampanga.  He may be getting a bit old but he remains a sly, wise, energetic politician, one in which you never know what he will do next.  His latest idea is to bring Disneyland to the Clark Freeport and why not?  It may or may not become a reality but if anyone can get it on the drawing board, he can.  They don’t call him “Tarzan” for nothing.  That road construction pictured above is a major project and will certainly help move traffic along the circumferential road but it is only one of many projects that have been completed and more in the planning stage.  Lets hope “Tarzan” keeps on swinging and has no ideas of retiring just yet. Angeles City needs him!

It is time for me to sneak on out of here. My feet are swollen, back is sore and my fingers protesting.  Plus Priscilla keeps asking me “are you finished yet”.  Maybe she wants me to take her to dinner.  It has been one dry, very hot month and May should be the same.  Thank goodness for air-conditioning.  Many thanks to Howard McKay and Doggie Dave for another fine evening of great music.  They seem to get better with age.  I also thank all the visitors that popped in to see me last month, it is always such a pleasure to greet you, and of course, get a picture or two.  That’s it folks, remember, be kind to old horses.

POLITICAL RANTINGS SKIP THIS PART

ATTENTION – YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbMnA3uO9As

Dear Americans, Canadians, Australians, read this and believe in what you see.  It is nearly too late for Britain, France, Spain and England to stand up for a Christian, Democratic way of life.  How many videos do we have to watch before we realize that what this Muslim man says is true?  All, and I mean all Muslims come under the influence of Sharia law.  Many might talk a different line but they are powerless to stop the insidious spread of this law, which, believe me is not good.  Call me whatever you want folks but our lawmakers and citizens better wake up.  I am old now and will not live to see this transformation take root but regretfully, I will live long enough to see the seeds that are being planted today take root and start to grow.  With our current President, current political leaders and extremist left wing groups who are more intent on political correctness rather than protecting our country.  We are heading down the path to a loss of our basic freedoms!  How many times do we need to be slapped in the face by illegal aliens, New Black Panther groups and now radical Muslims who are intent on degrading America?  Maybe someone should organize a “White Tiger Party” that would be a bit more aggressive than the “Tea Party”.  America has a history, not always perfect, but by golly, we stood together and grew great.  We had democracy, but now I wonder how much of that democracy we still have left.  With the advent of “Super Pacs”, “Czars”, “Lobbyists” and “Super Delegates” how much of an individual vote do we have?  Do we really still need the electoral college?  How about the Supreme Court and appointing judges based on their ideology instead of their mission to support our constitution?  Why do we have a President that attacks the Supreme court because he does not like anyone going against his will?  Why do we allow our history books to be rewritten in such a way to distort our history?  At one time I remember the use of the words “silent majority” but now that group is no longer a majority.  They are sleeping, trying to survive under the pressure of a government that is intent on promoting class warfare and rewarding those who do not work but want free handouts.  America is in decline and our present leadership will try to finish what one inept peanut farmer tried to do in the past.  The first battle to be fought is this year, at the voting booth. There are various organizations organizing voters among various ethnic groups, getting them to register and get them to the voting stations, but who is organizing the “silent, used to be majority”?  The tea party?  Yes, to a certain degree, but those Americans for America have to wake up and get off their collective fat asses and register and fight the war at the 2012 election.  This is a war folks, and the freedoms of Americans are at stake.  If you do not believe me then listen to some of the rhetoric coming from members of the New Black Panther party. When words such as “we will have the red sea of blood” and “suit up and boot up” are used, those folks are not talking about peace.  This is the speech and organization that Obama condones and supports.   Use the privilege of that vote in 2012 , do it now before even that is taken away from you.

Subject: OBAMA DID IT ~ BY EXECUTIVE ORDER!> TRUE http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/dreamact.asp

Obama passes “amnesty” act by Executive Order..
Let’s move this forward and fast.
He’ll do whatever it take to get the votes…Be sure that you send this to everyone you know!
Obama passes amnesty by executive order.  Written by Gil Guignat, Border & Immigration, Breaking News.
Last Friday, with no fanfare, no press coverage, and with every effort made to hide his actions from the American people, President Obama enacted the DREAM Act by executive order.
Opposed by a majority of the American people and twice defeated in Congress, the DREAM Act grants amnesty to any illegal alien residing in the United States if they agree to enlist in the U.S. Military or enter college.  (OK, this was sent to me and I did read the Executive order and the Snopes report.  There is room for various interpretations of what is intended here.  He did not pass amnesty, per se, but he sure does come close.  The Dream Act by Senator Durbin has NOT been acted on yet but it is obvious that Obama and the Justice department are not waiting for a vote and very sneakily enacting some of its provisions in the way Obama likes to act, by saying “screw you Americans” I am not waiting for a vote, it is my way or the highway.  This man wants to be a dictator and he will do anything he can to bring in more votes for the Democrats.  He is slipping in a policy of “Amnesty” without even using the word.)  

One misguided Latino appears on TV demanding the the “I” in Illegal be removed as it is racist against Latino’s.  Hello, wake up lady.  If you cross our border illegally, you are in the US ILLEGALLY.  It is not applicable only to Latinos but every nationality that decides to sneak into the United States.  Boy or boy, why is that so hard to understand?

Photo from the Punto newspaper, photographer Joey Aquilar.

Thank you Victor Dufort for forwarding me the information.