One of our LiP readers named Randy Landis and his wife Teri, contacted me through Face Book and requested we “Do Lunch” on Subic Freeport, since one of my greatest pleasures is meeting LiP readers (No, I’m not talking about those who are hearing impaired) we decided to meet at Texas Joe’s for lunch, a week ago last Saturday.
Randy is a fellow shipmate (retired Navy) and was in the area visiting his wife’s family and enjoying the many sights the Philippines has to offer. We had a lot in common and our special ladies did also, they were both from Samar and spoke Waray. Randy had a few relatives with him and they also seemed to enjoy the lunch. Hey! Everyone likes “BBQUED RIBS”. This was Teri’s Bataan side of her family, the rest live in Samar, where the Landis’ are building their retirement home.
We moved outside to the Patio area after eating and were enjoying some conversation and adult beverages. The ladies and the family took off to explore the beach and more shopping and left us two shipmates to discuses lofty subjects like the Brown Fox Bar in Olongapo back in olden times and other matters such as that. Since Randy was the smart one and brought his camera I stole some of his photos off face book to use here.
My thanks to the Landis family, as it was a pleasure to meet you all, and I had a great day, and hope to do it again.
On the way down to Subic I heard a noise from under the hood (Bonnet for our Brit friends) and noticed that my air/con was now blowing warm air, vice the refreshing cold air from a few moments ago. Ah the joy of owning my New Old Honda. Later while at lunch I noticed “No Batt” on my cella phone, no big deal as I was happy talking to the people who were there with me.
Article continues below pictures. Click on the picture for a larger view.
Our enjoyable lunch was ending, but I now knew how I’d be spending the following Monday. It seems that the battery in the cella phone was fine, it was the phone it’s self that was the problem. Two valid reasons to go to town, car, plus broken cella phone!
We bid our goodbyes to Randy and Teri as they were flying out in a couple of days to the U.S. of A.
I began my Monday trip to town, first to Mark’s Air/Con service shop in Olongapo City. As I pull up to the shop with all my windows down, I asked Mark, if he could figure out why I was there? He smiled and replied; “Your power windows don’t work?” Okay, he got me and we started out with a smile. I explained that for a couple of years my system has had a slow leak and every six to seven months it would go empty and that I was destroying the Ozone Level and in violation of Al Gore’s Prime Directive.
He stated with a firm resolve that he would find and repair the problem once and for all. “Please wait Sir”, as it will take two to three hours to fix it. I told him that we were going to have breakfast and would come back when he called us. After breakfast it was time to repair my old but well loved Nokia cella phone. A couple of months ago it had to be repaired because of a software problem, this time it was a hardware problem, and might not be resurrected from its premature death.
While the Nokia was being operated on, I asked the salesman about what phones he had that were just a basic phone that I could call and text on, as I required it to do no more than that. He broke out every high priced phone he had, all loaded with every bell and whistle that he had. He failed to realize that I was not interested in any of those; “BASIC Na Lang” I said, was my dominant buying motive.
I remembered the Wil Fone (Cherry Mobile) that I heard about on my last trip there, and asked about those, the salesman lost interest and moved on to another customer. Was I upset? Nope; I just turned around moved two feet to the next booth and the saleslady, had the phone on the counter and was glad to explain it to me. She had overheard my request.
It was simple and easy to use, it did all I wanted it to do which was not much, and I purchased the Cherry Mobile (Wil Fone) Model D11 for the grand sum of P1, 200.00 (Approx $27.00) that was out the door, no sales tax or Vat. I moved my Sim card to it, and because all my contacts are stored on the Sim, I was good to go. My Nokia phone was given a semi-private room in the cella phone hospital, and we would find out the next day if the hardware operation was a success. But no matter if it lived or died, I was, someday soon going to have to replace it, and I already did.
Next I went back to Mark’s Air/Con, as he called and said the New Old Honda was well again. P 2,500.00 (Approx $58.00) and I was ready to go, Mark was explaining to me all that was done to fix the Air/Con, but truthfully the only thing I heard was that it was working and the car was cold inside.
I looked at my bride and said; “Our work here is done, we’ll check on the Nokia in the morning.
0900 the following morning, the bad news was not so gently given to me, “Sir, nothing can be done, the cella phone has breathed its last.” But they were willing to insure it would be recycled properly if I left it with them. Did I just fall off the turnip truck, was there a lollypop glued to my forehead or did I just look easy? I took my old friend, put it in my pocket and left. As Globe Phone Center really does have a recycling drop off box, and I’ll place it carefully there and pay my last respects to a phone that had served me long and well.
My simple Wil Fone (Cherry Mobile N11) was in my other pocket, fully charged and ready to go. Humans sure are fickle. Well, I had met new friends on Saturday, enjoyed a nice lunch with them, bought a new cella phone, and got my car repaired on Monday and its only Tuesday afternoon and I’m done for the week. I think I’ll enjoy an ice cold adult beverage in my man cave and ponder my life in the Philippines. I deem it; to be a good life!
Randy and Teri had a safe trip home as I learned from Face Book, and we look forward to their return.
Texas Joes in SBMA is a great place to eat,if you are coming to AC drop me a line,Kevin Warner retired US Navy Chief
Shipmate Kevin;
My friends and I really like Texas Joe’s, and the friendly service from all who work there. I keep you in mind for my next run to AC; you please do the same when you’re in this neck of the woods. I like the chow at Clarkton Hotel, with Oliver the Swiss chef.
Hi Paul,
A few weeks ago I purchased a Cherry Mobile phone for our driver as his old phone was giving him trouble. He really likes it so that was an inexpensive phone that worked out well for him too.
As great as our old Pajero runs,, the aircon has been on-again off-again problem for us. The dealership wanted a ridiculous amount to remove and dismantle it to fix it, but we found a great aircon shop like yours in the city that seems to have fixed it for the best finally, and at a much cheaper price. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing environmentally, but freon flows abundantly here in the Philippines, I know that it is a magic gas that makes life so pleasant though.
Our ref had also been giving us trouble lately, but we found a recent ref repair graduate in our neighborhood to fix it. Along with a few spare parts to replace, came the tank of new freon, and now it’s as cold as can be.
Good, basic phones, and cold air are good things to have around here in the tropics. Queenie.
Queenie;
It’s so true, there is nothing that can’t be repaired cheaply here, there is no way I would set foot in a dealership for car repairs after the warranty ran out. Mark came recommended to me by satisfied friends. Even though my Nokia phone was beyond repair, they tried, and in the states no one would even try. Mark does all things cold ref’s and freezers also. AND DOES HOUSE CALLS!
I’m very happy with my cheap little phone, and the thing I really love about it at my age is it’s LOUD, I can hear it ring and every word spoken. Can you believe it came with a camera?
What a deal Paul! I’m not sure if the one I bought came with one– I’ll have to find out.. I agree that cheap but quality repairs are easily available here. House calls and home service are some of the the greatest perks too.
Queenie;
I was at the movies last night with our daughters and the rest, when my eldest notice my phone. Not that they all have touch screen phones that enable you to speak with the rovers on Mars. She asked why I bought the Wil Fone, I pointed to my ears and smiled, and told her that I can hear it.
In the U S $58.00…Just to look at the A/C
Lenny;
$58.00 is a tag high in this area, but Mark’s work is so good it’s worth the extra, just to be sure. In the states I’d have bought another car as it would be cheaper.
I may be one of the very few but I never had a cell phone and never really wanted one, just another monthly bill or account to pay for but ” Please Wait ” ! If Everything is ” MORE FUN ” in The Philippines maybe buying, trying, and learning how to use a basic Cell Phone in The Philippines would be too ! This is one of the things that kept my mind occupied on the long flight from New York to Cagayan De Oro on last years visit. Well, there was a bit more to it than that which I’ll write my next article about in a few weeks. The outcome was favorable though with a few unexpected surprises as well.
One of the things I noticed on my first visit to Philippines was the abundance of repair shops of many kinds, the kind you seldom see here in the USA any more. I think the local car dealer where I bought my car charges just over $100 per hour for labor, and the independent repair shops are not far behind that cost. For anyone to charge substantially less than that in this area as a full time business would not stay in business very long.
Sounds like you are in good shape again Paul with the mobile Air Con repair and the new basic cell phone. Thanks for the entertaining article and the intro to your friends.
Bob;
I never thought I’d ever have use for an electronic leash myself, until I built my house here in Bataan and realized I would never have a land line. So my hunt started for a phone that I could read and hear, My old Nokia was great but that model is not available anymore. The Cherry Mobile (Wil Fone) fits the bill and the price was right.
If it wasn’t so cheap to maintain a car here I’d have bought a new one years ago, but my 1996 Honda Civic keeps plugging along and still looks good. So I’ll wait. I’ll look forward to your next input here on LiP, it sounds like it will be a fun read.
Paul,
Just think, If you had a new car, there wouldn’t be any problems to contend with…Just what would you do with all of your spare time?…haha
Hudson;
With you and your truck, how could you suggest a new car to me? (LOL) I’ll keep pushing my New Old Honda until it turns ugly, then get a new one.All my time is spare, remember I’m “Gainfully Unemployed!”
That truck is older than I am…lol
Hudson;
I’ve never owned any car older than me, and I once had a 1948 Ford Coupe. “Flatheads forever!”
Thanks Paul for your warm comments. I do have to mention that my young niece’s (12yo) life’s ambitions have changed since our lunch together at Texas Joe’s. While querying her about her goals in life, I asked her about her future desires to be a professional of some sort. Doctor, no. Lawyer, no. Accountant, no. Nurse, no. When I finally got to the bottom of the list I suggested dolphin trainer. Everyone at some point in time wants to swim with the dolphins…not. I finally got it out of her. Her desire in now to be a server at Texas Joe’s. Cowgirl hat, boots, jeans and all. I pleaded with her…”Do not mention this to your mother!”
Randy;
She is cute enough to work there, but loftier goals are in her future, but that is funny!
Mayang told me to say “HI” to her new friend Teri. All is well here and hope you get back soon. Stay well, Shipmate!
Would have figured you would have some pictures of some of them pretty cowgirls. I would’ve took some pictures but didn’t want to have to answer to the jury, if you know what I mean. There are certain cans of worms I simply will not open.
Randy;
I also own a can of worms that will remain unopened, I put it on the shelf years ago and plan on opening it when I’m older.
Paul,
Sounds like you had a good time with Randy. Seeing his comments on f/b and LIP, sounds like a very knowledge and interesting guy. Plus it can’t hurt that he is retired Navy lol. Can’t beat that price for the A/C Repair. I know replacing a A/C Compressor is well over a $1000.00 in the US. They old/new Honda just keeps on rolling along. If not for the Philippines it may have been already retired. Be safe.
PapaDuck;
Serious good guy! I very much enjoyed meeting Randy and his wife Teri. The prices in the US are high for no good reason, it not like we manufacture anything there, maybe it’s high import fees?
Ok Deal ,when i am next in town Texas Joes it is but i had kind of got fond of sit and bull.
Frank;
Your on for the next visit, TJ’s it is! I like Sit-N’-Bull also, great chow!
Senior,
New phone 27.00USD,New cold from your old a/c 58.00USD and a new friend Priceless. Heck life is good and the price is right and it sounds like you had a real good time. I just hope I can live up to those expectations in Oct Thats a mighty high bar for an old BT.
Bruce;
It was a fun weekend even with the cell phone and car repairs, Remember the Navy Recruiting slogan? “It’s not a job, it’s an adventure?” That applies to the Philippines also! See you at the end of the rainy season!
Senior,
I heard the Brown Fox burnt down is the fire station still across the street?
I use to live 3 blocks down from the fire station just past the friendly bar when I was stationed there? I was OPM and use to go to the Brown Fox for a cold one after work with the local police. Man those were the days.
Bruce;
The Brown Fox (MSC Breakfast Club) did burn down, but stayed open anyway. The Police station is accross the street, on Fendler Street. But it’s now a mini-mall. No more Friendly Bar either!
Bruce
Off topic but I think I recall from your post that you are in FL. If so shoot me a email through Bob if you can as I am relocating to Lake Wales soon!!
Thanks, Neal
Please, rather than e-mailing through me, just PM each other directly in the LiP Forum.
Hi Paul – Good thing you mentioned Texas Joe’s. Two weeks ago a lifestyle program featured the resto and they said they have one the best big baby back ribs and they showed it.. full slab! Yum! Is really good? SoIF I eat there.. do I just mention your name and I get one for free? Ha ha just kidding! Gosh, last time I been to Subic was 2001. Maybe you can request the owner to have branch in Manila? 🙂
Hi Sugar;
The owner’s name is also “Paul” and the manager is Gil Lee, and both are great guys. As for Manila, I just don’t know the future plans for TJ’s, but I am glad it’s here in Subic Free Port, as my friends and I enjoy it, plus our wives love it!
Nice resource LIF.
James;
I’m glad it helped!
Paul Thompson
I always love reading your stories. They’re very humorous and witty. Do you pre- plan your articles or do you make it up on the spot as you go? My n95 broke down since i been opening and closing it too many times so the inside part as a result has been ripped off on one side and the screen is blank. I’ve been quoted 1,300 for it
Mr. Harry;
Do I make the stories up as in advance? Hell no, they would first have to happen, life’s funny that way. But I’ll let you figure that one out, but please note, that if I mention a person in a story, they respond with a comment, Wait I could be making them up too. Damn; you’ve found me out.
“Do you wear a belt and suspenders at the same time?” That would prove that you trust nothing. By The Way, I made up this response in advance of your comment,
I’m that good!
Harry: (PS)
All the pictures I submit have been Photo Shopped
Hi Paul, i always enjoy reading your topic….about the cell phone, i always say that:
Having a cell i think it is because you are too poor to have freedom….
I just try to translate from french to english but it doesn’t sounds correct but i hope you understand. Before like 20 years ago no one of us had a cell phone, so our friends they have to call at home a let a message, right. But now no matter what you are doing you always this beast with you..even on vacation people can call you. I miss my old Nokia, simplicity and never break, i give it to my wife because for texting and she always do, lol she is a filipina lol, you know what i mean…so i bought a new one and i HATE IT and i bill you should see it, $ 155 for one month, so i am too poor to be free but i decided to be rich enought to get back my freedom so i told my wife i am closing this cell account and we will have an aswer amchine at home and just to bad if i don’t answer but i will call back…I need peace and it is not so necessary to carry all your friends all over the place you go, sometime is good to taste the freedom that we had before, don,t you think so. Don’t become a cell’s slave….and about your compressor, just buy a second hand car and take the compressor and sell back the car even a little more than you pay or the same price…so like this you will have a free compressor.
Take a good care and hope to read you again…
Lolo56;
We have cell phones because where we live will never install a “LAND-LINE”, My wife and Daughters, and extended family all have those “electronic leashes”. I have one sitting on a shelf in the living room, and only take it out of the house when we go to a mall. (To find my wife and daughters) When I’m not with friends it is never near me nor do I want to use it.
The Navy issued me a pager (Early form of “electronic leashes”) back in the early 80’s, and the only time it ever went off was a Friday night at The Chief’s Club. Somehow it found its way to the bottom of a Pitcher of beer.
The car Air/Con was a slow leak problem and a filter (Who knew I owned a filter) that needed cleaning, you can hang beef in the car now.
Monday my next post will appear on LiP, I hope you enjoy it as it is about Lolo’s, albeit only one. Thank for your comment!