By now we’ve all forgotten about Paul ordering new tires for his new old car. And I won’t blame you, as it was a pretty dull subject to begin with. Heck I forgot until Kuga Greg called and told me the new shoes for my Honda were now in Stock, (You just can’t hear that often enough.) Monday morning I arrived at the Goodyear store and am greeted by all the guys, I’ve been going there for 16 years, I’d hope they remember me.
Out from the showroom races Lucille, to inform me that their Credit Card thingy is off line, and I’d have to pay in cash. I smiled and explained that I’d just drop by tomorrow and pay the bill. Okay, Sir Paul, then we’ll install the tires then? Well no I’d really like them installed today, as I have other things to do tomorrow. But sir you can’t pay today (I’ll assume the fault is mine). Okay; here’s where living in and understanding the Philippines comes into play. Rule 1; get angry you lose! She has her job to do and I’m putting a wrench in the gears. I know Lucille has a strong desire to help me, but I must find a way to let her. I’ve known her for 10 of the 16 years I’ve been trading there.
“Lucille, I’ll leave the credit card with you and my wife will come by in the morning and sign and pick up my card.” I explained. The head scratching stopped, a smile graced her face and I knew all was going to work out well. Until I saw that small look of hesitation on her face, whoa, this is not working; I need to call in the “Big Gun”. I grabbed my cell and called Ate Mayang and handed my phone to Lucille! My wife and Lucille chatted for a couple of minutes, discussing exactly what Lucille and I had just discussed, and the road was now paved thanks to that phone call, everything now was going to plan. Lucille is happy, Paul is happy, and a grin appeared on the grill of the Honda. Remember my friends, the power of your wife is absolute; never hesitate to call on the “Force”. Swallow that useless pride, and just do it. You won’t be sorry.
Next I’m put into the able hands of “Kuya Greg” el Jefe, the manager of all things tires and repair, or as I like to say, “The WD-40 of Goodyear Olongapo”. Now for something I didn’t know, my new shoes (Tires) are not steel belted, and I wanted steel belted (Hey, I wanted whitewalls, and how’d that turn out?) Greg said, these are better tires, Goodyear “Assurance” premium tires Kevlar belted, quieter and five times stronger than steel (As per Greg’s other helper). Do you think that’s true? I feel better now if someone tries to shoot at my tires.
Greg and I go back the whole 16 years I’ve been using Goodyear, Back to my days with my owner jeep. Which BTW; was the first owner jeep, in my area that was with equipped with real roll up windows, air/con, plus power steering & power breaks, tilt steering wheel, and all four wheels with coil springs? He was my mechanic then, and the only guy that ever worked on my car, with his well trained helpers/henchmen named Jhun and Tony. They all have been to many parties at my house with their families. Honor thy mechanic.
The clock hit 10:00 hours; all the new shoes are back on the car balanced and ready to roll. I have places to go and people to see.
Tuesday morning, Mayang stopped by the Goodyear store as we had promised; you see this coming don’t you? The credit card thingy, still doesn’t work. I’m not surprised, and neither is Mayang. We have the new tires, Lucille has my credit card, the moon is resting in the third house of Jupiter, and all is as it should be on the beautiful Island of Luzon. No muss, no fuss, no worry! The bill is now paid, the total cost was P 15, 175.00 and my credit card is back in its undisclosed location.
We choose to live here, it makes us smile, it’s just the way it is here, when you live in the Philippines, please; don’t change it too much, and just like Master Card, don’t leave home without your sense of humor.
P.S.
Who else could get 700 plus words out of buying a set of tires?
The only times I’ve paid using credit cards in Philippines is when I’m at shopping complex. Everything else are cash, because I didn’t want to run it with the situation you just did!
JC;
And I agree with you, but in this instance the credit card was the best way to go for me, I transfer cash in every three months. I didn’t want to throw off my schedule paying cash for the tires, so I used the card, and paid off the bill online on Wednesday. True, I took my chance on the thingy working, but that is the adventure of living here.
Paul T.
All’s well that ends well and everyone is happy, including your honda. If you don’t mind me asking Paul do you have your pension deposited in an account in the states and than transfer money every 3 months to an account in the Philippines? If you don’t mind what bank do you use there? Would like to know for when i move there. Much appreciated my friend. By the way concert was great w/Kenny Chesney, Zak Brown, Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker. Even stayed halfway sober hahaha. Good article as usual.
Papa Duck;
The bank doesn’t mater as I bring all money in through Western Union, and then deposit it in peso’s to our bank here (Land Bank of The Philippines). I had dollar accounts in the past but they charged $20.00 to accept the transfer, and a monthly service charge to hold on to my dollars. I use Western Union with NFCU and they have a deal where I can bring in enought for three months and it costs $14.00 per transfer. A major savings over the wire transfer way. No many will respond and tell me how wrong I am, and that they have the perfect way. Mines an old horse, and still pulls the plow, I’ll stick with it! There are so many different ways, find the way that suits you best!
Papa Duck;
With those four on the bill; Kenny Chesney, Zak Brown, Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker. I would have gone nuts, Uncle Kracker is new to us here, my friend came in from sea with the album “72 and Sunny” I’m hooked now! I have a good selection of Zac Brown and Billy Currington, each one is great. Yeah, I would have slowed down on the beer also, with that much talent on the stage.
Excellent article. And maybe I should start going to Kuya Greg. Can you disclose the location/give me an intro? I assume they do normal servicing like oil and filter chnages, etc. I’m probably going to buy tires later this year yoo.
nywya, the important point of your article … one that foreigners have to learn to live with … becuase it won’t change … is the understanding factor. You offered to leave the card and sign the next day, they weren’t receptive. After Mayong told them exactly the same thing, all was well. Same thing happens to me all the time … I used to get frustrated by it. Now I just ask my wife to tell them … she often uses the exact same words and it sounds the same to me, but she is understood, me … as my five year old nephew (who has spoken English since he started talking) will say (if I am not around), “Tito David speaks in Chinese”.
Don’t fight it, just go with the flow … it’s the way it is ….
Dave;
I’d be glad to give you the intro, they do all that you require at a very good price, and in 16 years I’ve never had to go back the next day to re-fix anything. (Pay the bill, yes)
While they’re working on you Adventure, we can do lunch.
The thing with Lucille is normal, she understood everything I said, but hearing it from Mayang is like the military. The Sargent signed off on it, but it’s also approved by the General. That extra weight of command, just reinforces it.
You as do I, suffer from the Philadelphia to Boston corridor syndrom, we speak very quickly.
oohhh Kevlar, big fan of the stuff….I would think they are better than steel….I think the Superman jingle will have to be changed to “the man of kevlar”….just don’t seem right does it?!
Funny thingy about those credit cards…my last 2 trips to the RP the card I used (only for hotels) when I got home the next month I had several ‘stolen’ charges from all over the world on it!! Coincidence? don’t know but now I have a new card issued as soon as i get home !
Brian;
Remember when we were impressed by fiberglass? We won’t change the Superman jingle, as the way it’s going, Kevlar will be replaced next month by something stronger, and people will be laughing at my new tires. “What Paul, all you could afford was Kevlar, you poor guy!”
On the Credit card, that same thing has happened to me all over Asia, including Japan, but only from hotels! I think it’s the amount of time they have your card information in their hands.
Paul T.
I have kevlar too. Mines in my stab proof vest i wear in the jail. Not too comfortable, but necessary at times.
Larry;
Keep it on and stay safe!!!
Hi Paul
Enjoyed reading your posting…agree wholeheartedly with letting the boss sort things out…always works for me to, lol…Paul the cost you mentioned, was that for a complete set of tyres, spare as well….
David;
Four tires, mounted balanced, and front end alignment. My spare has never been on the road, but they remounted it with a new valve stem anyway. Plus a four year warranty.
The “Boss” has powers here that surpass anything I could do, A wise man will defer to the “Force!”
PS
The Steel-belted were less money.
Paul T.
Still a good price, especially for kevlar. Its always best if possible to spend a little more to get a lot better product. Good Day!
Papa duck, man formerly known as Larry.
I noticed that they give a nice silent smooth ride too.
Paul T.
I used to be known as Randy W, or you can still call me that if you would like. I decided to change to Papa Duck because thats what everyone calls me at the jail, just something different. If you want to call me Larry i will answer to that too hahaha. Just keep on making my laugh and life is good!
Papa Duck;
I like Papa Duck, and was just pulling your leg! Papa Duck it is!
Sounds like a bargain to me Paul…I paid $A700 for a complete set of 5 tyres with wheel balance and alignment about 3 yrs ago, so i would expect to pay nearly a grand now. Dont know if I’ll ever drive in the Philippines as i would need to have a complete make over of my character to survive i think. I have always been a defensive and courteous driver but what i have noticed in Davao is that you need to be quite an aggressive driver to survive, hahaha..maybe ill leave the driving to the Mrs ..shes an ilonggo , noted for their passion and fiery ways, hahaha…
David;
If you want to tie up traffic here and cause major-major head scratching, be courteous to someone, let them pull in front of you from a side street. It’s a fun thing to do, but don’t wait for that thank you wave, it’ll never happen.
Paul – Ahh..ha ha ha, new shoes it says, and I thought your article was about a new pair of chucks again. Nice one. I was thinking, ok, something about car stuff, and new shoes.. he he.
Sugar;
In the States each area has it’s own words to describe something in a joking way (as in the Philippines). Kicks are tennis shoes (Or as they say here, Rubber shoes) And chucks are shoes also, as you called them.
So it works out to tires being shoes. It’s all slang. But you figured it out quickly, debar?
and it seems tires are tyres in the US Paul…whereas tires over here means someone getting sleepy, lol…its all good fun
David;
Is this a spelling lesson from the guys that can’t spell humor correctly?
And may I further point that the windscreen on you car will in fact, keep bugs out, will it also screen out the wind ? Windshields will! (LOL)
No mate definately not a spelling lesson..just pulling your leg and getting a laugh how we tend to use our words for different meanings, lol…I like your HUMOUR paul, lol…good onya
David;
Since neither of us will ever win this discussion, we’ll just keep joking about it. When I was with the Royal Navy, it never stopped, but it was always fun!
Hey Paul, don’t forget the cowboy boots as a s***tkicker and cockroach stumper! Goodyear Assurance is a good tire. I have them in my Corolla. That will be good for another five years or so considering the road condition in the rural road.
Mars;
I think the cowboy boots would mess up Sugar if we tried to explain them.
I’ve heard good things about the Assurance tyres (That spelling was for David), and that was the reason I had to wait for them, they are not popular here yet.
They’re guarded so any rebel group won’t try to make vests out of them. Damn now I gotta’ keep an eye on where I park!
Paul- Uh huh. I figured it out quickly. New shoes, new tires. So still not gonna buy new car? Ha ha. Well, 15 K for new tires is good! Is that all four tires? Only 15? I thought they would be like much more expensive (I just ride..so I really don’t know he he).
Oh and yes, I like boots too. But not cowboy boots. Ha ha.
Sugar;
I knew you had figured it out. It’s pretty normal that one should always replace tires as a set for safety reasons. My Dad told me that.
From what the stateside guys are writing in, I guess it’s a fair price I paid. (That always makes me feel better.)
A Girl without cowboy boots, is a day without sunshine! But my wife agrees with you!
Sugar
I used to where those Chuck Taylors when i was a kid. I really miss those times!
Larry (AKA – Papa Duck)
They still sell them, be cool and get a pair in all the colors. I passed on the pink and red, not that I’m against pink, I just didn’t want my granddaughter walking around with clown feet, as she would claim them.
Paul T.
If you say so!
Papa Duck;
I think I did. (LOL)
Excellent article, Paul.
Maybe you should submit that one to Readers Digest!
Rich;
In the past I’d summited six to Humor In Uniform, five were printed. But thank you, and I’m glad you enjoyed reading it.
Hi Paul,
You are the man. I bow in homage to your problem solving skill set.
Kevin;
All I can say is thank you, as I bow to my wife and her skill set! Remember the sence of humor, it’s the number one requirement to really enjoy life here.
Paul,
Thanks for the Monday morning chuckle! You made my day!
The Pinellas county code nazis are on my “tail” again. I live just like I would in the Philippines, but alas it is not how “they” want me to live here. I adamantly state that I am not a redneck but I have many of their characteristics…
My old white ’73 Dodge camper van is in my backyard, but it has not been driven in a while – it runs but after been parked so long it seems to have reluctance for the rear wheels to turn.
So I pulled it out of it’s sunken hole with my 4W/D in Low Range – ’91 Ford Explorer and after 3 tries I moved it 20 feet. The tires lost air pressure and pulled loose from the rims. So today’s project is to rectify this anomoly.
Whew what a day to come.
Fixed up my man grotto under the camphor tree complete with shade, strong quiet fan and the inevetable cooler for R ‘n R between the work sessions.
Life is Good, when you make it so…
Jade
Daisy is buying a new dining table – now with 6 “sitters” an improvement over the previous 4 “sitters”.
What does this mean?…
She insists that I have the final say on which style – the green glass one or the “wenge” wood one from Malasia. I think I like the wood one, more classy as opposed to the glass one and more servicable as well. But the final decision is still under discussion, ha ha…
Jade;
And you’re most welcome. Things that I just know as a fact: Daisy will get the dining set she wants, and you had best like it. (lol) 1999 I left my wife Mayang the money to but a new generator, I came home and found a dining room set, that was hand built. Four months later my ship was in Thailand and on the phone she was complaining that the power was off from a typhoon for 7 days. My suggestion? Plug everything into the dining room table, and see how that works out. I will never do that again!
As for the Dodge, the beer and a shade tree, that plan is good!
Jade/Paul: Sometimes it is always wise to check with Admiral on things but when the conversation starts like this and she says “I think this will look good in the dining room.”, then you say “yeah, I think it does” and everybody is happy and life is good. She is really not asking you, she is telling you that is what she wants for the dining room! Such is life in the Tundra!
Marz;
You are truly a wise man, the man who has figured that out will own the world, if his wife tells him it’s Okay! My chit is still moving up the latter.
Mars Z,
When we bought the first dining table in 2002 our apartment was very small and a 6 “sitter” table would not have fit. But she still wanted that size. Well, after 5 more, and larger apartments/houses, we finally built our own, modest 2 story on the family compound. Lots of stories about the house in my replies on previous posts…
She, at my suggestion decided on the “wenge” wood one, no pushing on either side, as we are both very easy going.
Daisy has a penchant for round tables -(not this one though)- for me, in the limited space available, round is a waste of space, we have 2 of them though… ha ha !
Jade
Yes Paul the final say will by the boss, hahaha….I have always thought it should be part of the wedding vows so we know where we stand right from the start, something like
I—- take you—— to be my husband
I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad,
in sickness and health. I will love and honor you all the
days of my life, providing you always agree with me on every
materialistic item we purchase.
David;
I believe that part was a given, but those vows do hold true. I fall back on the old “Nod and Pay”, school of thought. Works fine for me.
Paul,
Sorry for my slow reply; thr rear shoes for the Dodge van have been refitted to the (feet) rims and it now stands pround on top of the ground rather than lower. Daisy now has the new dining set and it fits in fine. I love it, why not, I’m easy to please. Now Daisy’s ’96 Nissan Sentra developed a need for a new engine. BTW she takes exquisite care of it; always checking the oil and all other fluids and air pressures each and every tine she takes it out for an errand. I once thought of telling her it wasn’t necessary each and every time, but caught my tongue just in time. Why interfere with perfection! The engine will be replaced with uncle Thoto doing the replacement, to everyones benefit!
The house repairs back in FL are continuing to a good pace as this is the month of March and the weather is perfect.
Lost my job on the ship due to the USCG changing the C.O.I. for the vessel and I am not in the union – only a contractor – though USCG documented.
That’s OK as I will now have time to finish the repairs which I have been wanting to complete for more than the past 5 years. Working winters and having the summers off in FL doesn’t get much done. Patio roof, there was none before, and a front porch where before there was only architecturally STUNNING exposed beams which dutifully rotted away. Duh!
Goin’ with the flow…
Jade
Jade;
You sound as busy as a one armed man hanging wallboard. New breaks, rebuilt engine, I’ll never complain about having to get tires. BTW; Have you thought about regular MSC vice contracted? No union is required. I sent you an e-mail, and the guy I mentioned was with MSC with me and could answer any questions.
Stay with the flow!
Jade;
Please contact me through e-mail, use the “Contact Us” button above and Bob will get it to me, there is a guy who I was in the Navy with and have been friends with for 40 years, and you two should get to know each other. He lives up the road from you, there on the left coast of Florida.
Jade
Sounds like the Manatee County Nazis down here. At least you have your man cave to relax in with some liquid refreshments. Weather has warmed up finally. Snowbirds will be heading back soon, we can have our roads back. Jade just tell daisy you like them both and let her make the decision. When are you going back to the Philippines? Take care and be safe and don’t work too hard.
Papa Duck,
The code nazi visit was really a blessing in disguise. The last visit, yes I’m a repeater, was less amicable, but she is now married as am I and we really hit it off well! I moved the catamaran over under the camphor tree and exposed my shaded man cave/grotto, how nice this is on the north side of the house. The dang catamaran was getting too much preferential treatment, “we” now share the same, but expanded space and I am rewarded with the shade that I require.
Gotta look at the bright side – no, not me I’m on the shady side!
Jade
I’ve never given a second thought to dialing up the missus to help explain things and pave the way – isn’t that what cell phones are for?
Gary;
I can think of no other reason for them. You now have something new on your tool-belt!
Hi Paul, 4 brand new Goodyear tires, balanced, front end aligned all for $347 is a steal. I’m getting ready to replace the tires on my wife’s 2009 Mazda CX9 with Michelin. I expect to pay a lot more than that. Around here, the balancing and front end alignment are extra. They will automatically balance the tires and charge you separately for it. For the alignment, you have to ask for it. Kuya Greg an expat Kano?
Ricardo;
When I first met Greg he had red hair, but he’s pinoy. Albeit his father wasn’t. Wow, two schools of thought on the tires price. A guy I know here told me he could have gotten them for less, but for years he’s been able to do that, but never has. His nickname is “After The Fact.” But we all know him or his brother worldwide. But I’m happy with what I paid, and the service I received.
Paul,we all know guys like that,along with the bar room mechanics,who know it all,lol.
Chas;
I love it how they explain everything, after you’ve done it. Or “OH, I could have told you where it was much cheaper.” I told one guy in front of everybody; “Damn, let’s put your number on the wall and we can all call you, before we make a mistake!” No response!
Hi Paul: A great story, humorous, and illuminating about the functions of commerce in RP. I realized that this was going to be about tires, and such, and thought we would be treated to another close-up view of your famous finger, perhaps on another occasion. Smooth sailing on your new treads.
Roberto;
I was going to put a picture like that with the article, but for some reason I just can’t put my finger on, I didn’t! (You asked for that!)
Hi PaulT: Thanks for the post. Shoes for cars is a new terminology for me. The news media also added a new vocabulary for my dictionary: “boots on the ground”. I’m still learning. Keep on posting.
Roselyn;
Boots on the Ground is a military term that has been around forever. We don’t tell the media everything, someone let it slip. I alway say; “A good day is when we learn something new.”
Paul,
Glad you got your new shoes! You had me worried though when you said you would leave the card with them! If using a credit card to pay with I always try to watch where they go with my card. I try to never let it leave my sight. Got burned with false charges before and do not want it to happen again!
I liked the picture of your owner jeep! Is the person that made yours still building them? There is supposed to be a company near our place that builds them but I have not had the chance to check it out. You had some of the same specs on it I would like to have on one. That is part of my dream yet to own!
Steve;
Lucille at Goodyear, I’ve known since her college days with my daughters, and I had no worries. But your point is valid and anyplace else it would never leave my sight.
Most of the places that built the owner jeeps are going fast, with the advent of easy to get new and second hand cars. But like you, I had to have one, and it was fun, a tad underpowered. My friend has one still as a spare, it has a Chevy 6 cyl. with an automatic trans, hooked to a properly geared Chevy rear end. It will blow off new cars, it is that fast, but no Air/con!
Paul, I need apat bago sapatos for my Ford Everest, do you think your Kuya Greg can set me up?
See ya in August.
Mike;
As I said above, Kuya Greg is “The go to guy” for tires & repairs. I’d be glad to introduce you to him. (I’ve still not found the new VFW). August it is!
Mike;
Bring you hard drive, I’ve added over 300 new Country and rock albums to my collection.
Hi Paul,
Another enjoyable,humorous post,with a subtle message to ugly foreigners to take a chill pill,and go with the flow.
Cheers,
Chas.
Chas;
Being subtle, was never my strong suit, but you’re right, swimming against the tide never works!
Senior;
Read your story and I have to admit that behind every great man their is a great asawa to smooth out the rough edges.
Anyway while you were getting new shoes We were getting a new place to live. Phase two of our move to the Philippines is complete. Sold the house as you know now we just moved into a apartment, so now their is no stopping us now. Just working on the visas and waiting for Aug 2013 my retyirment date. Then “I’m leaving on a jet plane don’t know when I’ll be back again”.
See you in Oct man I need a vacation been working like a plow mule in the hot afternoon sun.
And all I get is I love you hon can you get that box for me.
Wives sure do have the power of persuasion. Need a SMB badly 🙁
Hi Mike;
Was wondering where you’d be hiding, now I know you’ve been box humpin’. House sold, plans firming up, time counting down (to early for a “Short Timers Chain”), If your working on your paperworks (Thought you’d like that) in the states, that’s a wise move, as it seems to go smother there.
I be waiting for you in October, bring the family to the house and we’ll fire up the Mindanao Bob’s Deluxe BBQ Grill and make a day of it! I’ll even hire a Damnable Singing Machine just for you!
Senior:
Sounds like a plan, But I’ll leave the singing and dancing to the ladies. All I can do is sing like a wounded dog and do a lousey two step. But as sure as I’m an old salt drink a SMB and tell a story or two or three or stretch a lie if need be.
Heck I leave now if I could I’m tired of the States and all the B.S. you have to put up with.
It’s all about the dollar here and it getting more expensive to buy things here everyday.
Prices go up paycheck stays the same.
It is not the same America that you and I greww up in. Gotta go Gatta go!!!!
Oh yea did I tell you that we are leaving everything behind except for a few BB Boxes.
So my asawa will be buying everything new Think you can supply a shopping partner for her? You know one who knows all the new stores in the new and improved Subic Bay?
All I need is to know were the SMB distributor is and the iceman.
Shipmate;
Shopping is my wife’s job description. She’d be glad to help out. And we can sit and relax while they do it, or we can go and tote stuff.
Beer and Ice? That can be delivered with a quick phone call.
In the last year or so the prices have gone up on somethings and the Peso hit 44 to the Buck Tuesday, but it’s still better than the states. There are two new malls under construction now, one on the Free-Port and the other on Gordon Ave. outside the main gate. Olongapo is growing up from that sailor town it was years ago.
OH Yea Senior:
Had some kevlar put in during my hernia operation in 09 Does this mean my stomach is bullet proof. LOL
Bruce;
Please don’t try to find out!
Paul,
Never had Kevlar tires, but I remember those Nylon tires. If you let the car set for more than a day, they formed a flat spot, and you had to drive on square tires for several miles until they went round again. Don’t try this on a cold morning with a cup of coffee.
Hudson;
I remember those tires, they weren’t around (pun intended) long. What did you mean about cold mornings? Please translate that for me. (lol) The new tires all want to join the SWAT team for some reason.