Out of stock is a catch phrase for just about anything you need and can’t find. It’s a term I use a lot (jokingly) since I first arrived here. I caught on to how it works back in the early 1990’s. You could be in a large grocery store see the young employee stocking spam. If you asked him where in the store spam was, they’ll say; “Out of Stock, Sir”. What I learned over the years was that they really didn’t know, and at the slave wages they earned, there was no incentive for them to find out. Don’t get angry; go look for it yourself it can be a journey of discovery.
Knowing how to find it is the first step, there is no standard system for shelf stocking. Take for example you want ketchup, while wandering you find mustard, do not assume that ketchup will be close by, In this store they have their own way, I’ll bet you will find different brands of ketchup in various locations within the same store. Keep looking, if you don’t need soap this shopping trip, do not skip the soap aisle, because you could find Tomato juice among the soap, and vice versa on the next aisle.
I pick a day when I know, I’ll be doing nothing else that day but searching store aisles. Another thing to remember, if you think you remember where the item you want was the last time you were there. It’s been moved, when the kid working that aisle tells you, “Not in stock” keep looking, you’ve got a 40/60 chance you’ll stumble into it, over on the candy aisle.
The power is shut off to your house that afternoon; the power company must be “Out of stock.” For what other reason could it be.
The refuse truck didn’t show up last week, now you know, it was out of stock. It can apply to any situation you may run into on a daily basis. No water today? Do I have to say it?
If you see it on a shelf and you really want it, buy a lot, if it’s non-perishable or you have a lot of space in your freezer.
I love Campbell’s Chicken Noodle soup, I have two cases of it in stowage, and this week it’s, what? I’ll not say it, because you already know!
On the plus side, I’ve yet to find SMB out of stock, I’ll dread that day if it ever comes to pass, but you can bet, I’ve have enough onboard to see me through that dry spell. There are certain things I just can’t abide, and that’s my number one!
This week has been troubling, here in the Subic area, no store has Tanduay Rum in stock, neither the Tanduay 12 year old Superior, or the Tanduay 15 year old 1854 rum. Both are: you figured it “Not in stock”. But the Tanduay 5 year Rhum is available, but since I’m not stripping paint, I’ll give it a pass. By chance I was wandering around a small store on base, while the twins were in a dress store across the parking lot, I stumbled upon 8 bottles of Tanduay 1854 rum, (the 15 year old) on the shelf. Yes I bought all 8 bottles that they had. To insure I’d weather the dry spell, but shed no tears for me, and please hold the pity, for I always keep back-up stock; I’m good for now, unless there is a run on my house by my friends.
Living in the Philippines like anywhere, it has its up’s and down’s, as long as we can keep them in balance, as with our Yin and Yang from the Tao teachings. All is fine.
Just a quick question to Mr. Bob Martin; “If one of us, who contribute every week, fails to submit an article, are we considered to be “Out Of Stock”?
Life is grand! With our choosing to live here, we also have the right to just stay at home and declare to the world that, we are “Not in Stock” for the remained of the day.
Fun read Paul and you are right, if somthing you like..need or just do not want to go with out then its a good idea to stock up. A few years ago when they had the big rice scare…(yes happened here in USA)…I had thought to buy a few kilo’s extra before this scare happened…all it took was front page news on the net and papers and wow…in just about 1 week the shelves were bare and even Costco the supper store than most times has more rice than one would ever think of using was out and only rice they had in stock was minute rice. So..one never knows what will be in stock one day and out of stock the next. But for sure that rum for sure has no date code on it…that says…use by such and such a date…..Just make sure they do not fall and breake!!!
Dans;
I see you remember my saying I dropped the bottle of Captain Morgan Rum, I’m still in pain over that, as for two months it been…dare I say it? “OOS!”
I can’t ever picture my wife eating Instant Rice, whats that brand name? Oh, Uncle Ben’s Perverted Rice, if my memory serves me.
On my ship’s we carried in cargo par-boiled rice, but with a crew of half pinoy, the Chief Stewart only bought Jasmine rice, from the shore vendors, again, a Filipino eating unnatural rice, I shutter to picture that.
Hi Paul,
Is that the last bottle of the “Captain” you have hidden in your man cave? If so, better make another run to Subic before it’s “out of stock”. They probably have it stock in the right aisle waiting with you name on it and labeled “reserved for Paul Thompson” with a big note “handle with care”. Regards
Jun
Okay Jun;
Point well taken, drop one bottle of Captain Morgan, and it’s remembered for life. Invent a better mouse trap, and no one will remember who you are.
BTW: I have two special agents at both Royal and the Pure Gold store on the lookout for Captain Morgan, with a P100.00 reward if they hold it for me. As for at my house I’m down to one case (12ea) of Tanguay 15Y/O Rum, and one liter of Bacardi. The Tanguay Superior 12 Y/O is still “Out Of Stock” with no word when we’ll see it again.
Think about that, Paul…. you might see it in 12 more years… that’s how long it has to age, right?
Hey, if you buy the Tanduay 12 y/o and don’t drink it for 3 years, is it then Tanduay 15 y/o? 😆
I have questioned the actual age of the rum since the Filipino driver is very impatient I could not imagine that they could wait for the rum to age. Joking!
Tom;
They must hide the wooden kegs in an undisclosed location, as I agree with you on that impatiens factor. I’m not joking! (lol)
The best bet would be to store them at a customs warehouse where we know they’ll sit for years untouched.
Bob;
Say what? Way to much math, and I never trusted the Gregorian calendar anyway, the Chinese and aztecs would laugh at the idea of Leap year, you can’t age rum in a system like that. Hey, what were we talking about? Have a great day Bob! I’m going back to bed.
Paul T.
You know what goes good with a nice glass of Rum. A slice of Bahamian Rum Cake. Everytime a friend of mine goes to the Bahamas, which is several times a year, he brings back a supply of them. They are the best. You know what kind of ice cream is good with that rum cake. Hagaan Daz Rum Raisin. Nothing like a rum overload. Paul, i thought they gave you rain checks for out of stock items there. LOL. Take care brother.
Papa Duck;
Someone might think a Rum overload could be a bad thing, but we know better.
A rain check, what a novel idea, that would never catch on here. That would go over as well as “Cash Refunds”, which will never happen.
Papa Duck;
You asked: You know what goes good with a nice glass of Rum? I think “everything” is a good answer.
Last time I came back from the US I brought Captain Morgan as a pasalobam sp.? The bottles I bought were plastic so I had no worries about breakage. I guess the industry has heard the cries over spilled rum and responded haha.
Tom;
I don’t doubt for a second that you brought that Captain Morgan rum, But I’ll swear by all that holy that I never received it!
Do you remember years ago that print ad for Crown Royal, where all they showed was the bag with bottle in it, on the ground broken, and the caption was; Have you ever seen a grown man cry?”
I cry every time I see an empty Crown Royal bottle!
John;
It truly is a thing of sadness.
Paul
So from what I gather, shopping is kind of like a treasure hunt. When you find a hidden
“out of stock” item you buy it up for slim times come around.
I couldn’t help to notice you was missing one of my favorites in your line up “Meyers Dark Rum”
Here is one from the way back machine, “MOJO Makes Me Smart”
Hi Neal;
Meyers, The Planters Punch Rum! I found 3 bottles in the early 90’s in one of the stores. I bought all of it, and have never seen it again. Some times Out Of Stock means forever. This will break your heart, but no one servers MOJO anymore.
Sorry Sir..out of stock on comment today.
Brian;
I accept that reason, and fully understand
Hi Paul,
I’ve been “out of stock” for about 10 days,but i’m back now,lol.
One day in Maramag we went to our usual Grocery store,we needed to stock up on “Nectar” brand of Mango juice,which we enjoy with breakfast.
Not there on the usual shelf,searched and toured the store,still no cans of Nectar.
Asked the Assistant,who took me back to the usual place and pointed at the ceiling,lo and behold (or should that be “high and behold”),there they were,dozens of cans about 7ft up on the top of the shelving,where no one could reach,lol.
5mins later,after he had found a ladder,he handed me the Nectar one by one until we had a full dozen.
As the Bible states,”Seek and ye will find”,Lol.
Regards,
Chas.
Chas;
I ‘d thought your internet was “OOS”, as I’ve missed you on FaceBook. You are a rare man indeed, to have found the one store-clerk that knew where an item was. That’s a guy who’d be on my Christmas list! You were lucky! At the Royal store, I wanted a case of Mug Root Beer, I went into their back room, found it, and no one said a word to me, also no one restocked it on the floor either.
I think we were very lucky as it was a family run grocery store,about 7/11 size.
(Maramag is only a small town)
Similar here Paul,same guy told us if we can’t find things in the shop,and he is not about,to go and have a look in the stock room and help ourselves,lol.
I think he is definately on the Christmas list,lol.
As I said above about the Mug Root Beer, I’ll hit that backroom in a New York minute, to find what I’m looking for. (lol)
Paul,
I was impressed with my last visit to the Family Choice store in Cauayan. I was able to ask and find nearly everything I needed there. As I am not the usual shopper I had no idea where things were at. I did have one “out of stock” moment though. I was looking for kleenex (in the box) but was told they did not stock them. I went back around to the napkin isle and just grabbed some napkins wrapped in plastic. As I slowly made my way back down the isle “low and behold” on the bottom shelf I found my box of kleenex! I did not bother looking for the guy who said they did not stock them. I was just glad to find what I needed! And I did buy 6 boxes to keep me in stock!
Good article! Enjoyed the read!
Steve;
Thank you, as you’ve proven my point. You were told it was Out of Stock, and yet you found it, and bought extra. A good lesson learned.
Hi Paul: You are always IN STOCK when it comes to great posts. Three fingers of Captain Cook’s best to you.
Roberto
Roberto;
Thank you, and that was such a great idea, I’ll do that this afternoon.
I have never had a problem finding what I need when I go shopping in Manila. I usually shop at the Mall of Asia in the Hypermarket or whatever it is called.
What they have there is as good or maybe better than any super market I have ever been to in the United States.
And usually when I ask a clerk or stock person where something is it is “No problem sir, you can find that on aisle 14.” Or something like that. So my experience has been far different than yours.
The only thing I do not like about shopping in the supermarkets in Manila is the amount of people, it never ceases to amaze me how many people can be there. It doesn’t seem to matter what day, what time of day, or whatever. The places are always packed.
I do get sticker shock at times with the prices of some American made products, but other than that…I have been very impressed with the larger stores in the Manila area.
Todd;
You are indeed truly blessed, and I would say that, that would be true, if one was looking for local products. If I look for ground coffee it’s an excerise in frustration, but instant coffee will have an entire aisle dedicated to it. I am never surprised by the extra cost of imported products from Europe or the States, as I understand shipping costs.
I further noted that San Miguel Beer is cheaper and more readily available than say Miller beer. Do you see my point?
A single American friend was planning to go on a camping trip some years back. He went out in our small town looking for an air mattress, which I knew I had seen in a couple of shops. He came back and said, “Out of Stock,” every single place! Then it dawned on me… “What did you ask for?” “I asked for a mattress with air,” (in the local dialect) he said . “Ah, that’s the problem. ‘Matris’ means uterus, so you were asking for a uterus with air inside! The proper word is ‘culchon.'”
“No wonder the tinderas were giggling when they said, ‘Out of stock, Sir!'”
American Lola;
I’ve told this story before, but it is a classic. I asked the young lady at the store for lighter flints. I opened my Zippo lighter and showed her what I wanted, I received my Out Of Stock message, and departed. I asked my brother who had a store in the market, where I could find flints, he said; “Go back in the same store and ask the girl for stones.” She sold me some, and no, I never questioned her as to the why of it.
Had similar experience when looking for a can of compressed air for cleaning inside computer . Lots of head scratching , directions to the tire fixer places as well as the places that sold vacuum cleaners . 🙂
Alan;
I’m trying to figure the look on the clerks face when you asked for a can of air. They had to think you were joking. Even my wife didn’t believe there was such a product. But then twenty years ago would you have believed water would be sold in bottles and replaced drinking from the tap? BTW, I’ve still not see the canned air sold here. but it might be.
Nice article, love the picture so much I stole it. 🙂
No man, you just can’t find the article…. You had too much 15 year old Rhum
Hi Rusty;
Thank you for your complement! To ease your guilt, I say the picture was already yours to have. It’s like my quotes on Face Book, if it’s there, anyone is welcome to it.
A slight correction: Rhum, is made using the French process, distilled right from the sugar cane. Whereas Rum is distilled the Spanish way, sugar cane made into molasses, then distilled into Rum. I will not ever drink Rhum, as I don’t like the taste. I think I’ll have some of that 15 year old this afternoon!
hi paul,
thanks for the free rhum/rum lesson!
i’d been somewhat curious about liquor back in high school, and for some reason most other guys in school only considered gin and extra-strong beer when craving for something with a stronger kick after getting mellow with SMB.
we all avoided rum, and probably because it had a reputation for “turning into cellophane when dried out under the sun.” since tanduay 5 years is about the only local brand there is, we never took the time to explore other rum variants like your ‘doce & quince años’, not even your rhum alternative.
in terms of flavor & bite, what’s the difference between rhum & rum?
Biz Doc;
Since it’s nothing but a matter of taste I’d have to say it’s subjective. Rhum (to me) has a sticky sweet taste, whereas Rum, (again to me) has a smoother taste. I got a smile when you mentioned Tanduay 5 year rhum’s cellophane qualities. For years the 12 and 15 year old RUM, was exported. (My Google spell check, won’t recognize the word Rhum, I find that reassuring)
hi paul,
if rhum’s sweet as you say, i gotta try that. it seems the only wine brand pinoys like is novelino, given its sweetish blend.
back to tanduay– does it really turn plastic when dried? ” )
cheers,
Bis Doc;
Tanduay 5 Y/O, turning to plastic, I don’t know, but, then my friend you were the one that told me that, in your post above. (LOL)
Rhum, is sticky sweet, and leaves an after taste. But if it’s sold, that proves that some people like it. I’m just not a member of that club. Let me know if you like it.
hi paul,
i figured you had prior experience to be able to say, “I got a smile when you mentioned Tanduay 5 year rhum’s cellophane qualities.” hehe
in any case another commenter here did mention something about its fine qualities as a paintbrush cleaner, if not paint thinner ? now that’s scary! ” )
cheers,
Biz Doc;
Not as scary as the hangover the Tanguay 5 y/o ruhm will give you. (lol)
On the island I’ve seen lots of empty Tanduay bottles but never any that evaporated or turned into cellophane!
Funny story Paul…..I find when I get the “Out of stock” line, that finding another salesperson sometimes helps. I don’t know how many times that second person miraculously finds what I am looking for. If that doesn’t work I just look for it myself, and sometimes that even works.
I think this disease affects all of the Philippines…haha.
I wonder what these people are paid? It’s sad, but I suspect not much. I have had good service from some, but for the most part there seems indifference whether I buy anything or not.
A priest was asked by a pinoy what order he was from…..he replied….”out of order”…..sometimes I think maybe this place operates on “out of order”.
Ya gotta smile when going on with your daily life here!
Greg;
I tend to stress the point, that without your sence of humor, living here would be difficult. The kids are paid less than P300.00 for a 10 hour day, and are let go after 6 months so they don’t become permanent employees and then have to be given benefits. (what every they consider benefits). So I understand why they have no real incentive to learn where anything in the store is, and I really can’t blame them.
So as you said; “Keep smiling!”
Greg and Paul,
In my situation I mentioned above, not only did the clerk stocking the shelves tell me this but he went and found someone else, that I thought was more like a manager, that told me the same thing. “Out of stock, sir.” Funny that I could not blame it on translation, as I had a translator with me. I can only presume that they were asking for what I wanted.
Steve;
Even with double verification of “OOS” you persevered! Remember their very long hours and low pay those people work for.
Paul,
A nice post and a great attitude. Something that would also work here in the US. Although not from out of stock, just too much cra
Allen;
I’ll assume the last word was crap, now that would be something, that would be good if “OOS.”
Generally speaking I am finding less and less of the things I like and want are out of stock. Many of the supermarkets and S&R now have many of those products I want and are never out of stock in my experience. I also have a small advantage as I go back to the states every year for a month or two and send multiple balikbayan boxes back which ensure that I never run out of any of the things that I can’t find here. The bottom line is you can bitch about what you can’t change you just have to adapt. Just find a go around. for example I went to my local supermarket office with an empty of something I use on a regular basis and asked them to see if they could stock it. It took a little while but they found the distributor and now stock it.
Hi Boon;
There you’ve found the way that suits your needs, good for you, the other trick as I told Todd up above, is to buy nothing but local products and cut the “OOS” items by half.
Paul,
I have nothing to say… my comment is Out of stock!
Dans;
I know how you feel, I get there myself at times.
” Out of Stock ” reminds me of a branch of an Electronic chain ( long gone ) Lafayette Radio & Electronics. Back in the 60’s a branch opened near me and for the first few years they stocked many popular items. As time went on they kept less and less ” in stock “. To take advantage of this situation an independently owned and operated electronics store opened up right across the street from Lafayette. The independent specialized in all popular items that Lafayett no longer kept in stock. The independedt had found himself a gold mine specializing in these ” out of stock ” items. About a decade or so later the entire Lafayette Radio & Electronics chain went out of business.
On one of my visits, I did run into an ” Out of Stock ” situation at a hardware / houseware store in Iligan City. I asked for a certain item they had on display and was politely informed ” Sorry, out of stock Sir “. I had all I could do to contain my laughter as I had read so much about ” out of Stock ” here on LIP. LOL .
Bob;
On display and “OOS”, you can’t fight logic like that. I’m glad you saw the humor it it, as you just made me laugh too! Thank you, it felt good!
Here is my favorite out of stock story. A few years ago I was at Robinsons mall in Ermita. As I was walking through the mall I seen a Thai restaurant. I thought Thai sounds good. So I go in look at the menu and try to make an order. Sorry sir out of stock. So I choose another dish again sorry sir out of stock. So I ask well what do you have available? No Thai food sir all out of stock on the Thai food but we have any Filipino dish available. Well I did not go to a Thai restaurant to eat Filipino food so I left. Only in the Philippines. 🙂
hi ray,
that’s hilarious– and familiar hehe! i can’t count the number of times i’ve gotten that response from order takers across all restaurant categories– even on their own specialty dishes!
around midnight last night at a 24/7 mcDo branch in QC, the counter girl was insisting that they didn’t have breast & thigh fried chicken pieces, only leg & wing servings. now i wasn’t too hot on looking for another fastfood store just to get my post-holy week fasting fix at that hour (considering i went out for a jollibee chicken dinner at 7pm earlier) so i told her to go check with the store manager to see how long it would take them to serve breast & thigh parts.
she didn’t want to do that and insisted that i get what was available, leg or wing. when she showed me both pieces, i told her to just cancel the order and change it into a chicken fillet value meal, which was far cheaper. at which point the store manager came out front just to tell me that they’d be able to serve a thigh portion in 20 minutes ” )
only in the philippines indeed!
cheers,
Ray;
Classic “OOS” story, it will take awhile for someone to out do that. (lol) So I’ll guess the new name of the store will be “The Non- Thai Food, Filipino Restaurant”.
The Irish group “The Clancy Brothers” has a song titled “The Pub with no Beer” pretty much the same thing.
Hi Paul!
Just imagine when doing the shopping Paul that you are in the Amazing Race – Philippine Edition game show and the sales clerks surrounding you are your opponents giving you wrong clues to get to your targeted items (lol).
I’m sorry that I’m out-of-stock lately of comments to the topics posted here by other writers but as always I’m not out-of-stock for your funny but informative stories Paul. It seems like my brain-shelf is always refilled when I read your posts.
Ok, I’m gonna go out-of-stock again. 🙂
That sounds like a good idea for a TV Quiz Show ” Out of Stock ” ! Have an attractive model on stage showing everyday items in groups of 3 or 4. Contestant must guess which items ar in stock and which are out of stock !
If name brand well known popular items are said to be ” Out of Stock ” maybe some of the manufacturers would get after their registered dealers and sellers of these products to make sure they keep it in stock. Maybe do some random spot checks as well.
Bob;
Great Idea!
Jonathan;
“The Amazing Shopping Race” I’m with both you and Bob New York, that’s an idea who’s time has come. I wonder if we could talk Bob Martin into being the host?
I’m pleased you enjoy some of the subjects I write about, I truly am happily living here, as evey time I venture from home, I know I’m on a new adventure. (And sometimes at home also.)
Let them both Bob’s alternate as hosts, that would be a blast! Calling out to all sponsors/ advertisers…oh sorry….out of stock…lol.
Jonathan;
I believe sponsors would flock to that show.
BTW, Paul, have you tried Tanduay Light? I heard it’s a popular drink in the PH now.
Jonathan,
Is that like the “new in stock” Matador Light? I wanted Matador this time but it was “out of stock” also. Had to get the new Matador Light for my evening enjoyment! I could hardly tell the difference.
Hi Steve,
There’s also a Matador Lite/Light now? Hmm…a lot of drinkers are probably watching their weight and on a diet…hahaha!
Jonathan;
Lite or light, low fat or reduced fat and fat free are all terms manufactures use to mask the real meaning, which id “Devoid of Flavour” if it’s used to describe “DRINK” I’ll run from that product, as I think it a trick they use to make a cheaper quality product and convince us it’s good for you. (lol)
I agree with that hands-down. The first time I tasted SanMig Lite, I was like, wth? Then after a few more bottles I got used to it. But hey, there’s another one called “The Bar” that younger people are raving about. I asked one of them and said it has a similar effect like Gilbey’s Gin (i.e. hangover) if you drink too much. I was confused, it was like softdrinks when it was introduced way back in the 80’s in the PH. Hmmm…time’s a changin…
Jonathan;
The Bar, like a soft-drink? That’s a new one on me. The rage in my area with the young crowd is Emperador with powered ice tea. (No water added to the ice tea mix). They asked me to try it, and I did, once was enought.
Hi paul i still have a full bottle from when my wife went home 2 years ago ,i am aging my own that way by the time i get back there it will be a good drop
chris
Chris;
I loathe to be the bearer of bad news, but only wine will continue to age in a bottle as far as taste is concerned. But it will be older, and still taste great. Hell I’d drink some!
I know it’s bad news, I was shocked when I was told about that, but I know that bottle of Boone’s Farm Ripple wine I’ve been storing since 1971 will be worth some big money in the year 2020.
Hi Paul great article and I was scared until you siad the SMB was not out of stock. You had me worried for a minute, but I’m ok now. When I first visited the Philippiens A man told me I needed to learn patients and I found I was a lot happyer when I just went with the flow. We get to use to instant everything here in the states. Like you siad for what the stock boys are getting paid who could blame them. It is a shock how many poeple work on the floor of a grocery store there compared to here. The first trip when I met my wife I went shopping with her and what a difrrence it was like you siad things were everywhere. This is one thing I should have seen from the beging that going shopping with my wife is something I do alot now ,she likes it when I go with her. I like being with her to so this is a good thing , although it is nice to find a bench and let her shop until she drops at the mall.
Eric;
I was quick to point out that SMB was not part of this post, as I’d feel so wrong if I caused a world wide panic. I also really enjoy shopping with my wife, not so much in the public market, for my presents there will cause a sharp increase in prices. But stores where the price is clearly marked I’ll be there. It’s the thrill of the hunt, as the Philippines is the last vestige for man to feel like a hunter gatherer, unlike in the States or Europe where everything is laid out in a flow pattern, and we are force by those arrows and those red Rope-a-dope barriers to conform to the way they want us to shop. And we respons as sheep, eyes glassed slowly following the person in front to our doom.
Whereas, here in the Philippines it’s still like the Wild-Wild West, everyman for himself. You and I against them. They try to fool us with misdirection and friendly deceit (“OOS”), they allow us to flow in any direction with our shopping carts (Trolleys for our UK friends) we are fee to shop in our own way. It makes me feel free once more. Man against the elements, the hunter set free, albeit they do check us at the door for firearms. I’ll stop ranting now!
Paul,
Yeah…out of stock…
Walk into an electronics store looking for a 220 to 20 volt converter. “Sorry sir, out of stock”. Now that doesn’t mean that someday they will be in stock, and it doesn’t even mean it ever was in stock.
I stopped by large sarai-sari up the street, owned by the barangay captain. I asked his wife for some SMB. She said sorry, out of stock. Red horse out of stock. From downstairs I could hear the captain screaming in anguish: “Dave is in town and we no have beer! BANKRUPT!” But I had plenty of that fine 15 year Taduay in stock to see me thru.
Dave (AKA rovineye)
It sounds like two things are going on there, your Kaptain knows you very well, and he has a good sence of humor. The sari-sari across the street (You do know that RP Law requires a sari-sire every 50 feet?) has purchased beer from me to sell, as we buy it from the same truck, I just buy more, so it’s always in stock. But with a bottle of Tanduay 1854, 15 Y/O Rum and some R.C cola (with Rum it’s better than coke or god forbid Pepsi) you could wait out the drought of SMB. Get the cell phone number of the SMB truck of happiness, and have him put you on his route.
Like you said, there’s a sari-sari store every 50-feet but I have never seen a Liquor Store that sells only spirits. There’s a lot of Beer Gardens but not a Liquor Store. I wonder why? It won’t work for you Paul so put it out of your mind. With so many friends coming over everytime Manny fights, you’ll be OOS in no time.
Jun;
The same as California where most of the liquor is sold in grocery or drug stores, here it’s pretty much markets also. But Olongapo did have two pure liquor stores that do very well. In Massachusetts liquor stores are call Package Stores (or the Packie for short) this caused much confusion for me when I asked people in Florida where the nearest Package Store was, I was sent to many strange places.
And I agree that for me to own a Liquor Store would be a harbinger of instant doom.
So the valuable lessons to be learned from this are “Out of Stock” means “Find it yourself.” I can understand the lack of motivation given the low wages. The other lesson is 5 year old Tanduay Rhum is better suited for paint stripping than drinking. I never did like the taste of it anyway. I prefer Bacardi Select but I have never been able to find it in the Philippines. I guess it must be out of stock.
Jeff;
My mission to inform has reached it’s zenith with your responce. You sir, understand all that I’ve tried to impart. If one were to drink Tanguay five year old rhum, for a long time, I think that they would not really have a long time left.
Try the Tanguay 12 or 15 year old RUM, and I think you’ll be quite surprised at how good it is. In Puerto Rico, albeit Bacardi is made there, Don “Q” rum is the Island’s top selling rum. Bacardi Select or Bacardi “Special” are very good rums, but 18 dollars a bottle here in the Philippines is a tad dear. Yes I still buy it once in awhile along with Captain Morgan, when I can find it.
But for paint stripping or cleaning your paint brushes, I do recommend Tanguay 5 Y/O Rhum. It’s cheaper than the same amount of turpentine.
Paul,
Great advice. Thank you.
Jeff;
You are sincerely welcome!
Good one Paul. If you get one clerk saying out of stock I’m stubborn enough to ask more than one. Much of the time i find one that will at least help us look for it.
Mike;
You will increase the odds of finding the item, if you expand the size of your search party. I like your plan.
Senior;
Your story is just what the ego ordered after last week. I just had to laugh just thinking about the look on your face and the scratching of the head when they reply NOT IN STOCK and the item is just a few feet away. I wonder if you would have a Heart attack if they replied OH IT’S RIGHT HERE HOW MANY DO YOU WANT SIR!!!
But the odds of that is small so to take a phrase from Elmer Fudd “IT’s a Hunting we will GO” when you shop I the Philippines. Other than that it’s stock up for the end.
By The way Senior My new phrase for any one here who askes me about me and the Philippines will be SORRY NOT IN STOCK SIR!!! (I other words none ya darn business)
Let’s have a long distance SMB over that massive surge of gray matter wisdom!! 🙂
Hi Mike;
Wow, you wrote about gray matter and the first thing I thought of was my hair! The stocking up of items can lead you down a slippery slope. The retired Air Force guy who went back to Nevada last year, had over 100 boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in his house when he moved. out. I’m going out on a limb and saying; “I think he liked it.”
Senior;
Kraft Mac & Cheese is like the ultimate survival food as long as you have the milk and butter to go with it. My guess is he couldn’t find the milk or butter? 🙁 With all those perveratives it would feed the cocarochet society till the end of time. Now alcohol it is a perservative and does not need a mixer persay. So lets stock up and when times get tough we can alway drink ourselves into happiness or unconciouness.
Heck they even bring up bottles from sunken ships and drink them now thats hardcore.
Mike;
I’m in the process of stocking up on beer for the PacMan fight next month. A pay-per-view party is in the planning stages now, and stocking up is on the agenda. I should have bought those hundred boxes of Mac & Cheese and served it at the party.
Dear ABBY (I Mean Senior);
I think anyone who has a Filipino family is stocking up for the fight. I average a house of about 25 people not including kids. It cost about $70.00 to get the fight here in J-ville. Not to mention the buffett my asawa insists we (I) put out for the fight. I asked the wife to pass the hat to help with the cost. You know that word consideration. Well I got my hat back at least.
Well this time I’ll serve some spaghetti or maybe some Kraft Mac& Cheese and Wynn-Dixie soda. (Yea likes thats going to Happen) 🙁
I guess they get some enjoyment out of this old Kano sweating over the grill and tossing up side dishes. Gives them a warm and fuzzy and me all I get is “We Love Your Cooking Koya Mike”. So my asawa in her moment of glory naturally voluteers me to cook again next time.
The sad thing is I’ll do it again for her even though I’ve seen only one fight because I had to go to work that day.
Do you have any suggestions. The Dear Abby thing just flew into my gray matter now it’s gone like everything else. LOL
Kuya Mike;
It’s no cheap deal here either, although the Pay-per-view is around $12.00 this fight coming up. It’s the food, pork, chicken and fish and all that goes with it. Our consideration comes in the form of help, as in help with the cooking and always with the clean up after. If I tried to pass the hat, I’d be out of a hat, but a good time is had by all, and you can’t put a price on that.
Senior;
Your right they help alright. They package up the left over food and say thankyou. That’s why I keep plenty of that dollar tupperware on hand don’t have to worry about left overs. My wife and I do most of the cooking, but her friends help with the cleaning. But everyone has a good time so it’s all good and I sleep well that night if I don’t work.
The PACMAN Fight $70.00
The buffett $250.00
Staying in good with the asawa and the Filipino Community PRICELESS
Mike;
Who understands the Philippines better than a Pinoy. Most of the stores sell disposable food trays with a cover, for the parties end, and carry out frenzy. That we definitely keep in stock.
The good time is goal number one!
hi bruce,
i’m not sure where in PH you’re based but here in manila, we have a cousin who invites the entire “cousin community” who’ve also moved here from mindanao to host buffet lunch at her place everytime pacquiao fights— but everyone brings a potluck dish as personal contribution– everybody leaves happy & well-fed. maybe you could suggest that to the wifey?
cheers,
Biz Doc;
Right now I live in J-ville Fl for 24 more months till I retire. Will be living in Subic Bay around Aug 2013.
Potluck yea right!! tried that one time all they did was bring over the raw materials and I still ended up cooking.
But it’s all good in the neighborhood
hi bruce,
i guess that’s testament to your superior cooking skills! ” )
cheers,
Biz Doc;
I liked that last comment, when Bruce get’s here I’ll let you know just how good a cook he is. (LOL)
Senior & Doc Biz;
Cook is OOS Sir I don’t have a kitchen? Unless theirs SMB in the mix then I’ll build a campfire and find an old pot and pan to use. Looks like Kraft Mac&Cheese coming right up unless it’s OOS to (LOL)
Oh yea just downloaded 35 cook books onto my kindle for the Philippines.
Mike;
35 cook books? I have one 20 year old Betty Crocker that servers me well, the book is 20 years old not Betty! But SMB, or San Magoo’s are always in my mix.
Hi Paul
OOS can have its advantages to. Im just thinking of when the wife is at the mall searching for some brand name shoes or jeans and intending to spend 4 times more then i was hoping for, boy do i like to hear that “sorry OOS “..that useally means the end of shopping for the day as the wife gets a mood on, of course im full of sympathy and consoling her with “thats bad luck hon, you really fancied those shoes” while im secretly thinking hmmm should be enough left to buy a few beers now, lol….but of course a new day will dawn upon us with new hopes and off we trod to another mall to search, useally this time with success…how i miss that OOS then, ah but at least the Mrs will be so happy that she might offer to buy me a couple of beers.
David, you’ve got to find the good ukay-ukay shopping in your neck of the woods. I even know rich Filipinas who love it. It’s an all day rummage sale of second-hand stuff generally from the US. Drop ’em off with their friends, have ’em txt you when they’re done and ready to be picked up. They’re happy that you let them go shopping all day and were right on the spot to pick ’em up. You’re happy because they got some nice “new” stuff without spending an arm and a leg.
Hi Gary
great idea …have already taken this one on board for my next trip. I asked the Mrs if she liked ukay-ukay shopping and she does, but apparantly she thinks its not safe for me because of pick pockets and beggers that hang around the one in Davao. So I suggested i stay home have a couple off beers and watch a movie while her and her cousin chase down the bargains, haha…perfect
David & Gary;
I have some great tropical style shirts my wife found at our local ukay-ukayThose shirts were p.50 each, and they are as good as any shirt I paid $35.00 for at The Gap.
(The real name of the store is “The Ukay Store” but the man who coined the word stuttered)
Sheryl loves “Ukay-Ukay” stores,and drags me around them,lol.
Trouble is i still try to negotiate prices,and get strange looks,lol.
Chas;
They are fun for the ladies, so I don’t mind going to them. Bags of new old stuff, and only a little money, we’d be nuts to complain.
Chase;
Question are Ukay-Ukay stores like outlets or Goodwille store here in the states?
Think swap meet, rummage sale, or yard sale. Many are permanent locations, but at least around here, mom & pop.
I think many of the items are sourced from places like Goodwill though, shipped over by container van – it’s definitely gray market 🙂
Bruce;
A lot of the clothing items are sent out sometimes for disaster relief or charity donations. Somehow the truck turns left, when it should have turned right. Gary is right about the shades of gray.
hi bruce,
gary & paul got it right, the ukay-ukay “industry” is illegal, where disaster relief from other countries ends up for sale.
ukay in visayan literally means to rummage. they dump unsorted used clothes in a pile and you dig your way until you find something that suits your fancy. bring it home and BOIL in water until all the germs in it are dead ” )
cheers,
Hi Paul,
“The real name of the store is “The Ukay Store” but the man who coined the word stuttered”.
LOL. Classic Paul Thompson.
That made my day.
Dr. Sponk Long;
If I made your day, then I’m pleased about that. I love a good laugh during my day also! I post funny quotes and my thoughts on FaceBook everyday, you’re more than welcome to visit and see if they make you laugh. If any do, you may take them and forward them to your friends, and share a laugh or two. Humor belongs to the world!
Hi Paul,
Please provide a link.
It takes forever to scroll down in search for “Paul Thompson”.
Thanks.
There is a link to the Facebook page of every writer on LiP located on the right sidebar.
Dr. Sponk Long;
Ah, but if I only knew how. I will find out, I bet my 9 Y/O granddaughter can do it.
Dr. Sponk Long;
Are you as amazed as I am? There it is “LiP Writers On FaceBook” That Bob Martin is just plain good at his job. Thank you Bob!!!
Anything I can do to help, Paul! 😉
Got it Paul. I’m enjoying/laughing reading your “wall”. If I ever make it to the Philippines within two years I’d like to share a bottle of Macallan 18(it should be 30 by then) with you. Somehow I think it will taste better with your words of wisdom.
Thanks Bob.
Bob & Dr. Sponk Long;
Bob, and help you do! I again thank you.
Dr. Enjoy the laugh, it’s what keeps us young.
David;
It’s the Yin and the Yang of it, if OOS can be a bad thing, than there must also be a good side to it. It’s the second mall that was the real problem, they should never be allowed to be that close together. It would have been really bad if you went to the other mall the same day.
I’m a little late to this party;)
I violate this regularly to my chagrin, I guess I just can’t learn, but the golden rule is if you happen to see something you like, buy it on the spot.
Gary;
Late, but arriving with style. My father always told me; “Son, if you really need it, buy two!” I follow your advice to the letter, even if I have to go back and get another cart.
Gary;
I followed the same advice over her in Florida and my son ended up with a big old smile on his face. I ended up giving him 3/4 of my house most of the stuff brand new when I moved to my apartment. I cried my eyes out. 🙁
Somehow I get the feeling that when we get to the Philippines that’s the rule to live by.
Paul,
Did you know OOS is not a Philippine phenomena,lol.
Tues a/noon,after the long Easter w/end,i called in my nearest Grocery store (part of a national chain) as i was low on Tea,guess what i saw,fresh milk,bread,corned beef and ice cream OOS,also the beer shelves were nearly empty.
I asked the assistant “Are you closing down” lol,she replied,”No,(they don’t do the “Sir” here anymore) out of stock until tomorrow,sorry”.
The UK is now an official OOS member!
We have another long weekend coming up this weekend,friday “Royal Wedding” public holiday,and the monday “May Day” bank holiday,so i will look forward to more “OOS” next tuesday,Lol.
Regards,
Chas.
Chas;
Welcome to the club, but as you pointed out, they will quickly re-stock, I can only dream of that happening here. Great Briton, out of tea? In my mind I can’t picture that, maybe they needed it for William and Kate’s wedding. This I know you would understand. Well let’s hope by the end of May, all is as it should be again. If the US was invaded this week, all the US media would be reporting on it from London. Please keep them as a wedding present from my country to yours. In the US our NEWS media is “OOS”. (lol)
Out of Stock, here if u ask them it is on the good ship wanira mate lol but a good posting Paul just the same mate keep up the good work ok it is allways nice to read the things u have to say ok
peter martin…….tassie
Thank you Peter;
I can only write about what I’ve experienced, but it always seems like; I’m not the only one who experienced it. I think I’m just the one who finds the humor it it.
Hi Paul,
Great article. I still have your flashdrive. Sorry I wasn’t here the last time you stopped by. Make sure one of the girls calls me when you’re at our restaurant so I can return it to you.
Gil
Hi Gil;
When my car gets out of the shop, I’ll be by again, as I’m hungry! Ask Paul if he needs any new music. See ya in a week or so.
Hardcore Tanduay drinker..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK9QJWrbhxY&feature=player_embedded
Is he drinking the regular Tanduay?
Atong;
I believe that’s Tanduay 5 year rhum, in the handy pocket size bottle. A new RUM by Tanguay is called Boracay Coconut Rum, which is as good as Imported Malibu Coconut Rum could ever be. It will be served today during the PacMan fight today
I hope that guy is still alive. I drink like that when I was in my teens…Ginebra San Miguel gin no chasers or anything is my favorite.
We’ll have a little fiesta here (US) at my friend’s house while watching Pacquiao-Mosley bout on PPV…lechon (roast pig), pansit, lumpia and cold San Miguel!!! Pinoy version of Superbowl..lol
Atong;
It’s now 06:37 Sunday morning, the fight on PPV (Dream Sat.) starts in a few hours, the ladies are cooking as I type, in both kitchens, the guys are preparing the Mindanao Bob Deluxe BBQ grill, for cooking Pork and chicken, the beer has been on ice since yesterday, more ice will be delivered in a few hours, then guests, neighbors and more kids that we could count. Super Bowl? It’s better than that! (GO, MANNY!)
That is an epic fight party you’ve hosted there Paul, its like a backyard fiesta. You should write an article about it and about Pacman in general, you’ll receive thousands of hits from all over the world, guaranteed.
Fight is boring though, Mosley got gun-shy after tasting Pacman’s power in the 3rd round. If he exchange again, he’ll get KTFO. What is it, exchange with the Pacman then suffer from Parkinson’s disease or just survive the fight and avoid any major injuries? He is smart, he choose to ride his bicycle for the rest of the rounds….
Who’s next? Bob Arum is trying to sell Juan Manuel Marquez against Pacman in November. He’s about Mosley’s age and smaller…mismatched. I hope they can match Pacman against somebody who is not a walking corpse!!!
Atong;
I’m hoping Manny does not make the mistake that most fighters do, that is stick around untill you lose. He should retire now and walk a way a winner. Go out on top. Your only as good as your last fight, it’s time to say “Goodbye Sports Fans”.
My hubby likes his basi.