Before Mr. Martin asked me to write a weekly article here on LiP, I had posted a monthly article on the (Military) Retired Affairs Office Web Site here in Subic Bay Area. The downside was there was no feedback or interaction with the readers. Well sometimes I’d be sitting in a beer joint and introduce myself, and one or two people would ask if I was that Paul Thompson? I wrote about the problems a retiree would encounter living here, but I was talking to readers who had for the most part spent considerable time visiting or living here in the Philippines.
The other side to that was that I could refer to military slang and the occasional “Sea Story” which everyone easily understood. Prior to that when I was sailing on the ships I’d send out a monthly newsletter to all my friends and family (plus an abridged copy to my Mother) every month. To my surprise I found that my Father gave his copy to the editor of his small town (Fish Wrapper) newspaper there on Cape Cod and it was read by the entire population, which was I think was seven or eight people aside from the fish.
The editor, who also was the only reporter, the publisher, advertising editor and delivery boy, but not the printer. The printer was a grisly old coot who had two ship’s shot out from under him as a young Merchant Seaman in WWII. Oh the stories he could tell, and believe me anytime I was in town, I’d seek him out just to hear them.
Then a couple of years ago Bob Martin asked if I would write for LiP? I said yes and found a diverse group of great readers and fellow contributors on Bob’s site and took pleasure reading the feedback and comments every week. (I still do!) I’ve encountered many good writers with many different points of view and subject matter but all very interesting.
I pick subjects that have happened to me during my time on this archipelago called The Republic of the Philippines. I have survived 22 years in the U.S. Navy, 10 years as a bar owner in Puerto Rico, 10 years as a Merchant Seaman, and 11 years living here as a retiree. (I’ve lived here longer but I would leave to catch ships and then return) The way I’ve chosen to view life and deal with it was through humor. As I had found as a young man that no matter how bleak any situation seems, if you looked hard enough you’ll see that there is always a funny side to it. I’ll be the first to admit sometimes it’s hard to find, but I’ll promise you it’s there.
The point of this missive is that for the first time I have hit the wall, total brain fart, no subject came to mind this week. It’s Friday morning and tomorrow (Saturday) I have to send these blank pages to Bob. Woe is me, what shall I do?
The light bulb over my head came on and I said to myself: “Self, explain why you had no subject to write about. Face the truth and admit that you put it off until the last minute. Tell the folks and Bob that you’ve procrastinated until the very last minute, and then tried to fill a page with dribble. Paul you won’t get away with it, you are doomed to fail, stand by to accept the slings and arrows soon to be hurled at you.”
But then I remembered a tried and true old Navy adage: “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, try to baffle them with “Bull S–t” But it didn’t work did it? I’ll start earlier next week, I hope!
Not having anything to stay never held me back from making words … there’s no real requirement to say anything here, just give the people who are still suck in those 9 to 5 “Just Over Broke’s” something to while away their time with aside from work 😉
I knew you were from Boston, but failed to realize there was a Cape Cod connection. Mt elder brother spent most of the Korean war on the Cape, married a girl from Wellfleet and lived there many years. I was my dream for years to run away from home and live with him 😉
Your story of the editor who had been through two sinkings reminded me of a fellow I worked for back in New jersey. The guy was the right age for WWII when it came, but he hated the sea and didn’t much care to think about getting shot, either, so he joined the Army and made sure it was known he had a degree in literature. His assignment?
The Army found exactly the right job to suit his skills and desires. Ship’s newspaper editor/publisher on troopships bound from Bayonne to Southampton and other English ports.
I believe he told me he had been torpedoed three times, but my recollection may be off on that … I’ve heard memory is the second thing to go..
Hello Dave;
My Father had the house in Boston that I was born in and we had a summer house in Yarmouth by Hyannis where I spent every summer of my miss-spent youth. When my folks retired they spent the summers on “The Cape, and the winters in Clearwater Florida. When my folks passed in the early 90’s they were interned in the National Cemetery on the former Otis Air Force Base in central Cape Cod.
The printer of the fish wrapper was one crusty old salt, with a great sense of humor and a knack for spinning a tale. I’d say that 90% of his stories were true and the 10%… Well he was a sailor! Even with the 25 year difference in age we became close friends and I still carry fond memories of him to this day. BTW: Cape Cod, back then (50’s & 60’s) Great Summers, and lonely cold winters, they took in the sidewalks in September.
Hi Paul,
What a small world we live in.
My Mom and Dad also had a house in Boston’s Dorchester Section that I was born in and we also had a summer house in Yarmouth near Hyannis where I spent every summer of my miss-spent youth, just like you
When my folks retired, they too, spent the summers on “The Cape, and the winters in Clearwater Florida. My folks passed in the early 90′s they were interned in the National Cemetery on the former Otis Air Force Base in central Cape Cod. Just like yours.
Wow, what a coincidence. I also have an older brother named Paul that was in the Navy, me too, and was a Merchant Seaman who also now lives in the PI’s…
Hay, wait a minute… are you THAT! Paul Thompson?
Was you parents names Bill and Grace? Do you have a brother named Dan?
Holy Cow, brother Paul, how the heck are you?
This “Goof”, is brought to you, “Tongue in Cheek” by, Dan Thompson.
( Humor runs as deep as the ocean in the Thompson family, folks! )
Dan;
I’m fine Dan just a little tired as your big brother Paul, does cast a large shadow. (LOL) (Love ya Dan!)
Wow ..Thats funny, because this morning or the first time… My wife looked at this site with me, and I told her, how good a writer you are, and then,,,hahahahaha you write nothing.. I sure you will recuparate, take a pill or go to the deepest part of your man cave .. hahahaha.. I bet there are some great stories back there….
Lenny;
Saturday evening I’m at a friends house up the street for cocktails with a small group, and wouldn’t you know it but the subject for next week just jumped out and bit me on the backside. So it shows me that no matter where or when I am if I shut up and pay attention the light bulb will light up over my head.
Oh bless you the God’s of rum and coke! Beer works too!
BTW: I underwhelm my wife all the time.
Paul:
Sometimes I’ll get a little writer’s block… Then I’ll notice something happen and I’ll get 10 ideas all at once. It’s temporary, at least in my case. Unfortunately, daily life has a habit of intruding on good intentions.
As Dave said above, many of the people who visit this site are dreaming of a new life, or are simply interested in the way things are here. Even mundane tasks can be interesting, and you have a very much no bullsh*t way of writing. Like me, I assume you write for Bob because you enjoy doing so. Reflect on that interest, and the ideas will start to come.
Though we have never met, face to face, your articles have a unique tone and perspective (It actually reminds me a bit like Paul Harvey)… You have lived an interesting life, my friend.
John;
I’ll freely admit that I kept putting it off until the deadline was due. I was just being lazy for sure. But you got it right I do enjoy doing it for Bob and his site, but as I said above I also receive much enjoyment from you and other writers on this site. It’s a give and take relationship. Thank you for the Paul Harvey reference as he was always one of my heroes
Admit it Paul you had too much blood in your alcohol stream LOL
Mike;
I evened it out last night, sat on a friends porch having “Boat Drinks.”
Well, there goes my week, shot to heck! I was even going to copy this week’s article & read it while I’m sitting in an anchorage without wifi. Wait until “Brother Dan” finds out about this! Sheesh! What a jam-tart! (lol)
Mike;
Here’s the lesson that I’ll try to teach you. You’re done with the work a day world, your sitting on a boat in a tropic local. The idea that you are wasting time is ludacris, what you are doing is adjusting to relaxation. So try harder until you get it right. (lol)
lol Point taken! Malady: Post-Retirement Anal Retention Syndrome. Symptoms: Increased stress over schedules not being met, time seemingly being frittered away. Treatment: Apply rum, sun-tan lotion, books and hammock, liberally, and inspect inside of eyelids.(Warning: more difficult if one is a Republican or type “A” personality). See bikini on beach if symptoms continue.
Mike;
Now you’ve got it! It’s graduation day! The only throw back to my working life is I keep two pair of Flop-flops by the front door. One for Dress and the other for house use!
Paul, I enjoy your articles! For times like this, write about your lovely wife, Mayong, kids or yes, yes, those precious grand-kids! I know you have many many stories to tell about them.
Edward;
Great advice and I’ll take it to heart, this week I was plumb lazy and just waited until the last second. I’ll try to do better next week, maybe! (lol)
Hey Paul,
It was a good article anyway. I always enjoy them. I spent time in the Air Force myself, then in the Navy Reserves. I always spent my two weeks at SIMA Pearl Harbor. I remember reading a Navy magazine once, and there was an article about some ship captain’s adventures. He talked about letting go of six shots of anchor chain. I asked everybody I worked with “how much is a shot of chain”? nobody knew. One of life’s unanswered questions.
Hey hey hey, I know the answer, and have never skippered anything bigger than my 4 metre alloy dinghy. A “shot” is 15 fathoms. Now why I know that, I don’t know, but I did, and I’m proud of it!
Actually, the older I get, the more amazed I am with the volume of stuff that floats around in my grey matter. And I’m only fifty, what’s it gonna be like when I’m 80. Loads more maybe, but perhaps I won’t be able to put it in any chronological order by then!!!!!!!
Jim;
I ask myself that very same question “Why do I know that?” or “Where on God’s green Earth did I learn that?” Yet, I try to covert metric to inch’s no clue!
Hudson & Jim
I’m pulling in behind Jim and agree with him “A Shot of chain: A unit of length used for anchor chain on ships, = 15 fathoms = 90 feet” But the real question for Hudson is where the heck was he dropping the hook, the Marians Trench?
Hey Paul,
Even when you have nothing to say you make it interesting. Keep up the good work.
Loren; (Big P)
Thank you buddy, but it’s anything but work. (LOL)
Paul,
We all get brain freeze every once in awhile. Nothing a few adult beverages can’t take care of lol. You know you could have always started another project. That would have surely given you plenty to write about. Anyway you did a super job of writing about nothing, which says you are very accomplished and can get peoples attention with humor. Take care and hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.
Mr. Duck;
Start another project??? Please put that beer down and think about that! (lol) Christmas shopping is next and Obama tried to bribe us with a pay raise on our retirement money. I found it odd that the three years before they couldn’t afford it but for a re-election… I take the money as it’s mine, and vote for a Republican.
Had a great Thanksgiving here, hope you did too.
Writers block or not… You still got a laugh out of a lot of people
Mike K;
That is my goal, I love a good laugh and assume others do also. Thank you for your great comment!
True…true… But, you know what you do when you assume right? Back in the days at Ft. Hood, I had a roommate and that was his favorite saying.
Mike K
I know that saying well, but I try just to make an ass out of them, then I go get a cold beer.
Paul,
You have helped so many people with your writings and personal e-mails it’s time somebody helps you.
So let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of the situation. Being a fellow retired salior of the Pacific myself it seems to me that you are starting to get some cabin fever. In which the redundency of everyday has a bit of a bore to it. So what I suggest you do is after the Holidays is dust of you and your Asawa’s seabags and take a vacation from your vacation. Go to Boston and see you brother and take in a few ball games and look around and see what the people stateside have to deal with.
Then when you get back You’ll kiss the very soil you house was built on. Or go to Singapore and see you daughter. But all in all take a break and go some where.
I remember when I told you I could not wait to get there and you response was this. Take you time and do it right the Philippines is not going anywhere soon.
So get that vacation the Philippines is not going to disappear if you leave for a few weeks.
Hello Bruce;
I have lost the urge to travel anymore. My wife never had it, albeit she has traveled Asia with me, but in the long run she’d rather be at her house and around her family. My daughter Yhen (Ymir Thea) will be home the first of the year to stay awhile and I’m looking so forward to that. This is the girl that lights up any room she’s in.
I’ll wait till you get here and then you can join the group with our ladies and do lunches and cold beers when ever we want. Life is god here, New England, I’ve been there and done that!
Paul,
Then the next best thing is during Baseball season go to Frontrow sports.com and you can watch all your red sox game live on line. Relaxation is good daughter and the midgets are in Tampa for Tankgiving an leave for good on 16 Dec to live. OH MY GOD what am I going to do with all this quiet time? Asawa already dragged me out to BINGO last friday. The funniest thing is I went to the commisary and bought groceries like I always do about 300.00. when I got home my Asawa just look at me and said “Alright Mister It’s just me and you now who is going to eat all this food before it goes bad!” Right then and their I new that She was taking over command of the Ship and things were going to change forever on the 16 of Dec. Where is that SMB when you need it most. I lost my crew and now I’ve lost my Command Guess I’ll just have to sail to Paridise and console my greif with SMB, Friends, and Bull.
By the way have you ever thought of starting a Dear Paul column Somethng like a (DearAbbey). and combine it with The Rest Of The Story?
Bruce;
If I had to do an advice column I’d have but one answer for every question; “Stop whining, then take two aspirins and soak it!” (LOL)
Paul
Great sense of humor you have writing a article about nothing.
For me sitting here “still” in RI any article you write about the quirkiness of how day to day things are done there in RP are very interesting to me.
Neal;
Yesterday I was sitting with two friends and the subject of toilets came up and we wondered why in the Philippines they cement them to the floor. I told them it might be because then they are harder to steal. Do you see where my life has gone to? I love it!
Well played, Paul, well played.
Eric;
Thank you sir! The truth is, I didn’t even know I was still in the game! (LOL)
Hey Paul, you always have a lot to say. even if it’s nothing..and I always like reading your articles and FB status. 🙂 Some people can make something out of nothing and that’s you..whatever you write, it’s always interesting and fun! 🙂
Sugar;
That was kind of you to say. I also enjoy reading your point of view on life here in the Philippines.
Hi Paul,
I’m in kind of the same slump as you are. Though I’m not required to write a weekly article, I try to structure my days to have a goal for the day. Usually just a bicycle ride through the neighborhood, it’s refreshing.
In the Philippines, wife Daisy and I always go for a short bike ride through the neighborhood at about 6:30 am (coolest time of the day) she won’t ride at any other time of the day.
May I suggest to you to do something similar? Simply walking or riding through the neighborhood presents a multitude of observations of daily life. In my walkabouts in the Philippines I could describe thousands… To me it brings the experience of daily life into focus… The well scrubbed and well dressed school kids… the carabao in the field… the guy fishing in the creek… little kids playing basketball on the deserted street… the variety of sari stores… I miss my life there so much.
Why do I do this here in the US? Just to calibrate my focus.
I am ‘Between Jobs’ at present and spent the whole summer in FL building my roofed patio; then to discover that the company I was contracting for had pulled back the budget because of the winding down of the middle east shipping requirements. Still looking for work.
I always look forward to your Mon. a.m. articles, due to your down to earth perspective.
Jade
Hi Jade;
When I sit out front of the house in the morning on a cool pretty day with a cup of coffee. I watch and say good morning to everyone that passes by. I get smiles and nods in return, and a lot of goofing with the little ones off to school. Bike riding on a mountain would not be for me unless I hire some folks to push me up the hills. In the future I’ll write about my walks with Coco the Flying Labrador, she has a vest for life and loves to play with any kid she sees. Good luck and I hope you can get out to sea soon, even after ten years I still miss it once and a while. You’ll get back here soon, because it’s what you want.
Paul, the tone of this post had me worried a bit. It sounded as though you were retiring from here too lol!. Well, I am pleased that you only had a brain fart. Do not leave us, you are too good at jotting down stories on your puter. Thanks for the laughs, Joe
Joe;
Leave LiP? No I think not, I receive a lot from the feedback and comments I get from you guy’s (and girls) I also enjoy reading the other articles and seeing their view of life here. So you’re stuck with my dribble awhile longer.
When I saw that fuel guage on empty I thought there might have been a real disaster that you had run empty on San Mig ! For an article that you say is about nothing, it still kept my interest. There is always something that can be written about so when you have nothing else to write about, just write about the many aspects of nothing !
Good one Paul !
Bob;
No San Magoo! I’d not even joke about something like that, I shiver to think about it. BTW: I already took care of next weeks article, but I know nothing will pop up again. (lol)
I guess on your next article, I will warn our non-sailor readers to make sure they know if your next story is a fairy tale or sea story. As we sailors know, Fairy Tale always starts like this: “Once upon a time…..” and Sea Story starts like this: “This is a No-Sh*tter, this happened to me ……”. I guess we are ready for your next article, Senior.
Mars
Hey Mars;
Well Shipmate, I used to crack up when I joined the service and heard “This is a no sh*tter.” It just made perfect sense to me. I was sailing on one ship with a guy the same age as me and he was wearing WWII Occupation Ribbons and swore they were his. So I guess that was the fairy tale.
Or the Captain at an Inspection who informed me that I was out of uniform. I smiled and said I really don’t think so skipper, then he pointed out my 4 hash marks that were red, and told me they should be gold. Count the Good Conduct Awards Sir, was my reply. I only had two, vice the three required. Oh well!
My apologizes to Mayang for mispelling her name. Must have been having a senior moment or thinking about my upcoming visit.
Edward;
I never noticed so that will be our little secret! (lol)
Paul,
There is another old adage that goes something like, “if you wait until the last minute to do it, it will only take you a minute”. I’ve found both comfort and discomfort from living that one.
WW
Wonderwall;
That comment was so good I put it on Face Book!
Well, Paul, with 43 comments and still counting, it looks like this article that’s supposed to be about nothing has so far generated more readers’ reactions than a few of the other ones you’ve written in the past about something, and other heavy articles on this site for that mattter. It can’t be the dark winters in Cape Cod or the hurricane in Puerto Rico or even your ex that are attracting the casual reader’s attention, I don’t think. It’s gotta be the humor that’s lurking in every other sentence that makes us all pause and take a second glance at everything you write, whether the tank is full or not. Then, too, there are the “I sh*t you not” sea stories you regularly churn out within your responses with natural aplomb that make it that much more entertaining to engage you. 🙂
The Saints just demolished the Giants, 49-24, btw.
Ricardo;
Me and the word aplomb in the same sentence, now that is a first for me. I said it so many times before, that I would not want to live in any world that lacked humor. I seek it out and try to bring it into the sunshine. I receive many e-mails every day and forward very few, if it didn’t cause me to laugh or at the very least smile I delete them quickly. I get some very funny comments here on LiP and enjoy each one.
Ricardo,
Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving with your family. Did you watch those football games on Thanksgiving. Dallas/Miami game was really good. Take care and be safe.
Paul, I remembered Fiesta in Olongapo (December I think), 1982. USS Carl Vinson and USS Enterprise (changing homeport) and USS MIDWAY and USS NEW JERSEY with their escort including my boat USS MEYERCORD FF 1058 sitting in Alava pier…some anchored out. The scene! Magsaysay and Rizal Ave closed to traffic. Tables, chairs, go-go dancers, bands are all out in the street. Three days weekend….sailors, marines, shore patrol; 72 hours of party! Can you see or imagine…this picture? I
Van Menne;
It’s still held every year in October, and they now only close Magsaysay. No more coochie girls dancing in the street, we’re a family values kind of town now, oh I sometimes miss those heady times back in the 70’s and 80’s.
Paul,
Ok there shipmate…enough of this ! Your not fooling us, you probably ran out of SMG for a day which in turn caused you to develop a case of magnesia (amnesia). So square away that uniform(shorts), put on those feet protective devices (sandals), march (stroll) down to the local merchandising establishment (sari sari store). Upon arrival process the appropriate paper work(pesos), secure said SMG (place in hand) and verify (drink 1) to verify (it’s cold) product integrity. After which transport a gross (2 cases) to your berthing area (back home) and set the watch (drink to recoup) from your magnesia. 🙂
Keep the weekly POD comming there mate, there are times I have to pull myself up from the floor for laughing so hard at your escapades(stories). Oh and have you been able to find the “ano” since moving back there? I been looking for 35+ years and can’t locate that frigging “ano” for the life of me 🙂
John;
Aye aye SIR! I understand your order and I will comply
Then my wife will ask me; “Honey have you seen my ano?” “Which ano, my love as every thing here seems to be an ano!” I reply.
Hello Paul,
Would enjoy to chat sometime and also need assistance in finding a house in the Subic area. If you could, please e-mail me. I hope to hear from you soon.
Frank
Frank;
I have no idea how to find real estate here, I’ll assume there are agents but that is something I’ve never dealt with. Send an e-mail to Mr. Martin (Contact us section) and he will forward it to me. I’ll try to help in any way I can.
BTW: I do have a phone number of the people who deliver beer to your front door! (lol)
Paul,
You caught my attention with the fuel gauge! I was sure your “new” old car had been caught up in some dire situation! I was hoping it was not while on a SMB run! Then as I started to read the article my eyes filled with tears as I was sure I was reading for the last time the humorous pieces I look for every Monday (or when I can get to the internet) to read! I was so thankful at the end it was just your lack of “man cave” time this week! I suggest one trip out with the family, an afternoon with a few cold ones and a nice relaxing evening with a few more cold ones! That should get your mind back working! Waiting on next week!
Steve;
It was not my intention to cause people to think I was departing LiP. Because that won’t happen until they pry my cold fingers from my keyboard, or Bob tells me I’ve sent in the same article 3 times running. I’ll toddle off later to the man cave bang a nail into a piece of wood I keep there. and then reward myself with a beer.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
The Philippines is a country for relaxation and friendly conversation with locals like myself,, We Filipinos like to entertain westerners and be friends with them, BUT be CAREFUL cause some FILIPINO specially Muslims or, less uneducated locals think all westerners have money and will try to get some advantage out of it, I think it’s stupid, as for them, just another day to get some money.
For your safety
1. don’t trust locals you just met, don’t show them or let them feel you have money.
2. Level with them
3. be friendly but not to friendly
4. know their background, IF we/she have job or a college graduate you’re safe but if not you might be in trouble.
5. AS FOR BUSINESS, never invest large amount of money cause it might go to waste, try to invest right amount of money and if it boom you’re in a right direction and start investing more, be friendly to customer, talk to them.
6. some of you are in Mindanao, so be extra vigilant. (terrorism and REBELS)
7. find or search for another foreigners.
But Philippines is a very cheap and fun place to live in so have fun, relax and enjoy, don’t think of work too much cuz this country is made to for fun.
Philippines 186 – Your comment is very offensive, especially when you single out Muslims. I have lived in Mindanao for 12 years, and been visiting here for more than 20 years. Based on your ignorant comment, I would guess that you have never been to Mindanao. The arrogance and offensiveness of your comment basically makes the whole thing worthless in my eyes.
Philippine186;
I guess you don’t work for the Chamber of Commerce or the Philippine Tourism Board. Thanks for your advice, even though I’ll try to ignore it.
it might be offensive sir but it could save lot of foreigners, because if something happen to foreigners here in The Philippines we’re the one will be blamed or be in trouble by other countries. im not being stereo type sir. Not all muslim are like that
You are stereotyping people, your words are very clear. And, the way you bad mouth Mindanao, I am quite sure you have never even been here, so why should anybody listen to you?
i was born in Mindanao, sultan kudarat in specific,,my cousin died in the Maguindanao massacre,, And oh yeah we left mindanao in 2001 because of the conflict between the MILF and NPA. so easy to say I know Mindanao as much as you do
It’s good that you tell other foreigners that the Philippines is a paradise and that there are only small amount of negativity in the Philippines. It’s good specially for us Filipino. But the problem is that foreigners will expect much in the Philippines and when they come here they will be dissapointed, or worse, be kidnap, be a victim of theft, hold up, or even be an hostage by the rebels.
But yeah beside those things the Philippines is a paradise IF you know where to go. but surely some don’t.
There is no paradise on earth. The Philippines is not paradise. It’s a nice place to live, in my eyes, but it’s not paradise.
Philippine 186
There are 185 before you? You have taken time out your busy life to explain the pitfalls and dangers of living in your beautiful country. Where would “YOU” recommend foreigners live. Is there any safe spot where we can live and not be kidnapped, killed or robbed? Would we be safer in a large American or European city? Tune in Monday and read about the dangers of living in my Barangay. It will bring fear to your heart.
batanes, palawan, subic bay, boracay, bohol, vigan, ilagan, bagyo city, isabella (banaue rice terraces), some parts of mindanao, legazpi city,
view the scenery of Batanes in youtube. very nice
i’m still a college student, and yesterday is saturday no class
Philippine186;
I live outside the back gate of Subic Freeport in Bataan, you’re right it’s very safe.
Alright, all you guys all need need to conduct a paradise check with realty. Why do we call the the Philippines a paradise? It must be paradise and we can see it in no other way. It’s not a distorted view or realty, nor is a dream that we all live in. If by chance we would all question the sanity of living here in our true paradise whilst acknowledging many simple things that we overlook on an everday basis. Like the ever present jungle infiltration of NPA communist rebels, the Abu Sayyaf Muslum terrorist groups in the south, other splintered Jungle militia groups, and a few rougue jungle based Negrito tribes that still could be tempted to an occasional beheading for old times sake. Then there is the everpresent Bolo Justice, drive buy shootings of americans, and kidnappings for ransom. Don’t forged the powerful political corruption at all levels right down to the street level cons, scammers, taxi cab drivers, and grocery store clerks. Then the noise with the chickens, dogs, tricyles, jeepneys, construction, demolition, and karaoke. It’s none of these things that bother us. And aside from all that, we have not overlooked the fact that there are 18 “Active” Volcanoes lined up across this archipelago paradise. If an expat can simply put all that aside to live in peace and harmony in a land far, far away, it is evidence enough that this must truly be a paradise! However, there is one thing that could possibly force expats to revise their perception of their paradise. That one important event could make even that hardest of all expats to consider fleeing this proclaimed paradise. And that would be if the supply of San Miguel either dried up, was diminished in any way, or potentially absconded by pirates. I for one would consider the paradise rug being pull out from under me an act of meanness. Only the, IMHO, it may be time to leave paradise!
I personally have never called the Philippines paradise. I have always said that there is no paradise here on earth. The Philippines is a great place, but it’s far from paradise.
Bob;
It’s true about no paradise, but this will do till the real thing shows up.
Randy;
Your list is extensive and a tad scary, but you’re right the loss of SMB is my scare factor. Although I have wondered, is the beer really that good; or could it be where we’re sitting when we drink it?
Paul, it’s the SMB that really is that good. I know because I once sat there and drank Red Horse. Very soon my world was not good at all.
Mike;
As with you I tried Red Horse, and found it lacking. If one has no desire to finish the night it’s a good way to go, like 151 Rum. What is the point? SMB for me and I like SanMig Light also.