Here on the Archipelagos’ known as the Republic of the Philippines, there are varied weather systems, depending on where you live. I live on the Island of Luzon which has a rainy season or monsoon if you will. This phenomenon came as no surprise to me since the first trip here, low those many years ago, was during that very season.
I’ve encountered monsoons before here in Asia, and in India, Africa and South America. It occurs pretty much along latitude 15 degrees North around the Globe. Now, don’t we all feel better for knowing this?
I’m going to explain how this has worked out for me while living here in Bataan during the month of June 2011. This is not going to be a gripe session as I fully knew what I was signing up for when I purchased the land and built our house here. The past 10 days starting on 17 June until 27 June, it has rained, and I mean non-stop, frog drowning rain, and knowing that down in the flatlands below our mountain, there has been flooding, so I’ve pretty much stayed home to avoid getting wet or Heaven forbid, being stuck down there with no way to get back home. We owe it all to Tropical Storm Meari, Ya gotta love that name. Being a weather forecaster here has got to be the easiest job in the country, all they have to say everyday is “There is a 50% chance of rain.” And they’ll never be wrong.
Without a bit of preparation it can become a tad stressful, being held captive by the weather. Cabin Fever I believe is one of the names that it’s called. And I also now have a better understanding of the months of no daylight they put up with in the far North around Alaska, since I was on a ship up there during the winter operating out of Dutch Harbor, on the Island of Unalaska. But here I am experiencing the same thing in the Philippines. Who took my sun?
So what do I do, I could watch a lot of TV, but the dream satellite system works about 15 minutes out of every hour, due to the hard rain. But I’m well prepared for that. Before the rain I stocked up on DVD’s from the vendor in Olongapo. He sells only legal DVD’s, and this I know because he sells them right in front of the Police Station. I don’t buy movies as the quality is low, what with all the people getting up in front of the cameraman to use the restroom or going to buy snacks. So I purchase TV series, by the season. The one I’m watching this month is six years of MacGyver. You’d not believe how many MacGyver-isms I’ve learned. I find myself carrying a matchbox with paperclips and other odds and ends everywhere I go. Not much I can’t fix or jury rig. I have also learned that if it moves use WD-40, if it doesn’t move use Duct-Tape, as a rule of thumb.
But for the most part, I prefer to read, and being old fashioned I still use books (For those with Kindles, you’ll need a dictionary, which BTW also comes in a book format) just turn on some music, and settle in the chair and read.
On June 23rd the rain let up in the morning, and Mayang and I jumped into our new old car and raced to re-stock our larboard at Subic Freeport, while stopping to pay the P .20 toll I put my power window down, and discovered that it liked being down, and refused to come back up, and you know that the next thing to happen was the rain had started falling. Bless that guy named Murphy!
Did you know that if you drive fast with your window open you’ll not get that wet, wet yes, but not that wet. This was my first time to find that out. Knowledge is power! It was a worthwhile trip as many need items were re-stocked, like canned beer in assorted flavors, two types of rum, and gas for the generator.
Now the reason for the brownout is because of the great planning by the electric company, who build their transformer and switching station on low land, so as the water will rise, the power will go off, which is far better than seeing the glowing employees that have to work there, becoming electrocuted.
Now to move on to what can only be called the best political spin job on earth. Every year prior to the rain, the city of Manila reports to its citizens that the city is 90% ready for the rain. So they are covered, because any area that does flood must be in that ten percentile that was not ready. I could not have spun it better myself.
So the next dry day, I will take the new old car and get the window fixed, I’ll visit with my friend and we’ll tell lies about how we survived the inclement weather. The past will be relegated to the past where it belongs, and the cold beers will be consumed, because we like it here, come rain or shine!
This is really good stuff 🙂
Michael;
Thank you, but I was not that happy about the window stuff, I’ll get over it! (lol)
LOL! What a fun article to read. I’m a little disappointed that after watching all those MacGyver episodes and you weren’t prepared when your window go stuck. You should have had duct tape and clear vinyl or plastic bags with/on you, MacGyver would have! 😉
Miss August;
I found that episode in season three, after the window got stuck, but MacGyver would have been proud of my use of the trash bag. I’ll stock up on clear ones for the future! (lol)
Hi Paul,
That murphy guy sure gets around doesn’t he? And always unannounced!
And then there is Ockham’s razor, which states that the simplest explanation is best, or the simplest design is best…like a crank window Vs. a power window.
You know if they put the transformer close to the river, it makes all the fishes float to the top when the river rises …just to feed the masses.
Hudson;
I’ve been dragging that Murphy with me for way too many years, As I said above, I am rethinking power windows the next time around.
You can spot the electrocuted fish at the market, they’re the ones with the really big eyes!
Paul,
Do you have all the “House” Episodes too. He’s good for some laughs too. My G/F down in Pilar was lucky not to have any flooding. At least you got a break to get the essentials for survival. Without SMG you might have went through withdrawals. By the way how much did your mechanic charge for fixing your window. Probably next to nothing. Glad you survived the monsoon no worse for wear. And theres no place else you would want to live. Have a nice day!
Mr. Duck! (I just wanted to do that LOL)
Oh yes, you can buy all the House episodes and legally too!
I’m glad to hear your Lady escaped the flooding, that is always good news.
My car is home again after 9 days in the shop, but you’ll have to read next weeks pirated epsode here on LiP to find out about the cost of window repairs.
Mr. Duck! (I just wanted to do that LOL)
Oh yes, you can buy all the House episodes and legally too!
I’m glad to hear your Lady escaped the flooding, that is always good news.
My car is home again after 9 days in the shop, but you’ll have to read next weeks pirated epsode here on LiP to find out about the cost. (lol) A day without SMB is like a day without sunshine, even on a cloudy day!
What is the cost of a season set of DVD’s there. My wife likes Little house on the prairie, etc and I kind of like them too and I would like to watch the MacGyver ones too. Planning on moving back to Olongapo in a couple of months and I certainly don’t want to bring anything I don’t need. A couple years ago we were really into some local soap opera there and had to leave just before the final episodes. The last three time my wife and I were there it hardly ever rained. Looking forward to some rain.
Loren;
I’ll give you the six seasons of MacGuyver I have! But they cost about P40, per each piece, with 22 episodes on each one. I have a vast selection of old and some new TV discs, that I’ve collected, I like all the HBO series. I think you can also find Tagalog TV also, but I’ve never looked.
As for the rain, it’s sunny today (4 July) and there was no red sky this morning so it should be a nice day. If your coming to Olongapo give me a shout when you get in.
Paul,
PS–Please don’t drink all of the San Miguel, looking forward to a few of those while watching the rain.
Loren;
I’d be hard pressed to drink them all, but I do put a dent in them! I posted this on Face Book last Saturday:
Sometimes when I reflect on all the beer I drink, I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn’t drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. I think, “It is better to drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.”
My sentiments exactly. Since you are kind enough to save a few of the San Miguel’s I will certainly buy you one or two when I get there.
Loren;
I’ll gladly accept that offer!
you are a very funny man!
i hope your humour rubs on to the world, rain or shine.
cheers,
Alfre
True Paul is very funny and now he convinced me to drink beer again.lol Love reading your article always Paul!
Dexter;
Oh great put the blame on me! (lol) That first ice cold beer on a really hot day, (oh hell, even if it’s rainy and cool) tastes so refreshing and it give me a feeling of wonderment and a fresh outlook on life, or somewhat blurred. I just might have a cold one today!
Alfre;
I’m going out on a limb here and guess that you’re British? It might have been the Union Jack or the way you spelled Humor, never-the-less thank you for your complement and I’m happy I caused you to smile!
Cheers to you also!
Paul,
Glad to see your finding a way to enjoy the rain! Just think you killed 2 birds with one stone also! You got to travel home and get a shower at the same time! I am just hoping you will turn off the shower during my visit in late August! I need a few days of good weather then. I am not buying a plane ticket for Mr Murphy for this trip, but I am sure he will find a way to come there anyways!
Thank you for giving me a smile today! Always enjoy reading your articles!
Hi Steve;
Mr. Murphy lives in the Nipa hut next-door, we’ve had sunny days with a 50% chance of rain, but that doesn’t always pan out. But to show that I have faith in the weather, my buddy and I have the same birthday next week, (Our Birthday is the 13th, but the party is on the 9th as its a Saturday.) and we’re having the party on Baloy Beach. Talk about spitting in fates eye. BTW; Mr Murphy is invited!
If I caused you to smile, my work here is done! (lol)
Paul,
Stop by Lucky Mike’s and buy yourself a taco and beer as a gift from me! Mike had some good tacos last time I was there! Happy early Birthday wishes to you!
Mike’s on Fender Street, behind Station “B”? The best Taco I had was on Fender Street, in a bar owned by Orlando Gaza. or OG’s Point.
Close your eyes, toss a stone in the air, and you will hit one of two things, a stray dog, or a bar with Mike in it’s name!
But thanks for the birthday greeting, the party is this Saturday at the Wild Orchard on Baloy beach, the 13th is on Wednesday, and that’s both a school and work day. My friend has the same day as me so we’re doing it together. (The party that is!)
Paul,
Lucky Mike’s is a Sari-Sari store right down the road from the Wild Orchard going towards Johan’s Beach Resort. It would be on the right side of the road. Big writing on the wall so kind of hard to miss. If you happen to see him, tell him I said hello!
Steve;
I’ll be there today and look it up! My birthday party is at the Wild Orchard today, tonight and tomorrow, Hey I might not make it to age 64 AGAIN!
Have fun celebrating! I am sure you will need to walk off some of those San Miguels! Have a great weekend party!
Steve;
From what I remember, It was a great time!
Thats hilariouis. Legal movies where people stand up in front of the camera man. I have to admit so of them are pretty good and I dont notice til half way thru. I frequent the same “legal” dvd store so the lady tells me which ones to buy. Its p40-50 in Manila. It doesnt matter what the show is, pretty much is the cost of the blank dvd.
Its my first monsoon season. Falcon brought in a lot of rain and was feared to be as bad as olongoy (sp?) in 2009. The city never announced it until well into the storm.
I am not much of a McGyver fan, but learned a few tricks from the A team when BA would cobble up some contraption to get them out of trouble.
Don;
P 40 to 50 sounds about right. I cracked up one time while watching that Roman Shitkicker named “300”. I kept hearing cell phones ringing, I even answered mine twice until I figured it out. That cameraman must have had a tripod, because it wasn’t bad.
I hope you live in the 90% section of Manila that’s ready for the rain. The local weather get all there from the weather channel, which I believe is on time delay here, that will explain why they announce the weather after it happens.
Well, the one good thing about the rain is that I dont bother washing my car as much. Its brand new, 2000 km on it and already two major dings from my encounters in Manila traffic. The dirt hides the scratches.
Hi Don;
I have rolled my car out the gate to wet it down, then back into the carport to soap it and back out to rinse it. My neighbors think I’m insane, but the district keeps shutting off my water. New car and dings! I rest my case for keeping my new/old car.
Just call it “liquid sunshine” Paul……we get the rain here in Cebu, but nothing like that. I remember those sweltering, rainy days in Subic, but I usually found a “gin mill” to help release the stress of the downpours….:)
Greg;
I can relate to what you talked about, years ago when picking my gin mill, it was never the cost of the beer, clean CR’s or even if the A/C was working, nor how friendly the ladies were. It was the condition of the roof, first and foremost.
Hi Paul,
Just finished with the first monsoon of the rainy season here in Florida. Last night was a a heller. Wind rain, wow!
Trying to complete putting in the air-shocks to sell mom’s ’74 Le Mans. Didn’t get it completed, but sold it for $4500.00 any way! Today! HURRAY!!!
I spent a week repairing my ’87 BMW passenger electric window (sluggish grease turned to wax) a couple of weeks ago – Damm wish I wasn’t so talented, then I could just ask someone to do it for me; for $$$.
Jade
BTW, mom’s car had manual crank windows, AM radio, not FM (AM American Music vs FM Foreign Music) and no aircon; a car from Wisconsin, why, or why not… It was in its original showroom condition. She cared for it well.
I sold it for money to pour the concrete slab for my patio (‘terrasce’, as Daisy says).
Jade
Jade;
1974 mint condition Le Mans, classic! No A/C? The patio sounds like a great idea!
Jade;
I can remember those gully washer Florida rains, I was on I-4 heading to Tampa when one hit, I could not see the hood ornament on my Lincoln and my wipers were just toying with me. I stopped under an overpass and thought I was n a Wal-Mart parking lot.
Hi Paul – I though it was just my imagination but it has rained here almost daily since the year has begun. I thought I might have to change my name to Noah and build an Ark. Fortunately we also live in the high ground but apart from touch wood the odd minor landslide which reduces the road width it has not stopped us geting out and about.
I must confess though incessant rain does get me down as it limits what can be done outside.
I wonder when I’ll be able to keep my car clean two days on the trot but since I’m not the one to clean it who cares.
As I’m writing this reply to you low and behold the sun is shining but like yesterday I’ll bet the afternoon and evening is wet.
Talking of wet since I’m not going to walk around in the rain I’ll just have to let the cold SM’s keep me wet inside.
Kind regards.
Jim.
Hi Jim;
“It has rained here almost daily” that got me to thinking about the Pag-Asa predicting the weather using the 50 percent method. I still wash and wax my own car, as my wife lets me! and the beer tastes better when your working. With the Christmas Season starting next month it will help us take our minds off the weather, albeit it might increase our beer intake!
Paul why do you live on a mountain and not the beach, after all you were a sailor! My answer is simple, I’ve been there and I’ve done that. After losing a house and a night club to tidal surges caused by a hurricaine, why would I think a typhoon would treat me any better?
Paul,
Ahh Christmas Season, your favorite time of year when you enjoy going to the mall with your whole family lol. You know you can get in the Christmas mood by putting up your Christmas Tree tommorrow. Remember its Christmas in July. Take care.
Papa Duck;
Don’t mock it, Christmas Season will be starting soon! (lol)
Hi Pau – Update update just after I posted my reply to you, yes it started to rain it never had the decency to wait till the afternoon.
Regards.
Jim.
Jim;
Would it be any other way?
Thanks for another good read Paul. If anything is going to break down it is going to be when you need it the most. I wonder if commercially manufactured DVDs there are ” Region Coded ” as they are here in the USA. This was established by the major movie companies to ( kind of ) prevent new releases from playing in other parts of the world until they wanted them to be released. Some of the comments here tell me part of it LOL. USA is Region 1, UK I think is Region 2 and I think Asia including Philippines is Region 8. There are such things as ” all Region ” DVD players. I am wondering is anyone is able to play Region 1 DVDs there on a DVD Player bought in Ph.
On almost any dvd player, you can type in the model and hack code and get information to change the region. If you buy your dvd in the Phils, it will be region free (ie pirated)!
Don;
Oh thank you, thank you! There was no way I could have answered Bob’s question with any degree of accuracy.
Thanks for the info, I was thinking the other way around, bring DVD from the USA ( legit, manufactured, not bootleg or pirated ) will they play on a store bought non-modified player purchased in Ph.
Bob;
You can keep your collection of DVD’s plus copy them and sell them in front of the Police Station!
Bob;
Thank my lucky stars Don helped answer your question, because I had no idea, but I do know that when my friend lets me borrow his stateside movies I can watch them. Now Don did elude to the fact that they are pirated movies here, but since I mentioned above that I buy mine in front of the Police Station, I can’t picture that being true. (sic)
Hi Paul T: Give us some of your rain. We are in New Mexico, U.S….hot, dry, and our mountains are on fire. I’m hoisting my large American flag up and watch the city fireworks tonight. Happy 4th of July!
Roselyn;
If I could box it up and ship it to you I would, most happily, most of my plants are now taking swimming lessons. I had read recently that fireworks were mandated by the country’s founding fathers to celebrate the 4th of July. The cities would love to do away with them but, by law can’t. Or it could just be another Urban Legend, but fly you flag high, and enjoy the United States 235th Birthday, and stay safe.
Hi Paul T: We had a great celebration for the 4th of July. We celebrated with our large American flag on its pole, hotdogs, apple pie w/vanilla ice cream, cokes, fireworks …..and later in the evening watching a black & white all-night show on the twilight zone! I’m glad to know the cities can’t do away with the fireworks. It was an awesome show! (Our city does not allow fireworks anymore as it is a fire hazard; so the city’s show is the ultimate 4th of July Birthday celebration.) My husband asked me if the Philippines celebrated the 4th as well. I believe that it has changed. Has it?
Roselyn;
No the 4th of July is just another rainy day here with no celebration to speak of. My buddy in the states asked me a similar question as your husband did, only he put it like this; “Paul, do they have a 4th of July in the Philippines? To which I responded; “I’m sure the 4th is on every calender world wide!” That’s why I smiled when your husband clarified his with “Do they celebrate..”
But it sounds like you and your family had a great day, and for that I’m happy for you, I’ll celebrate vicariously through our stateside LIP readers!
Hi Paul: When I was in the elementary grades in the Philippines, PI celebrated the 4th of July because that was also the date that the U.S. gave it its independence. My WWII late Filipino-American father celebrated the 4th of July for both countries (as he fought in the Philippines); U.S. & PI flags. I believe that the Philippines changed its date to be different. I can’t remember now as my family moved to the U.S. when I was young. Perhaps, that is why my husband asked as he remembered my father during the 4th of July with his barbeques and beer in California. Great memories for July 4th!
Roselyn;
As with my father who was also a member of “The Greatest Generation”, they will live on forever in our hearts, as long as we remember their values and what they taught us. I have similar recollections of BBQ’s on Cape Cod on July 4th, and in Boston with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops playing the William Tell Overture at the Shell on the Charles River, with the fireworks in the background. Hey I just got a little misty, and I’m kinda’ proud I did.
Hi Paul T: I need to clarify that my late father was a WWII veteran who fought in the Philippines. By the way Paul, I think the “man upstairs” heard you. He sent us rain! Thanks.
Roselyn,
Glad you had a nice 4th of July and finally getting some rain. I’ve been reading about all the wildfires on the Indian Reservation and Los Alamos. Hopefully the rain will help put them out. Take care, be safe.
Hi Papa Duck: Thanks. I wished my older brother a happy 4th of July by calling him in the Philippines. No more celebrations there he said as the independence day has been changed as we knew it when we were young. He was very happy that I called. I hope that you had a good 4th as well.
As for the wildfires in Los Alamos, it is getting very close to the research facilities. They might have to call upon the firefighter corps that they sent to Kuwait. Our city is 2 hours drive in the desert, so we don’t have to worry about the fires (nothing to burn in between). Have a great week.
Roselyn;
My Dad was a Navy Chief patroling on the North Atlantic during WWII, hero’s one and all! I’m happy it rained, but if you think back, it always rains on the 4th of July, my Mother told us, that the fireworks caused it. Ya gotta’ believe your mother!
Hello Paul,,,This happened to me and my wife when we were on vacation in Florida one summer. The rental car AC shutdown and the power windows would not open…Talk about being hot,,this was weird. I think getting wet was a better deal than cooking yourself inside a hot car.Stay safe up north we live in Bohol.
Ralph;
When I was running the Navy Commissary in Puerto Rico, my car was in the shop. One of my 3rd Class Petty Officers gave me a ride home in his car. He had a woofer speaker that filled his trunk, and we drove with pounding crap (I meant RAP) stuff (I can’t call it music either) and with all the windows up, but no A/C. “Jose, why by all that is holy, are your windows up?” I asked. He looked me dead in the eye, and told me because it looks so cool! Thank god I liked him! Plus what do I know about cool?
Alright Paul, You either have a bad window switch, or broken wire on the drivers side. One way to close the window is to remove the door interior panel. find the wire leads going to the motor, isolate them, and hook direct power from the battery to the window motor. Reversing the polarity makes the motor go the other way, unless of course you have broken the strap in the regulator, then you must raise and block the window up manually until you get a new regulator. Easy fix!
Dave;
After reading your simple fix, I knew I did the right thing by putting it in the shop. Now if you want to hear about what was wrong with the window, you’ll have to tune in to LIP next Monday and read my article on what happened at the repair shop. Don’t you like the way I rope you into reading my next post?? Next weeks made me laugh until I cried!
I don’t think Paul can do this while driving…lol..just messing
Jonathan;
I’ve been driving since 1963, my wife has been driving for 10 years, and she knows she’s the better driver. So I’ll sit on the right-side with my cold beer and smile!
Senior:
A rainy day in PI is better than a working day in the States. Besides it allowes you to catch up personnel time with the wife and complete all those honey dues you never got around to doing.
As far as you car window and Murphy they were just testing you on how well you payed attention to Macgyver. You failed the TEST you could not jerry rig the window to go up so you had to endure a shower going home.
Mike;
A typhoon day is better than any working day anywhere!!!! But you’re right I did fail the MacGyver test, but I did well on the driving fast part. BTW; I’m pretty much out of the “Honey Do’s” business as she thinks she has to be the one, because I’m old now!
I might be an old dog, but I can still bury the bone! (from a Waylon Jennings song, called Old Dogs)
I remember those typhoons coming through when I was stationed there. Subic Bay naval base was always open for business, no “typhoon days” that I recall.
No tricycles to be found, so I put on my shorts, t-shirt, flip flops and carried my umbrella. Most of the time the rain was blowing sideways and the water was at least a foot deep in the streets. Never caught any diseases or funguses, but I was young and healthy in those days and probably killed pretty much any bug I may have caught by drowning it with San Miguel or Mojo.
Luckily I just had to walk from Natividad street which was just off Gordon, to the main gate.
Made it to muster on time every time but once, but that was OK because I beat the Chief in that day. Damn those were fun times.
Billy Mac
Now that brings back some good memories of sitting on a bar stool at one of the open bars on Magsaysay with your feet are dangling in flood water.
Neal;
Thanks for the memories!
Neal-
I liked the “Stoned Crow” for an open bar on Magsaysay, but for the most part I would hang out on Gordon street, or in my earlier days, Barrio Barretto and the legendary Subic City. I can’t count how many jeepneys I nearly fell out of.
Billy Mac;
You just hit on Neal’s favorite bar!
I still have a “Stoned Crow” t-shirt packed away somewhere. Of course it would be a very tight squeeze to even try to wear it now.
Billy Mac;
Put it on E-bay, you’ll make a few bucks off of that, me I’d frame it and put it behind my bar!
Billy Mac;
Shipmate, sitting in the Brown Fox waiting for curfew to lift so you can go back to the ship, Station “B” across the street with the PNP watching to make sure you didn’t go early. Those beers you had for breakfast, while the rain was flooding the floor with 6 inches of water, and then you go back to the States and try to tell that story to those non-believers.
Those were truly some fun days! How I’ve made it to 64, I’ll never understand! (lol)
Paul-
I used to TRY to tell people about the PI when I first got back, but I’m pretty sure everybody thought I was drunk and lying.
It is truly one of those things you can’t understand unless you were there. That’s why it’s always a pleasure to meet up with a shipmate somewhere and swap PI stories. They can go on for hours and nobody else knows what the hell you’re talking about.
My wife and I went back in early 2006 and stayed in Barrio Barretto at one of the more popular resorts (that’s named after a popular fruit). It wasn’t the same, but of course we were 25 years older and the fleet wasn’t in anymore. Still a lot of shipmates around, but nobody had to get up early the next morning to beat the Chief to muster.
But it was still nice as hell and the San Miguel was still cold and GOOD! We’ll be back for a visit next year around time for the beach bash, God willing.
Billy Mac;
Mango’s? In the 5 years you’ve been away there are so many new resorts that have been built. All the bars to the lest of Mango’s have been torn down and new ones are being built. Baloy beach is also growing fast. And the Subic Freeport is nothing but new resorts! On you next trip, give me a call and I promise they’ll be a cold San Magoo waiting for you!
Yup, and now I hear Mango’s is under new management. I hope things are going well for Tom and his kids.
I heard they tore down Islanders and the one next to it. Too bad, I kind of liked Islanders, it reminded me of the bars I used to frequent in the 70’s and 80’s – and they had a great collection of old time country music, including “Filipino Baby” by Ernest Tubbs.
You’ll definitely be contacted when we get back over there. In the meantime I’ll just have a Sam Adams and wish it was a San Miguel instead.
Billy Mac;
Islanders is gone and the bar beside it was owned by a guy named Ted (Shorty) Shorty’s played the oldest country music on Earth. But I have 1500 country albums and yes even “Filipino Baby” by Ernest Tubbs. Albeit it should have been “FilipinA Baby”. When you get over bring an empty hand and I’ll put that SMB into it and pump the air with shitkickin’ music!
It’s a deal! Hell, I might start looking to book a flight over there tomorrow!
Billy Mac;
Call me when you get in! (lol)
Billy Mac;
I’ll be here, and the beer is cold!
Hey Billy Mac,
I don’t remember the bars you mentioned but I sure would have liked the Islander with the music you mention. I always made a bee line to the 1622. Don’t know why, it wasn’t much of a place, had cold beer,– &– oh yes a very special Filipino Baby.
Back here in Grand Junction Colorado some of the Filipinos were trying to get a community going and had a Christmas party. I brought my Ernest Tubbs CD and played Filipino Baby with great pride and didn’t have good results. I took my CD and my beautiful Filipina asawa and went home.
.
Hey Loren-
The bar names changed all the time. When I was there, the big one was called “Heavy Metal”, straight out the gate to the left on Magsaysay after you crossed the infamous river. Of course there was also “Marilyn’s” 1 and 2, the” FTN Pub” and a hundred others I can’t remember the names of.
I usually made a bee-line to the “Sea Breeze Bar” on the left hand side of Gordon street. I also liked the “Tiger Lady” and a couple of other spots. But the “Sea Breeze” had one thing that was important to me at the time: They let me run a tab and pay it off every payday. You see, that way I always knew where my next San Miguel was coming from, and that was important to a 20 year old sailor.
I’m just curious. I’m a Filipino man living in NYC and was never a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Philippines so I’m definitely not part of this Subic (retired)military brotherhood. I guess I’m being nosey for reading all these comments but from an outsider’s point of view, I feel compel to say that I wish I was a part of this good old memories. I don’t even know where to go to purchase San Miguel Beer here.
My question is there are so many US military bases in the world like Rammstein, in England, Okinawa, Seoul, Alaska …. how come Subic seems to be the one everyone misses?
I’m quite sure folks who served in Germany during and after the cold war had tons of fun and excitement as well – Spaten beer and the frauleins. What is it about Subic that everyone is teary eyed when talking about their experiences? Please answer.
Rick;
Well you’ve call me to task, let’s see if I’m up to it. First with the military, its a bond forged by shared experiences and great personal danger. The Philippine part is simple to explain, a bunch of young scared kids on their first time so far from their home, no longer under the watchful eye of their parents, and they’re first time on an exotic tropical island with wonderful friendly people whom welcome you in to their country. I’m not just talking about the bar scene in Olongapo but during many out visit to remote parts of your country, where you are no longer a militaryman but a welcomed Kano. The great memories mixed with the desire to revisit our youth, will distort somewhat the a point of view you might have had. Speaking for myself, I fell in love with the country and people those long years ago, and I still have the same warm feelings that I had then. Others have their reasons, which I could not explain. Why do you like New York? (Hard to answer, isn’t it! LOL)
Hi Rick-
Paul and Loren said it very, very well. The camaraderie, good friends, being young and being away from home for the first time for many. The shared experience whether you were there in 1960 or 1990.
The people I met there, the Filipino civilian employees I worked with, were some of the friendliest and finest people I have ever met in my life. If you were lucky enough to be invited to a Filipino friend’s home, the hospitality you received was out of this world, something we weren’t used to experiencing in the US. The Philippines is an absolutely beautiful country, and the people match the beauty of the country.
And the best thing that ever happened to me was meeting and marrying my lovely wife of 32 years there. She’s the reason I am the happy and blessed man I am today. She’s the reason I grew up.
We would live in the Olongapo area today, but our daughter and granddaughter would have to stay here, and I ain’t going anywhere I can’t hold that grandbaby of mine every day.
If I had to guess, I would also say that some of us (speaking for myself), were too stupid to realize we were experiencing some of the best times of our lives at the time, and sometimes like to relive some of those experiences with like-minded people.
It’s kind of like when you won the State championship in high school. The only ones who experienced what you felt that day were the ones with you on the field that day.
It must be fantastic to be with a fantastic caring wife. You’re a very lucky man Billy Mac. Give’s me the desire to go back to the Philippines and find my bride – wherever she is. Your thoughts about the Philippines seem like a portrait of art to behold and coming from a person who is not a Filipino is truly gratifying and satisfying. However the world sees the Philipppines, whether good or bad, undoubtedly, there are many who approves of it.
Cheers,
Rick
Rick,
You can probably get San Miguel Beer at you local Filipino food store. But it isn’t the same in the US. I think its the preservatives but I’m not sure. Any way Olongapo was as unique a destination in its way much as Las Vegas is in its way. There will never be another of either. Pulling into a tropical port full of bars and beautiful friendly people is an experience found no where else on earth. And the American music was every where, preformed by talented singers that if you were not looking at them you could not tell that it was not the original back home artist doing the singing. Top this with the permissive attitude the authorities had to let the partiers party and good times were had and memories made. It was a unique time in a unique place, a once in a lifetime experience. A time and a place gone forever and I doubt that anything like it will ever be again. Sure, other ports were good, but for me none were as good as Olongapo or its people. It is much different now but still unique. I miss the old place but glad it has changed, changed for the better in my opinion, not for the young man on liberty but for the natives of the country.
Loren:
Very well said, All export SMB has a paper label, If you find it in US with the painted label you’ve got the real stuff!
Gentlemen,
Much oblidged for the insightful and if I may add, pleasant answer to my questions. Camaraderie, wether in the military, sports, university, or any form of organization, is truly something special and should be cherished forever.
When I was a young lad in Manila my father told me his war stories and from then on ,I was hooked on all military stuff. I’ve devoured WW2 books, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam war and now Iraq and Afghanistan. I’ve seen all those great war movies and Apocalypse Now’s the best. My point being nothing beats brotherhood in times of world conflict and the answers I received confirms it. I guess I can pretty much surmise that the Olongapo scene back from the 50’s to the 90’s were similar to those of the young G I’s and sailors experience in Honolulu before all hell broke loose.
Mr. Thompson as you know it’s tough to get a career going in the Philippines regardless if you have a Phd in Science or a lawyer. There just isn’t any future for a Filipino who is not either politically connected or wealthy, get ahead in his chosen profession in the PI. So my family and I moved to NYC to seek a better future. INDEED! I love the excitement in the Big Apple.
Mr. Pogue I think the spirit content in beers are regulated here in the US so this is probably why the SMB is different here as opposed to the Philippines – in a good way for the ex pats of course. Case in point: I went to Dublin with my buddies several years ago for a holiday and their Guinness are much frothier and fresher than what they serve in the pubs of NYC. Also my father once told me the Filipino is ” The Great Pretender in the world as they are adept at emulating or mimicking other nationalities especially in singing.
I work for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – Aviation Dept. and am planning to rent a place in Barrio Baretto for my retirement in 15 years. I think and plan in advance you see. I’ve already asked my cousin who lives in Metro Manila to scout Baretto for me.
BTW, the Port Authority was once located at the World Trade Center and my department was on the 64th floor of the North Tower. The lord was with me that terrifying day and he led me to safety. Praise the lord!!!!
-Rick
Rick,
Good Luck on your plans for retirement. 15 years must seem like a long time, but it will go pretty quick. I have 3 more years left before retirement and will be living in the Bataan area not too far from Subic. I’m glad the man up above was watching out for you on 9/11. Take care and have a nice day.
Likewise and thank you Papa Duck.
Rick;
Well if I and the other guys helped you out and answered your questions, I guess we’ve done our good deed for the day. I got a smile from your retirement plans, no more big cities for you! Stick with your plan, it’ll be worth it to to you in the future. Since you survived the World Trade Center on 911, you fully understand what I was talking about “A bond forged by shared experiences and great personal danger.” I’m pleased you commented on this article, don’t be a stranger!
Mr. Thompson,
Thank you very much for your tips regarding retirement. Yes it’s still quite sometime before I leave the rat race but am researching now so I know exactly when and where to go once I get my pension and SS to start “kicking in”. Social Security isn’t that promising but I made sure to save my own just in case. A bond forged by shared experiences is sacred especially to men who served in the military and that is why I have the utmost respect for people like yourself. You can say that I’m a little envious that I do not have that kind of bond with other fellows. I do have lot’s of buddies here but they’re not what you call bonding. I mean after work or after a few hours at the bar, we all go home to our respective homes. Then start all over again. It’s so repetitive that it truly becomes boring afterwards.
What I’ve learned from my experience on 9/11 is life is way too short. Live it to the fullest and I intend to.
Thank you for the welcome mat. I sure am going to drop a line when I’m not too busy at work. I do like your articles. The stories are pretty simple in content yet so engaging. Hope all is well for everyone.
Cheers,
Rick
Hi Rick;
Bonding is certainly not just a military thing, to know if it is working all you must do is know that your friend will back you up when the chip’s are down, if he will, than that’s bonding. And old joke explains it quite well:
A buddy will bail you out of jail, a real friend will be in the next cell, telling you what a great time you both had in getting there.
I have true friends who had never served in the military, for what ever reason, it’s never been a requirement to be my friend, all I ask is that they are a good man, there is nothing else required!
Hi, I love this post… nice article.. 🙂
Tripper10;
Thank you!
Mr. Thompson and all,
Just want to drop a line and wish everyone a good day.
Heard it on CNN News that an American and Chinese diver disappeared while diving or snorkeling for wreckrage. Did that unfortunate accident happened where you live?
Rick;
I’m sorry but I’ve heard nothing about it!
I was over there in 1985 via USS Midway and loved it! Is the stoned crow still there? I remember the Green Apple and Brown Fox and all that San Miguel and Mojo! Great times!
Curtis; (Shipmate)
Sadly they are all gone from our new improved (?) Olongapo City, it a family place now. But Subic City is still as wild as ever. Even the Barrio is full of resorts now but with a few hidden places that you might remember.