Last week I left off with Bruce his wife Ali and the Thompson’s were meeting again the following Saturday. Remember that the desk girl at his hotel corrected me Tuesday and said his sir name was Michelle instead of Michaels. The same girl and this time told me his last name was Mitchell. AH; a rose by any other name… Now I know you’re regretting not reading last week’s story, see what happens if you miss an episode?
Coffee on the patio at the Arizona resort, and off to Sit-‘N-Bull for breakfast. Change one mod II (Stay Flexible Paul) it was requested if we could eat at Texas Joe’s on Subic; it’s on the way to my house which was always part of the plan. Bruce’s mountain injuries were on the mend and he was ready for copious quantizes of meat and being that it’s cooked over a hickory fire didn’t deter his interest. I was informed that Bruce was pleased with the food at TJ’s so the trip may continue.
At approximately 1230 hours we arrived at Casa Mayang’s domicile on a mountain in Bataan. Bruce and Ali wanted to check out country living away from the noise and smells of the Barrio and Olongapo City. A boat drink was served, a quick tour of Mayang’s house was made and a trip through the purok was made. Mayang and Ali had started before us. We went up the hill and found that my friend Don Cook’s wife was in town setting the house up as Don couldn’t get here until December.
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Don’s wife joined us on our trip back to Mayang’s house and we found our wives at my sister-in-laws land, and then they joined us and the trip marched on. We stopped at my house as the rum drinks had gone empty; the three ladies went on without us. My neighbor Don Bullock (Missing from Arizona resort trip) came up and joined us for a cocktail and the pros and cons of living on the mountain. The ladies returned and the day ended. I enjoyed the visit and meeting new friends.
A few days have passed and today Mayang and I are on our way to me the other visitors who couldn’t make it last week. Randy Wies (AKA PapaDuck) and his lady Ann, we arrive at Texas Joe’s a little early and found Randy and Ann sitting inside. We talked and learned a little about each other and had a great lunch. What I didn’t know was that they came down to Olongapo by bus. If I’d known, different arrangements could have be made for meeting them.
We only had a couple of hours together before they had to catch the bus back to the big city. But I enjoyed our time together very much, as both were very pleasant and interesting people. I just wish I could say the same about me. Randy had been a former Marine, but this was his first visit to the Philippines, and he seemed to be quite taken with it. (There are no Ex-Marines)
Well time did fly and the next thing I knew we were at the Bus Terminal in Olongapo City saying goodbye to our new friends. We hope very much to spend time with them again on their next visit.
Well to sum it up, in the last week or so I’ve been lucky to have been able to meet Bruce and Ali plus Randy and Ann, four very fine people, but I knew that as they are LiP readers. I’d like to thank Bob Martin for allowing me to write each week on his site as it has caused me to meet some very fine people over the last few years.
Paul, I see you’ve been busy lately meeting and entertaining new friends that wouldn’t have been possible but for LiP. I am truly impressed by the ambience at Texas Joe’s, and it looks like a place that I would enjoy visiting when I come to the Philippines, whenever that may be LOL The last time I was in Zambales was, would you believe, in 2002? Stories like these keep the the fire going for me; without them to stoke the fire, I would probably be less motivated in trying to convince my wife that the Philippines is where it’s at. LOL Mr. Randy Weiss and Ann, btw, make a lovely couple, which is not to say that Bruce MICHAELS and Ali do not. 🙂
Ricardo;
Writing for LiP has enlarged my sphere of friends over the last couple of years. I’ve met many fine people thanks to Bob’s site, and I’d love to share a lunch at TJ’s with you on your next visit home!
The second and third time I went to the Dairy Queen in Olongapo they were out of Ice cream. The next time a year or two later they were out of business. TJ’s never ran out of any thing while i was there and I really do appreciate that you and your new lip friends are keeping them in business untill I can return and help out.
Loren;
I remember that DQ over in Times Square, I asked the girl why she came to work knowing they had nothing to sell. But the Lil Caesars Pizza was good until they closed. I was talking to Paul and Gil at TJ’s and they asked where you were and when you’re coming back. The are stocking up on Ribs as soon as they know. Tell you’re bride that Mayang and I say “HI”.
And Paul you are not chopped liver. (-:
Ron;
Very good, I deserve that comment! (LOL)
Paul,
Anne and myself really had a great time with you and Mayang at Texas Joe’s. Wish it was a longer stay. Really should have just hired a car and driver for the trip. But Anne bless her heart is always trying to save a peso. I would much rather have been in a hotel room rather than ride a bus for 4 1/2 hours after drinking several SMB’s. Texas Joe’s is really a great place to go and can’t wait to visit the next time with you guys. We really enjoyed hearing those old sea stories over some cold SMB’s. Again thanks so much for taking some time out of your busy schedule lol to meet with us. See you in 2014.
PapaDuck;
2014? That long? I hope to see you again on the next trip. I was thinking about SMB’s and that long bus ride, did you follow my advice about making the driver stop when you needed a comfort break? Remember comfort trees walls and bridge abutments are everywhere.
Mayang and I hope to see you again soon
Paul, you’re right about the unscheduled, anywhere, comfort breaks by busses. My wife and I saw this personally when the Victory Liner we were on on the return trip to Manila from Zambales pulled over to the side of the road somewhere outside San Fernando, Pampanga, and out went several passengers, the bus driver, and the bus conductor, to relieve themselves against the bushes by the road in full view of the other passengers. My wife, on her only second and last visit to the Philippines (2002), couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Me, I didn’t even noticed. I was busy chomping on the chicharon soaked in vinegar with siling labuyo I bought from the vendor who got on the bus while stopped at the Olongapo terminal. 🙂
Ricardo;
Ah the comfort bushes, so refreshing. I loved it as you pull into a small town and the vendors jump on board and sell chicharon and stuff, and then debark at the town limits. The conductor selling SMB’s and soda, always warm. I’d have him buy 30 Pesos of Ice and chill down the beer. Try that on a Grayhound!
Paul, Ricardo,
I made it all the way to Cubao, QC before i had to use the comfort room. Every stop we made in Pampanga a vendor got on selling Buko Pies and giving samples out. They taste really good when they are warm and freshly made. Anne bought a box to take back.
PapaDuck;
Buko Pies are a hot seller on the bus, but I still like the beer.
PapaDuck;
Beer is still the number one seller fr me on the bus.
For me, it’s patupat, once of my favorite Filipino snacks. It’s basically rice wrapped in palm fronds and boiled in sugar cane juice. I didn’t see it sold by bus vendors in Zambales, but I saw it in Baguio on the return trip to Manila. It’s very sticky and you need a knife to open it, so I waited until we got back to Manila to eat it at a McDonald in Robinson’s Mall near our hotel. If you tried to eat it in the bus, you’re going to need water to wash off the stickiness from your hands.
Ricardo;
I only eat sticky rice close to the sink, you’re right it’s hard to wash off. I’ll stick with beer.
I forgot to add my sir name when I logged in!