True to my promise to Fearless Leader Mindanao Bob, I’ll only write about things that happen to me here in the Philippines, shunning political and advice articles to bring our readers real life situations that will pop up when least expected. Showing that with humor and a positive attitude nothing cannot be overcome with time, perseverance and of course, a little money.
For the last few years I’ve regaled our dear readers with stories of Mayang’s yearly house renovations normally undertaken at this time of year. Oh, believe me she had a plan for this year, I’d already shrugged my shoulders in a proper Philippine salute and decided to have a cold beer and just flow downstream with whatever came my way.
Then it happened, fate reared its ugly head and caused the Honda to overheat, if you remember a short while ago it was a wheel bearing, but karma was saving the knockout punch until I was lulled in to a false sense of security. Bam, POW kaboom, the Honda blew a Head Gasket. I was at home holding battle drills with the dog Army and planning emergency maneuvers. The phone rang; my wife highly excited is explaining the billowing white clouds of steam pouring from under the 17 year old cars hood and green fluid freely flowing from under the car to the drains in the street. I muttered (Expletive Deleted) Or Awe shucks, Call Garbes Dizon and get a hold of Kura Greg. He sent Tony who safely got the car into the shop. Yup it’s the head gasket, the engine must come out and Paul you’ll be using public transportation for awhile. Hey, I’ve been there and I’ve done that before.
Okay, someone invariably will chime in and recommend to me; “Hey, Paul sell the car and get another!” and believe me that did dance through my brain, until I thought; “How do you sell a car with a blown head gasket?” So no matter what, the work must be done on the New Old Honda. Then I have a car with basically a rebuilt engine. This will be akin to having a new car; and now I figure they’ll be driving this car in my funeral precession while playing Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd pumping out of the car’s stereo.
Kuya Greg, I shouted;”Work your magic, heal the beast and let ‘er run again.” Remember folks, it was paid for the first day I got it and once more I’ll say, it still looks good. After I get it back I’ll have it detailed fully, and the romance will start anew. Make her as a Phoenix rising from the ashes to soar again.
Off topic for a moment, Mayang is talking daily about the cost of the car repair, as she has not yet given up on her yearly house renovation project. Nor will she ever give up. But unlike the US Congress I must live within a strict budget.
Friday May 10th, on the way to the Barrio to meet with Loren and Mercer for lunch and I will stop to check on the Newer Old Honda progress, and take pictures of her, sans engine and parts scattered everywhere. I’ll store all the extra parts I get back after the work is done and someday we’ll figure where on the car they go.
I’ve stated in the past that cash refunds are NOT done here in the Philippines, the other thing that is not done is an accurate estimate. Oh I’m not saying they won’t give you an estimate, they’ll just never give you a correct one. If it’s for a construction project, either too much or not enough building materials will be figured in to the cost. With an engine rebuild it’s pretty much the same. But I did narrow it down to either 50,000 or 100,000 Pesos. Hell I guess you can’t get much closer than that.
“When will the car be finished” I foolishly asked, well, that was worth a double head scratch, and the famous shoulder shrug. But part of the service was that they will clean and paint both the engine and the transaxle, well there you go, I’ve got all the information I need, so I’ll just wait until it’s done. As if there was another way? In the mean time life will not change very much, except my son-in-law Cecil has no car to drive.
The New Old 1996 Honda will be in intensive care until next week, still on life support as you are reading this. If for any strange reason you’d like to know how the story ends, I’ll do a part two next week. Or not and just change the subject. (I’ll also throw in next week all about Loren’s and my trip to the Hoochie bars in the Barrio with pictures)
Good luck on the car repairs Paul… I still use the tricycle ride here in Tagum City and enjoy it very much. If the tricycle breaks down I just get off and catch another one.
I have seen a few car repair shops here in Tagum City and they are just as good as anything in the States. Much cheaper too!!! 😛
Gary;
There is no luck involved, it’s purely money (lol). Since I live outside the city a car is a requirement or it would take 45 minutes to an hour to get into the Big PO (Olongapo City. Also shopping on the Subic Freeport (Which is larger in land area than Singapore) without a car would be an 8 hour trip using many taxies and such. If I lived in a city then Trike’s and Jeepney’s would be fine for me also. And never forget trips to the Juke Joints in the Barrio would take forever. I’ll keep my car!
Paul,
The trials and tribulations of every day life.
No such thing as a correct estimate that’s why we call it a Guesstimate lol.
Chas;
They can’t even guess when the work will be done, I know today is Election Day and everything is closed. I can’t even legally drink today, as if I’d vote for someone who came up with a rule like that. But to me its water off a ducks behind, it will be ready when it’s ready and not a minute before!
Paul,
I know Mayang is worried about getting her annual renovations done. Knowing you Paul you will find a way to both things done within budget. Keeping the car I think is the best option since most of major parts are new and the car does run good. Anne got her visa approved on the 9th. So she will be coming here on the 29th. We’re both so excited and happy. So the plan is still to be there by end of July. By the way if there is anything you need from the states let me know. Take care
Randy;
That is great news for you and Anne, we’ll see you then, I think my car will or could be done by then. Hope to see you both then.
hey duck this is scott,i met you at the shriven in guimaras last year,i am leaving Iloilo in 12 days goin back to the usa for the summer to spend it with my 80 yr old dad and his sheltie dog,i will be back in Iloilo in October but have a big decision to make,do I really want to live in the ph or move back to the usa and bring gf back with me?What state are you living in?I will be in north Dakota.
Its kool you were able to get visa for anne,what are you thinking about staying in the usa?how about anne?I myself am selling myself on the summers in the usa for gf/wife and winters in the ph.The gf with her work experience can very easily walk into the mall in the town my dad lives and get a job once she meets the visa requirements and the minimum wage she would earn in 1 hour working at Sears is more she makes in a day in the ph.
Scott,
How are you doing? Yes I remember you from the Shirven. You were Dracula lol. I live in Florida. Anne’s visa was just a tourist visa good for 3 months. She will be in the states with me visiting in Florida and Ohio for 2 months. Than we will be flying back to the Philippines in end of July to live. It looks like we will be living in Iloilo City. We will visit the US Annually. My parents are also 80. Sounds like a good plan for you. Looking forward to seeing you in October. Take care and stay safe.
Randy, I keep hearing nothing but wonderful news from you and Anne regarding Anne’s visit to the U.S. and your eventual retirement to the Philippines. I am just amazed at how relatively easy, quickly, and painlessly you two have worked your way successfully through the U.S. government bureaucratic processes and have done it quietly without whining and moaning. Iloilo, huh? Never been there, but I hear it’s a great place. If you and Anne should be in the DC area for sightseeing in the two months she’s here in the States, please drop me a line for a get together, except for 2 weeks in June (June 14 – 28; my wife and I will be away vacationing in Riviera Maya, Mexico). I’d like to meet you guys. I’ll be in Ashburn, VA for about a couple of days upon our return from our vacation before I go back to Delaware.
John,
I don’t think we will have time, since we have a lot of things we have to do. We will be back in January and would love to get together with you than. I have to come back to the US to finish my retirement paperwork in Florida and than we will be going to Ohio to visit my family. We could take a trip your way since Anne would like to visit Wash DC. She received her visa by courier on Tuesday. We were surprised the visa was good for 10 years as a Tourist Visa, which doesn’t happen very often. So that really made us happy. Take care and have fun on your trip to Mexico.
Randy – OK, we’ll meet in the Asian Reading Reading Room of the Library of Congress then sometime in January 2014. I’ll show you and Anne around on Capitol Hill – the Supreme Court, Capitol, the Senate, the House, and, of course, the LOC. Keep in touch.
John,
Sounds like a plan. Looking forward to it. Will keep in touch
Paul,
here in Manila really need own car, because really difficult to take a bus when you
want to go to in Manila area, especially when the school started, all buses are full
and standing ovation lol, if you have your own car, you can go wherever you want to
and whatever time you wanted. goodluck to your car and have peaceful election there
in Olongapo City.
Hi Anne;
I just heard the good news about your Visa! I agree I love having a car even if I’m not going anywhere; I got my first on at 16 and also had Monocycles too. It’s a convenience thing. See you and Randy in or around July.
yes, Paul my visa was approved and the US Embassy Travel Document Department
just sent me an email a while ago stated that my visa is for delivery. its really amazing
I just wait within this week. for sure we will see you and mayang soon. have a great
day.
Anne;
That is great news, please have a safe and fun time in the U.S. od A.See you and Randy soonest!
Hi Paul,
We feel the same about our old but classic Mitsubishi Pahero. We have our local town mechanic that works on it when need be, (at a really resonable cost) and helps us procure quality tires and other parts when we need them He even makes house calls. The body of the vehicle is in nice condition, and we don’t see the prospect of buying a new vehicle as a necessary one either, with labor costs and parts to be had at really resonable prices.
Because we are in the province though,, and a sturdy back-up vehicle is nice to have, we’re planning on getting an air-conditioned Japanese rebuilt multi-cab, and having it “tricked-out” and painted like a colorful jeepney to use for errands and fun road trips I’ve already got the blue-suede nodding hound for the dash. 🙂
It’s fun to always be on the lookout for that next used scooter or motorcycle that happens to come along too. It’s more fun in the Philippines!
Hope your new old Honda comes back to serve you well for some more years to come.
Hi Queenie;
Well it’s been awhile, but I agree whole heartedly it’s so much easier and cheaper to keep the old one running as long as it does the job and looks good. My Air Con is job one, it will always function as it is the most important part of the car.
That sounds like a good idea for the Multi-cab and a lot of fun too. Enjoy!
Nows ur chance to put dual turbo’s and high performance heads with dual exhaust and balanced manifolds!! You never get outta second gear anyhow in the philippines so gear it down and get some good 0-60 mph on the only part thats like new on the old bird…3rd gear ..put those dang wanna be “Harley” scooters to shame!
Brian;
My muscle car days are long gone, and no matter what you do it’ll always be a 1996 Honda Civic with a 1400 CC engine and an automatic transaxle that can’t get out of its own way. My last Harley had a 1200 CC engine; it would keep up with traffic. The underpowered little two wheel fly’s they load the road with now are nothing but a pain, but you’re not allowed to swart them.
I too have begun my search for suitable transportation alternatives. I don’t mind riding the bus from San Antonio to Olongapo and then running around Olongapo and SBMA via Jeep or Taxi. But closer to home is hard for someone my size and age. . . . Try being 6’6″ and eligible for Senior Discounts (Except I’m an Expat). Trikes are starting to wear on me, and so are some Jeepneys. And thank you no sir for offering to sell me your Honda!
Hope your rebuild is swift, done right the first time, and your baby runs smooth for you and yours……..
Terry;
It does get old depending on public transportation, especially on the Free Port. I’ll park my car at the mall on base and ride a Jeepney into Olongapo, but only because there is no parking in the city, unless you purchase a parked car and have it towed. But for visiting friend and going out to eat, my car is the way for me to go. Kuya Greg’s boys did the same thing to my Owner Jeep 12 years ago, and it ran fine. It the being without the car for two weeks that’s the hard part.
Owner Jeep? Argh! So thankful that was 12 years ago, and hopefully thankful that it’s off the road for good. 😆
The Newer Old Honda will serve you well into your senior years! 😉
Paul;
It was Air conditioned the only one in town. But I’m still glad it’s down the road. I don’t miss it.
Paul it just occured to me that we may need to do a little more reserch if you are going to write about the trip to the Hoochie bars in the Barrio. Then I remembered it is the little Dudes birthday this week so we will probably have to do reserch after you publish just to make sure everything was right–it sure is fun here in the PI.
Loren;
I’m assuming you are volunteering your help on this research project? We’ll deal with the birthday and then jump right back into aiding our fellow man as to where to go in the Barrio, besides I promised the manager at Voodoo’s I’d bring him some new music, so we must go back.
Considering the high quality of labor and the much lower cost of it there, it sounds to me the rescue operation of your new old Honda is a wise decision.
After 175,000 miles on my bought it new 1999 Ford Escort, a defective gasket caused internal coolant leakage into one of the cylinders that eventually killed the engine. The independent repair shop I took it to here estimated replacing the dead engine with a ” rebuilt ” one ( a brand new replacement was not available ) would cost about $4000 ( USD ) . The price was not what stopped me but the word ” rebuilt ” did. The shop was not going to rebuild it themselves but buy one from a rebuild supplier. I opted for plan ” B” , went to the local Ford dealer and bought a brand new 2007 Ford Focus which pleased me and is still on the road with about 125,000 miles on it now.
On one of my recent visits to Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology I took a look at the automotive class that is available there. It assured me that it will supply highly trained automotive technicians for now and the future there in PH. Automotive repair is not what it used to be. The tune-up of the muscle car era consisting of points, plugs, condenser, distributor cap and rotor, tach-dwell meters and timing lights is long gone ! These days its digital computer testers, replaceable modules and sensors on just about every function you could think of and probably more. No need to worry about moisture causing leakage on the spark plug wires anymore either, along with the distributor cap, they got rid of the high tension spark plug wires as well ! No wonder so many auto parts stores here in the USA have gone the way of the Weekend Driveway Tune-up !
From your article and pictures here Paul, it looks like owning a new-old car could easily be More Fun In The Philippines. It will be interesting to find out the cost of this major repair and compare it to the similar situation I had here and the estimates I got to put the car back on the road.
Bob;
Watching a guy wearing shorts and flip-flops bring a lap top to my car is kinda’ funny, but you’re correct that is the now of it, and the future also. Its carburetors these guys look at and ask; “What’s that?”
I like that Ford Focus, there is a Ford Dealer on Subic Free Port, and I like to stop and dream. I’ll let you all know next week (If the car is done by then) the finial cost, parts and labor.
Paul, Be very careful here..If your wife drove the car any length of time with the engine hot ..your rings can be burnt…Also your heads may be warped and need shaving or even replacement…. Had alot of experiences being in the car business a long time…and blown head caskets was one of my worst nightmares..especially with the older Tauruses… Might be smart to sell it once it is repaired……..
Lenny;
Actually it was my son-in-law who was driving, we are replacing the rings and the head is being milled. But selling it at a loss is not an option, I gonna’ drive it like I stole it until the wheels fall off. Well not really but as long as it keeps running well and looking good I will keep it.
YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE ALSO THAT THE HEADS ARE NOT CRACKED OR MILLING IS A WASTE…………………..
Lenny;
Thank you, I’ll be sure to ask about that today when I drop by the shop.
Lenny, methinks Kuya Greg will know the score. Sounds like he’s not a rip-off “just fix it so it goes” kind of a guy!
Jim;
Over 15 years I’ve known Kuya Greg, and you mentioned some of the reasons I still go to see him. The Honda will be on the road again to soar with the Jeepney’s and Trike’s once more.
Paul, Sorry your car is in the critical condition, but it sounds like it is being well cared for, and will make a nice recovery. 🙂
I’ve been searching for various cars/vans/trucks/suv’s to own when I get there, as I don’t think Jeepney and/or tricycle rides will do anything good for my back. Plus, I plan on doing a LOT of scouting when looking for a place to rent. So, some sort of transportation will be one of the first things on my list to obtain. Though, my wife’s aunt does rent out her vehicles as a source of income, so I might try that for a little while as long as it isn’t too expensive, and she let’s me drive it and not have to pay a driver all day too.
The more I read, the more I think I can find myself a new old vehicle relatively well priced, and knowing there are good mechanics around is a plus. I’ll just have to find one that is honest. They’re hard to find in the U.S. so I know these things probably won’t change from one country to the next.
Good luck with your Honda. And, I for one am interested in a follow-up on the car.
Scott
Scott;
Just remember that the year of the car has nothing to do with what a Pinoy will think its worth. I know one guy that wanted P 100,000.00 more for his car than he paid for it the year before. Hi’s logic was he had added some after-market accessories and washed it all the time. Most New Car dealers here do not take in trades or sell used cars. (When I sold cars in the US the used car section did 3 times the profit for the dealership) Whether looking for new or old just know that someone will ding it the first day, that is a given, so don’t get angry.
As for you driving, I say go for it, the freedom from all the rules we used to obey in the states is exhilarating. The folks that say they won’t drive are lacking adventure in their life. Good luck on your plan, the Honda will fly once more.
Hmmm, let’s see. You served in the Navy and the merchant marine. You owned a bar in Puerto Rico, and sold used cars. Back in Boston as a teenager, you were a hot-rodder. So, in all your life, what did you NOT do, Paul? 🙂
John;
I would doubt it also if I was 35, but at 66 it’s not a stretch. Navy, Night Club’s in Puerto Rico Sold Cars for a year in Florida while waiting for Merchant papers to clear also managed an ABC Bar in Florida while still waiting, was a Shrimp Fisherman for 4 months in the Gulf of Mexico (Yes still waiting), and sold encyclopedias in Europe for 9 months (Before I opened my club in Puerto Rico). Owned a tricked out Dodge Super Bee in 1968 but never Hot Rods, and rode big bikes most of my life or until Mayang told me I couldn’t. And I have an incomplete Bucket List that I’ll never get to. But for the most part it’s all been fun.
Paul,
Had an uncle who did a spell selling encyclopedias many moons ago, a ball breaker from what he told me. Sooner sell cars anyday.
Chas;
You have to be a self starter, unlike cars where they come to you, with books you go to them. But I was paid $ 600.00 per set and my record was 3 sets in one day. Then I’d party a few days go broke and start again. I came back to Puerto Rico with the same amount of money in my pocket as when I left, but ooooh the memories of Europe!
Scott, with the differences in the way people ” drive ” in PH it sounds to me like you will be better off paying a ” driver ” so you can concentrate more on what you actually want to look at.
Bob;
That’s true you’ll see more as a passenger, but you miss the pure anarchy of driving here.
Hi Paul- All I can say is your definitely a glutton for punishment when it comes to cars.
Happy motoring.
Jim.
Jim;
I’m like the guy I knew who hit himself everyday with a hammer, we asked him why and he said because it felt so good whenever he stopped.
But let’s see, I paid $3,000.00 cash for the Honda 5 years ago, and but for a few normal repairs I have driven it mostly for free (or $50.00 per month) so last month I fixed the front end, and this month, I had the engine rebuilt and a new car is about $17 to 20,000.00. I think I will have quite some more time while happy motoring with no car note! (lol)
Paul,
A few bucks and it keeps running, spend it and drive it for a few more years. Drove past your town on the way from Cavite to Subic Freeport yesterday, I was amazed at the SCTEX road, straight shot from Clark and bam your in Subic. Kinda miss the old zig zag route though, there I would stop in towns and have a cold one in route to where ever we were going. And the changes I saw at Subic (haven’t been to subic since 1983), holy friggin cow. Drove past my old hanger at Cubi Pt, all appeared to be ghost hangers now, and even the top of Cubi Pt where the chow hall and old CPO and Mariners Clubs’ were, just empty shells and reminders of days gone but not forgotten. I can see why you chose the town you :-). live in, the view of your town from SCTEX looked both quiet yet close to everything needed. Spent a little time in olongapo and like the cleaned up town much better, although I still wouldn’t live there, too damn crowded for me. Our search for our retirement home has begun and the asawa likes tagaytay, I told her I don’t care where as long as the beer is cold. Heading back to Oklahoma Tuesday, so having a few cold ones with the barangay guys in Cavite in the next hour or so. And then I saw your going to barrio next week…dang it i’ll be gone. Take care shipmate, may your beers always be cold, and when in doubt just till your head and scratch it and say “ano?”
John D USN/RET
Shipmate John;
You are still allowed to take the Zig-zag road but who would? It’s under construction most of the time and is still as slow going as it always was. Olongapo is much cleaner and nicer but to this day still lacks good infrastructure, crowed (as you said) and no parking. But the shopping is great, and the resorts are everywhere so there is never a lack of great places to eat. The Barrio still has a lot of Hoochie Bars that are still fun once in awhile. It is a fact not our old Olongapo area, it’s our new and improved Olongapo. But it’s the reason most Kano’s now live in the out laying areas where it is quite and only a few minutes’ drive to town.