On Face Book last week I posted this; “Duct tape is like ‘The Force’. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds our universe together.” I thought about it, and realized how true that statement was.
Now this article has nothing to do with the product that we all know and depend on, that wonderful stuff called Duct Tape, albeit my wife calls it “Duck Tape” but I’ve heard many Americans call it the same thing. But it’s my wife Maria Adobo Thompson (Mayang) who is the Duct Tape in my life. Or as I also posted; “The Wing-nut that holds society together”.
The reason I say this is because before I met her I was a happy bachelor zooming around the world having fun. With the attitude, “I was married for a few years in my early 20’s, and it was no fun.” Things and attitudes can change at the drop of a hat, when presented with the proper motivation. And Mayang was and still is my proper motivation.
How’d we meet? I had just gotten paid off a Merchant Ship in Japan, I was looking at two months vacation and no plan, but with 6 months pay available, I banked 60% of it, and the rest was in my pocket (Along with a few Credit Cards and 3 ATM cards just in case) While waiting in a hotel room at the Tokyo Airport, I checked my e-mail, and an old shipmate invited me to visit in Olongapo City for a few days, I called the desk and asked them to book me the next flight to the Philippines. I was thinking about Costa Rica, but hey, if the RP gets boring, the airport was still working and I’ll just fly.
I dropped by my friend’s house and met his wife Susan, and while having a few beers on his patio, a lady brought out two more cold SMB’s, I later found out she was his sister-in-law named Mayang. I was smitten!
Well in all the time that’s passed since that day and today, is where I learned an important lesson. This lady is special, and I told myself that she was the reason I wanted to be a different man or a better man. She became the duct tape in my life.
I’d observe the way the way she’d accomplish things, and they were the total opposite of the way I would have done it, and yet for some reason, I said nothing, and did nothing to interfere, as it always came out right. A few years later I found out by accident, just how smart I’d been. She took control of the building of our new house at the time, and brought it in under budget and the way “SHE” wanted it to be. Again I kept my mouth shut, and was most pleasantly surprised.
So since that fateful meeting at my friend’s house, there was a new Paul, that had replaced the old one. I still went back out on ships, but acted in a new way. I still liked to go out with the crew and have a few cocktails, but my running the street days had ceased. Had I not received that e-mail that day in Japan, I shudder to think where I’d be today. But wherever it might have been, I know I’d regret never having met my Mayang, my wing-nut, or that wonderful roll of duct tape that has given’ me the great life I have today. (She’s never duct taped my Beer Ref. closed!)
Watching our two girls grow up, and living the lives they choose for themselves. Each still protected by that roll of duct tape, that the three of us love. I hope that everyone finds their own duct tape in their life. It sure is fun to have. My wife might have me wrapped in duct tape, but I don’t want a pair of scissors anytime soon.
Viva the Philippine’s, and thank this country for my wife! (I promise something funny next week, as I know something odd will befall me by then) Remember Saint Valentine’s Day is a short time away, do not give your special lady duct tape, flowers are just fine.
Just last night I was thinking how blessed I am to have Meriam as my wife. The last years of my life are the best years. Here in the Philippines with the love of a wonderful woman. Blessed is the only word I can think of. Nice story Paul. Thanks!
73,
Gary
Gary;
First off; “You’re Welcome.” Your comment summed it up far better than I could have. So…Thank you!
I only hope to have what you have accomplished and find a permanent loving life partner. I have met numerous couples here that seem to have also found true bliss. I have met quite a few nice ladies myself but haven’t found the right chemistry yet. I am a bit picky but I think I am on the right track. Congats on your success.
Dwayne;
Or, could it be the ladies were more picky than you? During my long stretch of bachelorhood I knew the right lady was out there for me, but I was having so much fun, I wasn’t looking. Then it happens, the planets start to form a line, forces that you can’t control take over. You start playing more Frank Sinatra on your stereo. You get what I mean!
Paul T.
I believe i have found my duct tape, super glue and soul mate all in one in your neighborhood of bataan. The worst part of it is not being able to see her everyday. Just want time to fly by fast so i can go to my new home with my wonderful lady and enjoy those San Miguels whenever i want. You are one lucky person and i’m so happy for you and Mayang and the rest of your family. Yes Valentines Day is almost here so i will have to contact my florist there. Take care brother.
Randy;
There’s a lot to be said about the powers of super glue and duct tape when applied by the right lady. Bataan on a warm day, a cold San Magoo in your hand and the other arm around the lady you love! Luxury, peace, and total contentment! Saint Valentines Day for some reason is a big deal here, Oh the power of Hallmark Cards.
Paul… yeah.. after Christmas.. Valentines day is D Day.. traffic here, motels/hotels/inns/ any rooms one can rent for as low as… he he he.. it will be filled. And after 9 months… hmmm.. 🙂
I’ve not found a duct tape. I had a scotch tape before. Didn’t hold much together. Ha ha. Aha! Light bulb! Oh Dwaaayne, my dear… He he. I’m kidding!!!! 🙂
Sugar;
Again someone left the Saint, out of Saint Valentines Day. Mmmm. I wonder why that is? Maybe something to do with cheap hotels and 9 months later.
Everyone has a roll of Duct Tape, but not everyone has found it yet, I took a very long time to find mine.
I like the pictures of you and your faimly ,your granddaughter is so cute. Life was ment to be shared and to have someone such as your wife to give you that need to be together is wonderful. I am blessed to have my wife and my son in mine, and a whole new faimly. When I got married I knew her faimly was along for the ride which is expected and cool. The unexpected was a comunity here in the states I had no idea was here. I now have 20 sisters in laws well in spirit that is. I am loving my new life and my duct tape is doing her best to see to I am never lonley again.
Eric;
My granddaughter knows she’s cute, and I’d have it no other way! (lol) I guess I was right to stay single until late in life. You sound happy with the way your life is. A wonderful wife, plus your son, and the huge extended family that comes with it.
Eric, we’ve both hit life’s lotto!
Maybe your next column could be about WD-40.
Peter;
Now there is a magical product, but whereas duct tape joins thing together, WD-40 causes things to slip away.
Hi Shipmate,
Water Displacement Bid #40 can be a cleaner to remove old adhesive when your old duct tape loses its grip so you can re-tape again for a stronger bond. Good article, Paul, say, duct tape better the old sailor Monkey s##t?
Mars;
I told a friend of mine how WD-40 was named and he just would not believe me. So I’ve added that to the list of topics to avoid while having a beer, Politics, religion, and WD-40.
I knew a Master Chief in the worlds largest non-nuclear powered Coast Guard would know! I used Monkey S##T to fix everything. (Did we spell that right?)
Ha ha ha Monkey S##t! Short story. We were about two days to hit the port and the engineers want to order that via message so that it will be in the pier upon arrival but nobody knew the proper nomenclature so it can be reference the proper FSC number. It’s not play dough though-it’s something technical like some typical government/military named item. I like the name as we knew it, very appropriate.
Mars;
It is a test of endurance for anyone to look up an item in a military supply catalog by nomenclature. No human knows the Federal Stock Number. Even the Storekeepers had no idea how to find any item in the book, without pictures.
The guy who wrote those catalogs, must have had one hell of a sence of humor, or was eating that Monkey S##t for lunch.
Exactly. Each book about 4 inches thick and you need a magnifying glass to read those small font. Then 13 digit numbers that if you made a mistake of one number, there might be an M1 Tank waiting on the pier address to your department or 5 pallets of nails instead of 5 small boxes. Did you remember the official name of that Monkey S##t?
Mars;
I thought Monkey S##t was the official name! 1966 tide to the pier in Norfolk
I was on the USS Alstede AF-48 in Norfolk circa 1966. Six flatbed trucks show up loaded with 60 pallets of potatoes. This was not normally an odd thing as we were a food carrying ship, was was odd is that no longshoremen showed up to load it. And we were shifting colors in the morning to go to the Med.
Everyone stood around pondering the situation, until the ship’s cook came out to get the sixty 10 pound bags (one pallet) they had ordered.
Mustered an all hands working party (Party with no cake) we made quick work of it and knocked off. The drivers just stood around waiting for the other potatoes to be off loaded. We checked the paperwork, and the supply center had got the Unit of Issue wrong. The cook ordered 60 bags, the supply center read it as 60 Pallets. They the powerful ones stayed to discuss it, us the lowly ones, we went on liberty.
Hi Paul! Aww, sweetness! Aren’t you the lucky dude! He he. How can one not be inspired b a duct tape, eh! Wonderful family and lovely tribute to your wifey albeit, comparing her to a duck tape.. err, duct tape. Yeah Paul, silence is good, yelling is fun and but duct tape keeps everyone in place, in order. What would you be without one, if not for Mayang. Thank heavens you went to the Phils. I hope you have something special planned for her. I bet you’re romantic man.. champagne and roses and all that sweetness. Happy, warm, nice article, Paul.
Hi Sugar;
Mimosa’s at brunch, (Champagne and orange juice for those who didn’t know, not you.) a nice meal , and both of us discussing why they took the Saint out of “Saint Valentine’s Day” as they want to take Christ out of Christmas. Messing with the church is one thing, but messing with Hallmark Greeting cards?
No not really; I’ll spend the evening with all my special girls and my great son-in-law, and we’ll call our youngest girl in Singapore to connect with her. But there will be flowers!
Paul, people still buy Hallmark cards? I swear, I have no idea of people still do. Most just sends greetings via text. Ha ha. But to get a card.. aww, now that romantic, I’ll say. But some just write to and from. He he he.. now that’s unromantic.
Yey for flowers! Flower shops having a boom! So sweet of you to give all your special girls flowers. Love month is for the whole family. But uhm, yeah.. surprise wifey! He he.
Sugar;
A real romantic, will give flowers when there is no reason to. It’s always worked for me, I send flowers to where the lady worked, which would cause anger among the other girls who worked with her. Actually more anger amount their husbands/boyfriends because they didn’t. I was an evil dude!
If I texted my wife a Holiday greeting, I’d be buying a new phone after she smashed my old one. (lol)
It’s what they called destiny. “Love comes from the most unexpected places” as the lyrics of a song is written. Nice happy family photographs! Everyone needs a Duct Tape in their life. Cheers.
Louie;
As you see in the photo, my son-in-law Chris and I now share duct tape with each other, especially with that little roll named Heather Colleen, his daughter. But we’re both happy guys and living out our destiny.
Paul – I’m originally from West Virgina, and up there EVERYONE calls it “Duck Tape” 😀
Bill;
Wait; I was told the the full name of your state was West By God Virgina, by the guy’s from there, when I was in the Navy.
Then West Virginians and my wife got it right!
HI PAUL
It is good to hear ur love srory mate and know u lik eme as meet the right one in life mate as there are 1000 off men still looking for the right girl for me it was back in 2004 on one night i was at my brothers place and was chating on the computer and he was saying to me come on get off that thing and come and talk to us lol and just as i was about to do so some girl wonted to talk to me and ask me to call her on the phone mate and i did say i would but as where my brother live is in a bad place for a cell phone and it was very hard for me to call her but i e mailed every day ofter that and went over to see her later in that year and was married to my joy in 2005 but from that day to this time i have been trying to get her hear to australian but canot get a vica for her mate so very soon i will be going over to the fp to live with my love there so all the best mate for u and ur lovely famliy and god bless old ship mate………..peter martin tassie
Peter;
That’s a great story, and proves what I was trying to point out. When it does happen to us, it’s when we ain’t lookin’ for it, and there she is. When you get up here full time and settle in, that’s when the real adventure begins. I enjoy every second of this theme park ride.
…geez Paul…bringing the guy 2 cold beers.. *sniff ..sniff*…thats the most moving love story I think I ever heard…..I think I’m gonna cry…..ur one lucky dude….!!!!
Brian;
It is isn’t it. Think I could sell the movie rights? Now if there were NO COLD BEERS, then I’d be the one going Sniff-Sniff, cry-cry. (BTW, I also keep a supply of Tootise Pop’s on hand for the kids, young and old!)
Congratulations on finding a great woman by accident. I saw some “Duck tape” at Lowe’s a few years back, but it was listed under Duct tape. Seems someone got creative and named a brand of duct tape what many people had been calling it. So both of you are correct.
Richard;
Thank you, a few times in life I’ve lucked out. Duck Tape, I just called my wife in to read your comment. Two hands on her hips and a resounding “I told you!” Was that Lowes in West Virgina? (Check Bill’s comment above) (LOL)
no it was in Georgia
If I remember correctly the Duck tape was yellow not silver. The silver type is still called Duct Tape, both are used on HVAC ducts among other things.
Richard;
After yesterday, and making my wife happy about “Duck Tape”, I’m not going to tell her about the silver and the yellow. I just from now on I’ll just say; “Honey, please pass the Duck Tape!”
I like Georgia, I had some good friends in Waycross.
When it comes to paying tribute to the loves of your life, you don’t seem to run out of them, Paul. What a touching story! Say, you look pretty hip there on your wedding day, with blue jeans and white linen shirt with banded collar. Was that in the 80s? I used to wear that uniform, too, with cowboy boots to complete the ensemble, when, shall I say, I was still on the prowl. But… you are joking when you said that Mayang’s maiden name is Maria “Adobo”, right?
Ricardo;
Nope no joke her maiden name is “Adobo” descended from a long line of Adobo’s. Now it could only get better if just one of her very large family was named “Masarap Adobo”.
That shirt now belongs to my brother-in-law now, he still wears it to weddings, and he loves it, even though it’s older than him. I was wearing a pair of Dockers for shoes too hot here for boots.
It’s hard to see in the picture but my hair was over 18 inches long it the back.
The former Miss Adobo, deserves my praise, as I’m smart enought to know I got the better of this marriage deal.
BTW: Thanks for the nice comment!
Hi Paul,
Great story,and i agree,that the best women usually appears when your not really looking.
Talking of Duct tape and WD40,i always keep a can of PlusGas in my toolbox too,lol.
regards,Chas.
Chas;
True about the women, but it’s great when they find you!
The Plus-Gas is a new one on me, but it must do something good or you wouldn’t have it, but Duct Tape & WD-40 is a must have for anyone who owns a toolbox!
Wait, is Plus-Gas like a starter fluid for cars on a cold morning? I used to use Zippo Lighter Fluid, because it was so cheap.
Paul,maybe PlusGas is a British thing.Its a Dismantling Lubricant for siezed/rusted nuts and bolts etc,very handy if/where you can’t use oxy/acetelyn heat torch.
Chas;
I know now of what you speak, we Yanks have many products that do the same. But I’ll wager that the British PlusGas is a far better product. Are spanners better than wrenches? (lol)
Paul;
Ha Ha,Spanners rule for serious Tradesman,lol.
Chas;
On ship’s we still call them spanners, the one’s we use to tighten hoses together. But on ship’s we never took anything that serious! (lol)
Waddya mean it’s not Duck Tape?? Sure it is, just google it hahaha.
Great article – awesome pictures.
Gary;
I’m with you, it’s Duck Tape. I know for sure because Mayang said it is.
Paul;
How true it is about everlasting Love. They say you don’t find it it finds you, You just got to be smart enough to know when it’s there. I think San Miguel and Fhilipinas are an intoxicating combination. Funny when my friend Roger intoduced me to Ali my wife of 33 yrs (and still going strong) she always made sure I had a cold SMB around. I think this combo is like crack with all the good stuff mixed in. Can’t get enough of her and we grow closer as we get older WOW!
My kids keep asking me how did we meet well I always tell them this story. I was crossing S*** River and the next thing I knew I was chained to this post in a dark room and a lady kept telling me to marry her our I’ll be floating in the river. So I sign the papers at a tender age of 19 just to live another day. I don’t think my kids bought it, but it was fun telling them. In Oct I’ll be like Paul Harvey and you’ll get the rest of the story!! 🙂
OH did you know the longer duct THE HARDER AND MORE PERMENENT IT BECOMES!!
There is no hope for us were Stuck like Chuck to our ladies and that’s a good think.
Mike;
Knowing when you’ve found it is the key, I’ll totally agree with that! I’ve came close before in the past, but I found when the ship sailed I didn’t miss them very much. After I met Mayang, I still sailed for 5 more years, but her and the girls I really missed. When it came down to it I stopped going to sea because I wanted nothing more than to be home with them. I never regret retiring early, although I wish they’d have kept sending me the paycheck vice the retirement check.
Senior;
When I was at sea the greatest sound next to liberty call in the Philippines was COD ON THE BOW WITH MAIL!! Back letter writing was all we had no cell phones or computers.
Oh by the way they wanted me to go merchant because I was a engineer. Nope had enough sea time family first.
Bruce;
My buddy still sails as a Merchant 2nd Engineer, 3 month out 2 months vacation, $15,000.00 a month and they pay to fly him to his ship and back home. Oh and a full medical package included. It’s a good life, but not for everyone. I sailed 4 out 2 off, and earned $ 8,000.00 (ten years ago) and the same benefits I don’t miss the going to sea anymore, but I do miss the money.
Hey remember those mail call ad’s on AFarts TV or the ship. Where the Postal Clerk is handing out the mail, and when he’s done he sees one poor slob left there, and he said “Nothing again for you Jones!” Now I wondered why they showed that on the ship, and not in the states to the girl that was messing over that poor slob named Jones.
Senior;
Maybe because they wanted us all to look around and see if anyone was acting like Jone didn’t want him to deep six himself. I remember seeing many a Jones with no mail, but the worst are the ones who get those dear john letters in the middle of the Pacific. Exspecially when they tell you that they been sending that girl all their money for months. (Don’t know what to tell them, either your a fool to send her money because she was not you wife or I feel your pain?)Even though I was sending money to my girlfriend (wife) too. Awkward!!
Meanwhile that girl was getting money from probably ten differnt saliors talk about a welfare receipiant. She got the money and they got no honey. 🙁
Mike;
We had just got a new guy check onboard, he moved in and hung his girls picture on his rack, it was the same picture that another guy had on his rack. Then the fun began…
Senior;
Did you put on a zebra shirt and pull out a whistle. 🙂
Mike;
I made a quick exit.
hi paul what a lovely family photo you are a lucky man ,one day i hope that i will earn the term lolo but if my daughter marries an aussie it will be grandpa or grandad who knows still i hope that we will be back there after i retirebuit who knows good luck paul to you and your family
chris
Chris;
The grand baby will be the one to decide what here grandpa will be called, I’m Lolo Daddy Paul don’t ask why, as I don’t know for sure, but I think it’s because all her older cousins call me Daddy Paul, and she added the Lolo? My wife is Lola-iyang because when young she couldn’t say Mayang (pronounced My Young).
Hi Paul – The lovely Mayang is not far from wrong: http://www.duckbrand.com/
😆
Mr. Keating;
Between you and Richard’s comment above, I’ll be required to call it duck tape for the remainder of my days. I’ll just shout a big Bataan “THANK YOU” to my helpful LIP buddies out there on the World Wide Web!
BTW: I enjoyed your link, and I did show it to Mayang, in the interest of fairness!
Paul you and the others here have verified that a good wife is a gift. A good Filipina wife is a gift from Heaven and only those of us that are married to one know what that means in totality. My life story before Marlou is basically yours and having that duct tape holding me in place is a nice feeling. Ron
Ron;
I wish I phrased it that well! I’m in total agreement. Pure mana from heaven.
Paul T: Best wishes to you and yours for many, many years. I’m glad to hear that you found your piece of heaven. Happy people makes the world a better place.
Roselyn;
Thank you for that kind wish, the same to you and yours! Oh I am living my dream. But I have to thank my Sainted Grandmother, Molly Dugan Thompson, who would forever tell my brothers and me; “Don’t ever be a gloomy Gus”, for years I wondered who this Gus guy was, but then I understood her meaning. I will find the fun or humor in most situations, I know I won’t get out of this world alive, but I will go out with a smile. My beer is forever half full.
Oh! I was also told that it take more muscles to frown, than it does to smile. (See I am lazy!)
Well said Paul!
Eric;
Sometimes, if I’ve left the beer alone, I can say things well! (lol) But after the beer I tend to sound like Ozzy Osbourn without the British accent. Know I know that some Good Hearted Brit is going to write in and tell me he/she has no accent. I’ll agree and see if they believe me.
hi paul
you have shared a story or two about your wonderful wife before, keep them comming. i always appreciate a man who knows he has the best wife for HIM and tells everyone he knows he has it good.
my husband and i just celebrated our 12th year anniversary. we go on a date every week if not two. how about an article on places you and mayang like to go for your dates around there?
maria
Maria;
My wonderful wife, Maria Adobo Thompson (Nicknamed Mayang) likes to go out to supper a few times a month, we pretty much like the Hotels restaurants on the Subic Freeport or Baloy Beach in the Barrio, Mini-vacations every couple of months. We also do lunch with friends and family every week. Pretty much a quite life. But if something interesting comes up, I will follow your suggestion.
Hi Paul! I love your article and the pics you have posted with it…lovely family.
I can’t help correct you though:
“Now this article has nothing to do with the product that we all know and depend on, that wonderful stuff called Duct Tape, albeit my wife calls it “Duck Tape” but I’ve heard many Americans call it the same thing. But it’s my wife Maria Adobo Thompson (Mayang) who is the Duct Tape in my life. Or as I also posted; “The Wing-nut that holds society together”.”
but Mayang is correct, it is called a Duck Tape. https://duckbrand.alice.com/
😉