Month: October 2018

23
Oct
2018

SUBSCRIBER RESPONSE

Regarding my comments on the terrible shape of the Walking Street road which I feel is “walk at your own risk” this comment from Mike M follows:  

“Two solutions to the potholes on Fields.
1. Take a front end scooper of a skip loader and scrape the whole things. Go back to the original concrete road.
2. Just asphalt over the existing road. It wouldn’t look as nice with a black top. But it would function great.
Nothing will be done until their is a new mayor. Mayor does not want to admit they screwed up.
I was laughing when they were doing the work. Saw them pour like half to one inch over the new work to smooth it out. I said to myself that will not last with beer trucks.”
SPORTS:  Dare I say I hope that the Red Sox whip up on the Dodgers.  Sorry, I am one of those very old New Yorkers who has never forgiven them for leaving New York.  I was hoping that the Yankees would be in the World Series but it was not to be.  My father was raised in Lawrence, Mass. so I keep the Boston Red Sox as my second favorite team.
MOBILE MOB (CARAVAN) – What  a shame that it exists.  It is an invasion and entry to US must be denied.
ANGELES CITY POLITICS – Even though Foreigners have no say in the local Angeles City elections the results of the upcoming Mayor race between 3 aspirants affect us all.  It will be an interesting event.  I have a favorite but naturally not mention who.  I will say that one aspirant to the job has in the past stated that if he was Mayor he would close the bars on Fields Ave.  I am curious if he still feels that way, I hope not.  I think, eventually, the face of Fields Ave will change but the make-over will be gradual.
Another drama taking place now is the tug of war between past barangay Captain Tony Mamac and newly elected Barangay Capt Carmelo Lazatin.  This is one of those unique Philippine disputes that crop up all too often.  It is an interesting subject to follow and hopefully the dispute will be short in nature.  This is another position that affects expat businessmen in Balibago and of course, local citizens even more.  As I have written before, life in Angeles City is never boring.  I love this City, it has grown so much since my first arrival in 1977 and future growth is a given.  It is unbelievable, google Clark New City and read about what is planned for that area.  The growth is not limited to Clark and Angeles City areas such as Porac, Mexico , San Fernando and Tarlac are growing as well.  So many new subdivisions are eating up so much acreage and expat retirees and buying homes further out from the hub of Angeles City.  The further out you go the less expensive the homes are and the road system allows you easy access to shopping and schools.  I would love to have ten more years of life so I could witness the wonders to come in that short of time.  Oh my goodness, if you are considering retirement here, don’t wait, do it now, be part of the Pampanga experience.  Hey, if you do, drop by and visit this old horse.  Remember, be kind to horses.
Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, 0 comments
20
Oct
2018

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

Hi folks, I am hoping I am inserting the following information correctly.  I decided to try an share the items with you as the first one on PAL routes is interesting for tourists and those living here permanently.  The flights in and out of Clark continue to increase which is good but the only one I am interested in never happens:  Clark to Bangkok.  Sure you can go to Manila for that but it sure is inconvenient and hiring a car to get there can cost P2,500 to P3,000.Another way to get to and from the Airport is becoming very popular, catch the Genesis bus from Clark, the cost is only P350.  It is a beautiful bus with plenty of room for luggage and it is very comfortable.  Check it out.

MANILA – Philippine Airlines on Thursday said it was launching three new routes out of Clark airport at the end of the month, one of which flies to the booming tourist town of San Vicente, Palawan.

PAL Express president Bonifacio Sam said the company expects demand for the San Vicente route to pick up quickly, as it allows travelers to bypass Puerto Princesa en route to the resort town of El Nido.

“On December 18, we will increase the frequency of this flight to a daily flight,” said Sam.

PAL Express senior assistant vice president Harry Inoferio said the flight to San Vicente will be offered at a promotional rate of P819 one way. Flights begin on Oct. 28.

Another new route will be to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro which will be also launched on Oct. 28, and a third route will be to Cauayan, Isabela which starts Oct. 30.

Flights to these new destinations will start at P599 one-way.

Inoferio said PAL will also increase flight frequencies between Clark and Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro, Catarman, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Basco, Busuanga, Cauayan, and Siargao.

Rabbi Ang, PAL Express assistant vice president, said flying out of Clark makes more sense for travelers on a budget.

“It’s actually better to fly out of Clark. Fares out of Clark are up to 40 percent lower than fares out of Manila,”

Sam said that with the new routes, PAL’s Clark operations will connect to 18 domestic and 1 international destination.

“That makes PAL the biggest operator of Clark,” Sam said.

CALL CENTERS:  This country has gone Call Center crazy and it has enabled the creation of a strong middle class that did not exist until the last 5 years.  In Angeles City and multi-story building that is not a hotel or Condo unit will be a building for call centers. On Clark, and off base they are everywhere.  It is amazing as you see so many more local Filipinos at the mall shopping and eating at the more expensive restaurants.  The next time you make a call to a company for assistance ask the person on the phone where they are located and I bet the odds are pretty good that you will find yourself talking to a Filipina/Filipino and to tell the truth, that’s not bad at all.

Philippines is world’s second top globalization destination: index

Arianne Merez, ABS-CBN News

Posted at Oct 20 2018 12:05 PM

Business process outsourcing is an economic lifeline in the Philippines with over 1.15 million Filipinos working in the industry. File photo

MANILA – The Philippines is the second top globalization destination in the world this year, according to global strategic advisory firm Tholons.

The 2018 Services Globalization Index saw the Philippines rising to the second spot of the “Top 50 Digital Nations” after placing third last year.

India continues to dominate the list while Brazil follows the Philippines at third place.

Other countries in the top 10 are the United States, Mexico, Canada, Russia, Vietnam, Colombia, and South Africa.

“Most of the services will get commoditized for the biggest leaders in services globalization like US, UK, Canada, Europe, India, Philippines, East Europe, and Latin America,” the index report stated.

Business process outsourcing is an economic lifeline in the Philippines with over 1.15 million Filipinos working in the industry.

The industry, along with remittances from overseas workers, remains one of the top 2 earners of foreign exchange for the Philippines.

SUPER CITIES

Six cities from the Philippines, meanwhile, made it to the “Top 100 Super Cities,” with Manila placing second to Bengaluru in India.

The Philippine capital, which ranked fourth in 2017, is followed by the Indian city of Mumbai, which ranked third.

The rest of the Philippine cities included in the list all saw an improvement in their respective rankings.

Close to the top 10 is Cebu City, which ranked 11th from 12th last year, while President Rodrigo Duterte’s hometown Davao City went 10 notches higher to the 75th spot from 85th last year.

Santa Rosa City in Laguna rose to the 87th spot from 100th last year while Bacolod City climbed to the 89th spot from 97th in 2017.

The Visayan city of Iloilo, meanwhile, is a newcomer to the list, landing at the 92nd spot.

The index evaluates and ranks countries and cities based on availability and quality of talent in the area, business catalyst or the level of industry-related activity and organizational support, cost of doing business, infrastructure, innovation, and risk and quality of life among others.

PLATINUM CLUB:  yesterday I attended the AC Businessmen’s Luncheon and had a very enjoyable afternoon.  It was the first time I had visited this Club on Perimeter road and found it to be a place that I hope to return to real soon.  I liked the management, staff and dancers and was reminded  at how much I miss being able to do some bar hopping.  I miss meeting the owners, managers and yes, the Mamasans as well.  The food was provided by the VFW, soup, ribs, mash potatoes and green beans.  Loved the ribs and ended up pleasantly full.

 

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Bars, Business, Travel, 0 comments
13
Oct
2018

CACTUS JACKS

Cactus Jacks Restaurant – Finally I got around to eating at this establishment after waiting to do so for a few months.  It was worth the wait as I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  It opens at 1200 hrs, closes at 2400 hrs.  Location:  Savers Mart building on MacArthur Hi-Way, Balibago.  Parking in the back.  OK, got those details out of the way.  My wife’s family members treated her for her birthday and naturally I went along as I did not have to pay.  What a treat it was and for sure we will go there again, even if I have to pay.  Food, super and a large varied selection.  We chose the monster board which is good for multiple people to share.  It allows for two appetizers, two meats from the menu plus a bunch of other condiments, sauces, etc.  The cost as listed on the menu.  Separately I ordered the USDA Angus Rib Eye 400 grams with bone (P1,419) and boneless chicken wings.  I am going to try and get some pictures in here, if not, well, check out the place, you won’t be disappointed.  Oh here is a tip for the older guys they offer fresh oysters in the shell, 6 for P345 and 12 for P630; yeah, I know, a box of the blue pills are cheaper and I think the oyster thing is a myth anyway.
For songbirds Singer Queen Halili is on board to serenade you and also invite you to sing some songs of your choice.  Queen Halili is a relative of deceased popular past Mayor of Mabalacat, Fred Halili, a man I was honored to know personally.
The decor of Cactus Jacks if a mix of western and Mexican.  The menu reflects the decor and there is something for everyone.

Chilli’s at SM Clark – I ate lunch there again yesterday and again, I am telling one and all, if you have not visited the place yet, get your butts over there ASAP.  It is FANTASTIC!  If you can’t get there just get in touch with me and I will drive you there, it will only cost you a meal for me.  I know, I am too kind.

BAR NEWS:  Finnegans, previously Porky’s may be closing soon due to lack of business.  Ice Bar has 2 new owners who have made a few interior changes and doubled the female staff thereby experiencing a big increase in business.  It is very popular now, so much so, that I will have to try and get there on my own.  So far, word of mouth has reached me about its new popularity.

FIELDS AVE WALKING STREET –  Sure, “walking street” – Hey, Mr. Mayor, it is one of the worse streets to walk on in Angeles City!  I do not know how much was spent to try to fix it with some fancy stone work a couple years ago but someone must have stole the money.  It is terrible, full of holes, easy to trip and fall and it looks like hell.  I tried to visit there using my walker not too long ago and it was very frustrating and dangerous.  I made it as far as Kokomo’s and gave up.  I went around to Real Street and from there back to Fields Ave.  This street needs a complete make-over so it becomes a true “walking street”.  Right now I think it is an embarrassment to City Hall.

 SMOKING BAN – Hey, how is that working out?  It would be nice if it was enforced equally.  I have had reports of some bars allowing smoking while those who follow the law suffer loss of customers and money.  Anyone who encounters a bar allowing in-door smoking and is upset,  just send me the name of the establishment and I will not hesitate to post the info here.

PARKING FEES – Suddenly, the City Government is imposing parking fees in certain areas of the City.  I do not have the list of the areas but I do know of the location on Fields Ave from Phillie’s on down and also around Angeles University especially in the street behind the the school.  It would be nice to have these areas posted publicly.  Maybe this money will be used to repair the walking street (smile).

Please note that I did post something in “Political Rants”.  I have been restraining myself  on my political thoughts and social events in the US but I am starting to lose control.  There is far too much hatred in the US now and a note to late night talk show hosts, you all do not come close to the quality of Johnny Carson.

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Bars, Food, 0 comments
13
Oct
2018

HILLARY LOSES SECURITY CLEARANCE

By Stephen Dinan – The Washington Times – Friday, October 12, 2018

Hillary Clinton has given up her security clearance in the wake of the scandal over her handling of secret information on her email server, the Senate Judiciary Committee revealed Friday.

Chairman Charles E. Grassley also revealed top Clinton aide Cheryl Mills and four others no longer have clearance.

Mrs. Clinton’s clearance expired at the end of August. The others lost their access privileges in September.

The State Department, in a letter to Mr. Grassley, had said Mrs. Clinton and her aides retained clearance in order to conduct research after she left office.

The names of the four additional aides besides Ms. Mills were redacted from the State Department letter that the committee released.

HTH asks:  WHAT THE HELL TOOK SO LONG!
Posted by JimmyDHorse in Political Rants, 0 comments