Angeles City

I realize that is a strange title but I am sorry that I have taken so long to add words to this blog of mine.  Please forgive me.  I do not have a decent excuse other than lack of energy and at times quite busy.  I want to thank those that have subscribed to this site and I have filed away all your Email addresses, thanks for your patience.

At this time though I would like to mention two good friends that have passed away recently.  One, Joe Nelson was a man I knew for years, retired Air Force and a Mason.  He died suddenly in Feb after an illness that drove him to Medical City.  Joe enjoyed playing pool and at one time, a long time ago, played on my pool team.  He was a gentleman.

Just a few moments ago I received information that another friend “Fish” passed away in California.  Let me post his obituary:

Charles W. Fisherman passed away Sunday, March 11^th,  2018 after a short but acute illness. He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and a Vietnam Veteran.  He was always a very happy and cheerful man that carried a warm smile.

Charles (aka “Fishcat”, aka “Listo”, aka “Fish”) was born in Cogdell, Clinch County, Georgia, on November 5^th, 1930. Charles was raised in southern Florida where he excelled in sports. He graduated from Dorsey High School in 1951. He attended Lincoln University in Missouri and worked his way through college as a Pullman Porter on the Pennsylvania Railroad in the early 1950’s. He joined the US Air Force in 1954, after originally being drafted by the US Army, and worked as an Air Policeman. On his 2nd assignment at Clark AFB Philippines, he met his wife, Irene Pineda, and they married after a formal courting process. Charles and Irene had 6 children, traveled all over the world as Charles served a 24-year career in the USAF. Most of his Air Force career, he was stationed at Clark where he played and coached various USAF sports teams.  He excelled in football and track  and consistently made the Air Force team. While in the Air Force in the late 50’s, he qualified for the Olympics in track but had to withdraw due to a leg injury.  Charles completed two tours of duty in Vietnam surviving the 1968 Tet offensive at Tan Son Nhut AFB where he was wounded and narrowly escaped with his life. Charles was a decorated veteran and proud of his service to the country. After his retirement from the Air Force, Charles worked as a government employee at Clark AFB with merchandise control for the Base Exchange and Commissary and would take frequent space available flights around the world. During this time, Charles completed his college education obtaining a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of the Philippines.

Charles never forgot a birthday, holiday, or an occasion for his family.  He always showered his family with gifts whenever he could.  He was a great story teller and often spoke of his travel and experiences to anyone that would listen. He enjoyed going to the gym and was in incredible physical shape most of his life.  He ate healthy and never drank or smoked.  Charles had a love for cars which was generated from a childhood experience when he saw a 1920’s style Rolls Royce. He was so taken that he had 3 cars designed and manufactured while in the Philippines. He was known to “literally” travel the world searching for car parts. He could often be seen driving around Vacaville in his white Rolls Royce-like custom car he referred to as “Lucille”.

Charles lived most of his life between the Philippines and California.  After his wife’s death, he visited his children and grandchildren often sharing lots of stories and giving them advice on life.  During his later years, he read his bible daily.  His presence will be truly missed especially during the holidays when he cooked greens and baked his banana pudding and pound cake for the family.

Charles Fisherman was predeceased by his wife, Irene Fisherman and brother, Gerald Fisherman. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Yolanda and Andre Santana, Suzette and Victor Humphrey, Agnes Fisherman, Charles “Kenny” and Nicole Fisherman, Jessica and Darek Ochtera, Irene J Fisherman.  Grandchildren: Charles J Santana, Andre L Santana, Victoria Humphrey, Marsha Wainwright, Mark C Wainwright, Cameron Fisherman, Elijah Fisherman. Great Grandson Charles K Evans. His sister and brother in-law Dorothy & Roschell Franklin.  Sister in-law Ruth Fisherman and a host of other in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A viewing will take place on Sunday March 18^th from 12:00-3:00 pm at Vaca Hills Chapel 524 Elmira Rd, Vacaville, CA 95687. Services will take place at St Joseph’s Church, Monday March 19^th at 10:00 AM at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1791 Marshall Rd, Vacaville, CA 95687.

Fish was one of a kind.  He was always very fit, happy and proud of his family.  I met him at the Clark AB Gym when the USAF was here and he was amazing.  He loved traveling space A and when I would meet him he would regale me with stories of his travels to Germany, England and whatever other points on the map that  he could get “Hops” to.  He was so proud of the custom car he had built here in Angeles City shipped to the States.  He was 8 years older than me and physically, looked 25 years younger.  I am sure, in heaven, he is already traveling the world and is probably peeking into the Space Station.  I am so proud to have known this man.

On 25 Feb I celebrated my 80th birthday and enjoyed the company of my family and many friends.  My sister flew in from Florida and my son Jimmy flew in from Arizona.  Regretfully, my son Jason was enjoying a bit of Army basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.  Tomorrow, Sunday, Vina and I will fly out of Clark on Emirates Air line to attend his graduation from basic training on 22 Mar.  After graduation he will be heading to school to learn the plumbing trade.

ENVY SPORTS BISTRO SUITES – located at the entrance to walking street is the newest place for those who love sports and good food at affordable prices.  The four owners who gave you 7 years of service at Phillie’s Sports Grill have taken their experience to bring you a superior dining experience and an excellent venue for viewing sports of your choice at a high degree of comfort.  They have only been open one month but already have been declared as the place to go for great food, great service and great viewing pleasure.  In the near future they will also be offering 7 furnished suites at the same prime location.

Not too long ago I read in the Sun Star paper that officials of Porac, a town adjoining Angeles City, have been confiscating and destroying modified noisy mufflers from motorcycle users.  The use of improvised mufflers is a violation of the Republic Act (RA) No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and traffic code of the Philippines which makes me wonder why we have to suffer from the noise forced on us by these motorcycles.  I commend Porac Mayor Condralito “Carling” B. Dela Cruz and board member Fritzie David-Dizon.  My question now is why can’t Mayor Ed Pamintuan do the same for Angeles City?

PONDEROSA HOTEL: The Ponderosa Hotel (new name “Hotel Fenson”) has had a make-over since a new owner (British National) has taken over.  Before there were a number of owners now it is under single ownership.  I  have been told that the swimming pool area has had a complete upgrade and I am looking forward to taking a look see.  Will do that when I get back from my trip.  I want to meet the new owner.

SWAGMAN – The Swagman has been a mainstay in this town for many years.  Remember the old wet shirt contests, a great picture taking event.  Anyway, I have heard that the Hotel is closed but there is someone that is keeping the bar area up and running.  Another place I have to look at.  In the old days I would drive there myself but I can no longer drive or walk that well so I have to depend on my brother in law to help me, another reason I have not been so active in writing.  I am determined to change all that (I hope).

JOSIE-HI – AKA Thi-Hi has brought on board an Australian manager, Ken, to try and breathe some new life into the place.  It has never been the same since the American owner passes away.  Josie has been doing her best but finances have been a bit hard to come by.  Anyway, Ken was able to erect a cover for the frontage and place some tables and chairs so that now the 3 bars (Honey-Ko’s and Hang-out) all have outside seating.  The interior of Josie-Hi, I believe, remains the same.  The problem is getting the girls to show up for work every day.  It remains my favorite neighborhood bar and I have high hopes that Ken will be able to brighten the place up a bit.  I do not get there as much as I used to and I sort of miss
that.

EATING OUT – A friend of mine treated me and Vina to dinner recently and took us to a new Japanese restaurant, Namari, located at the Saver’s Mall building on MacArthur Hi-way.  I had not been to Saver’s for a long time and I was absolutely amazed at the change.  I could not believe my eyes as drove into the parking area in the back of the building.  The restaurant was on the 1st floor and as we entered the entrance way I wondered if I was in the right place.  The restaurant was to the left and to the right was another restaurant under construction, darn, forgot the name.  Namari featured a long table with a right angle that had cooks standing behind ready to cook the food in front of you, like Beni-Hana’s only without the fancy show.  There are two sittings that you have to reserve in advance, 6 to 8 and 8 to 10 PM.  We sat for the 8 PM session and the chef started right away preparing the food and serving it up one item at a time.  This went on for the whole 2 hours because to my surprise, once the selections had been consumed he asked up what seconds we wanted as it was not 10 PM yet.  Naturally I asked for the pieces of tenderloin and a second dessert.  It was a wonderful experience and I think I would like a repeat evening but the price at P888 per head is a bit steep but considering the menu, especially the tenderloin maybe not so bad.

I was surprised to see that a Best Western Hotel has been installed on the 3rd floor.  I have known the Uy brothers for years, back when they started with a small store across the street from Johnny’s.  That is when you could see Jack or Alan behind the counter chatting with customers.  This newly renovated building is a monument to their success which took a lot of hard work.

AQUA PARK – There is a newly opened water park on Clark which has generated a lot of excitement. This definitely has to be on your “got to visit” bucket list when you visit Angeles City.  The kids or your favorite lady will really appreciate the treat.  I have not seen it yet but my friend Dave Crowe has checked it out and given it high marks.  Beware though, the entry prices are not cheap.  A full day with food, drinks, tickets, etc., could set you back a fair amount of pesos.  But the love and joy in the eyes of the kids and your lady will be reward enough (I think).

I still have lots of thoughts running through my head but it is getting late.  I wanted to write a few lines before I hopped on the plane tomorrow.  If the trip does not kill me I will rest up a bit when I get back and write some more words.  One thing I have to mention is that it certainly has been peaceful in AC with no bar raids, killings, shake-downs, etc.  The tri-cycle drivers are not happy with the appearance of “Grab Cars” but the Expats and tourists love them.  The fares are fair and you do not have to negotiate.  Ride in comfort instead of squeezing into a tri-cycle where the driver charges double what he is allowed to charge by regulation.

Along the Perimeter fence you should stop and look at the enormous parking garage that is under construction.  This is part of the ongoing commercialization of certain areas of Clark under CDC control.  Every month new plans are revealed and the biggest plan is for the Clark Green City which I am not sure I will be around to see its completion much less the beginning of construction.  It is so exciting.  OK
Jimmy D (Harry the Horse), give it a rest, I have a plane to catch.