Ian (Tommo) Thomas

Sadly, the legendary Tommo passed away at the Medical City Clark ICU unit this morning from a heart attack.  A few weeks ago Tommo fell from the top deck of his boat and suffered multiple breaks to his body.  He had been at Medical City ICU for a while and it was hoped that he would be able to recover in due time.  He put up a good fight because he was always strong and determined to enjoy life to its fullest.  The injuries were just too much for his heart   Whether you liked him or not, he was a fair man and could be a great friend but he could be difficult as well.  His great love was his boat and his last memory would have been that last fateful day on that boat.  He will be missed by many.  His body now lies at Olongapo Memorial Chapel.

JOSIE-HI – This favorite bar of mine has been sold and will soon be under new management.  I do not know the details but I am glad that the sale has gone through as, financially, it was close to having to close due to lack of funds.  Many customers, including myself, are happy to see it given new life.  I think old Deery is smiling from his resting place in the Clark cemetery.

All for now –  I want to thank the many new subscribers to this blog.  Many of you were with me as Harry the Horse and I always enjoyed hearing from you and loved it when you visited me at “The Stable”.  I am still available to greet you and if not here, then you might find me at Envy Sports Bistro and Suites just before the walking street entrance.  I want to thank Ray, a visitor from Germany who was a long time reader of my old column and now the new one.  I had not seen him for a few years and it was fun to catch up with his adventures.

Hey, my son Jason is now stationed at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii.  He will be 20 years old on 31 Oct and Mrs Horse will fly there to celebrate with “her baby”.  What is it with Moms, , you could be 30 years old, married and still be her “baby”.  I will not go with her, too difficult for me to get around.  Next year I will go to Las Vegas for a couple of weeks for medical check-ups and then on to Hawaii to celebrate his 21st with him.  I will look forward to that.

Remember, be kind to horses.

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Bars, RIP, 3 comments

SPACE-A TRAVEL OUT OF CLARK

The Philippine Air Force high command for some reason is pissing on US military retirees seeking Space-A travel out of Clark.  I have refrained from writing about this when it first started but now, after their latest directive making it nearly impossible to use Space-A. I figured it is best to pass on the latest policy. My advice for anyone coming to Angeles City with hope of traveling out of here via Space-A -FORGET ABOUT IT!

Good Afternoon,. Resending the schedule in hopes that you are able to open the attachment. The DoD has implemented strict measures on sending attachments outside DoD Channels. Therefore, I may have to use alternate means to get the future schedules properly distributed.

On another note, JUSMAG/U.S. Embassy just advised us this morning that effective immediately the Philippine Air Force has implemented another change to the base access policy. Due to an overwhelming number of Space-A passengers submitting requests for base access. They are requiring JUSMAG/U.S. Embassy endorsement letters to accompany all requests. JUSMAG/U.S. Embassy cannot currently support the new policy and therefore has requested to cease all Space-A base access requests until further notice. Passengers who have already submitted and received an approval are good to go. However, No new requests are permitted until a resolution can be done. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Clark, Travel, 0 comments

SOON TO OPEN

HARRY THE HORSE – BE KIND TO VERY OLD HORSES!

Hi folks, just about time for me to head for bed but decided to chat a bit with my friends first.  I always get excited when I learn that a new eatery is opening close to my Stable so I do not have to travel far to sample the goods.  I especially like it when people I know and respect are involved.  I received the following Email (yes, I still use Email, not just FB and Messenger).

This is Detroit Al (Al Konkolesky).  How have you been?  I’ve been busy at RBI Steakhouse (A great place well worth visiting)  Right now we are getting the new Sandwich Shop & Deli up and running and hope to have it open by early next month. It will be in the old Frontera Restaurant, and I will be running it.  The name will be Blanchette’s American Style Deli and Bakery.  We will be serving breakfast and lunch, along with a deli case and dessert counter.  We will have a bakery in the back and will be making American style desserts and breads.

HT H – Detroit Al is a good friend of mine who helped me put my HTH column on line each month.  He also worked at the Wild Orchid for a bit of time before going over  to the RBI Steakhouse located at the Queens Hotel.  He is well known and a good guy to know, for sure he will be a great asset at Blanchette’s.  When I get a specific date for the opening I will let you know.  Oh, forgot, where is it located – not far from me, along Perimeter Road just near the Clark middle gate.

This afternoon I was sitting at my favorite outdoor seat at Envy meeting new people and old friends when a reader of my old column, from Las Vegas, Dieter saw me and greeted me.  He had not been in Angeles City for five years and was amazed at the changes.  He had just been to Smile Makeover for treatment by Dr. Irene who he booked because of my recommendation here.  He even had his daughter treated as well.  The real reason I am mentioning this is because he married a young lady that he met at my Stable who was there with a couple visiting for lunch.  He was in love with her at first sight, she reciprocated, they married, now have 3 children and live happily in Las Vegas.  I thought it was a nice story and so sorry I did not have my camera with me.   I can find my tourist of the month again, and maybe, just maybe, a “I would if I could”.Needless to say, from now on I will return to my old ways of having my camera, pen and notepad with me at all times, especially when sitting outside of Envy.  My one good eye affirms that it is a great place to watch, and maybe meet some attractive ladies, in passing.  (Priscilla, I only WATCH).

Really late now.  Time for bed, but wait, just two more comments.  Will England win this Wednesday at the World Cup and progress?  Will Pacquio win his fight?  Ok, yes, those were questions, not comments.  Any predictions?  Goodnight again!

 

 

 

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Food, 1 comment

DOUG SLADE UPDATE

DOUG SLADE – Even though Doug Slade (Previous owner of Home Base here in Angeles City was extradited a few years ago by British Law Enforcement and sentenced to 24 years in jail, his problems are not over.  Here is an update published by the London Bulletin:

“From the London Bulletin – Paedophile Douglas Slade Being Sued In London High Court By Filipino Victims In Landmark Case

 

Crime News – Comment Box @ end of story•

Wednesday, Jun 27, 2018, 7:55 AM

Douglas (Dougie) Slade, the Aylesbury and Bristol child molesting pervert who was finally brought to justice in a British court, is now being sued in the High Court in London by some of his victims from the Philippines.

Douglas Slade, 77, who was finally convicted in Bristol Crown Court on historical sex crimes charges against British boys, had always escaped justice in Angeles City in the Philippines over child sex charges by the simple expedient of bribing his way out of trouble.

Circuit Judge Euan Ambrose jailed Slade for 24 years 2 years ago after he was found guilty of 13 charges of abusing five children, the youngest only 10, between the 1960’s and 1980’s.

That case had kept Avon and Somerset’s police waiting patiently for years to activate until an extradition treaty between the UK and Philippines was signed and then ratified.

Now a legal team of solicitor Alan Collins (Hugh James Solicitors) and barrister Justin Levinson (1 Crown Office Row Chambers), who are experts in representing victims of child sex abuse with a long track record of success, have ensured Slade is now to face the prospect of losing his fortune as well as his liberty.

The lawyers have headed up an investigation into all aspects of Slade’s activities on behalf of 5 Filipino victims of him that went to the High Court in London. Starting with preparatory hearings in front of a Master, this went to a preliminary hearing in front of a Judge last week who has now set the full hearing to start on 9th October, with 3 days set aside for it. Slade, now imprisoned on the Isle of Wight in Albany jail, had appeared via video link for the hearings in front of the Master but for the hearing in front of a judge he refused to leave his cell. ”

For more details please search out the London Bulletin article.  Home Base continues to operate but I do not know who has taken control of it.  I never bothered to research further after Doug was extradited and convicted.  He was arrested many times here in the Philippines and in each case was able to bribe his way out of jail.  Google Douglas Slade and you will see videos posted in which he sort of brags about being able to pay off complainants.  Is this the last chapter for Doug Slade or just the beginning of a new drama.  How in the world will the Filipino complainants ever gain any money from their efforts to sue?  Usually it is the lawyers that get the cream off the top.

 

 

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Crime, 0 comments

NEW THAI RESTAURANT

THAI FOOD – I love Thai food so I was excited to see that the new glass building next to the ABC Hotel housed the “Spice Road” Thai restaurant.  I could not get there for the opening but a couple of nights later I talked the wife into joining me for what we hoped would be a great food tasting.  The building structure is beautiful, inside and out, with it glass windows and great view.  I regret that that I will have to forego eating on the second floor.  I bet you are wondering if I thought the food was good and I would have to say what was available was delicious.  My regret is that only a limited menu was available.  I was told that more will be added as the cooks are further trained and I can understand that.  The lady in charge is a Filipina that did not undergo any formal training in Thailand but on each of her numerous trips there spent time observing and picking up tips on how to make various dishes.  I like the place and the location is convenient with off street parking.  I was pleased to be able to say hello to Gerard (ABC Hotel owner) who was enjoying a meal at a table across from me.

ITALIAN RESTAURANT – You guessed it, this old Horse likes Italian food too, that is why I always call Tony J’s when I get an urge for their great chicken Parmesan.  Another reason I like that restaurant is because they are one of the few places on Friendship that is not Korean.  Anyway, the place I am raving about today is on Malabanias Road.  It is owned by Dom, the very talkative Italian that has the Steakhouse in Hensonville.  This guy talks the talk, constantly and always claims he has the best steaks and ribs in town.  He is a first rate character and usually I only half listen to him.  I passed his little place many times, it is near NT Realty and you can see the cooks doing their thing from the street.  I waited a  long time before I finally ordered some food from him because there are so many places to get decent pizza and ribs I usually eat at the Envy Bistro near walking street.  But, last Mother’s Day, instead of eating out Mrs Horse (Vina) decided we would have the family at the “Stable” and treat everyone.  My thoughts were “here we go, pancit, lumpia, spaghetti again, and no way did I want to look forward to that”.  With that I thought, let me use this outdated menu that Dom dropped off months ago and order up some pizza and ribs.  I called 0915-179-3646 and gave my order to Dom himself and told him what time I wanted delivery.  I figured what the hell, they have to be better than what was on Vina’s menu.  Holy s–t was I surprised.  The pizzas and ribs were GREAT!  I was the hero of the day, no leftovers.  Advance now to yesterday;  I decided to check out the physical location and satisfy my hunger with a pizza.  I figured that at 15:30 hours the place would be empty.  Wrong!  It was packed with Filipinos and some Koreans.  I was lucky to get a seat because the place is small.  They were ordering plates of ribs and steaks and the wood fired oven was working at full blast.  Needless to say I was impressed and also ate too much.  Steak, ribs, pasta and a meatball sub are the menu items.  I was hoping to get a new take-out menu because mine was outdated but to my surprise he did not have any to give out.  Hey Dom, I liked your joint and your full use of the space available to you.  Nothing fancy, just down to earth and your food deserves a high five from me and all that check out the Cowboy Italian Restaurant.  Another # for take-out is 0915-327-9303, open from 11 AM to 10 PM.

BITCOIN – Hey there Mr Horse ,  (I promised Stephany I would post her info here and I like to keep my promises.  Plus, I appreciated her input.

I read your page here: jimmydhorse.com/category/political-rants/

It reminded me of this tool I found a few days ago that might be relevant to your users. It is a Bitcoin converter, and I think that – considering the news lately –  it is important to consider Bitcoins along with regular currencies.

www.vpnmentor.com/tools/Bitcoin-rate/

I’m sure your users will find it as a nice addition to the traditional conversion tools, if you choose to share it with them!

Hope I helped back,
Stephany.

Note:  I do not own any bitcoins, too expensive now.  Last year when I tried to get on-board the site I tried to sign up but, was sent a notice that they do not deal with the Philippines.   I missed the boat!

BRIGETTE GABRIEL – I am a big fan of this lady.  She tells it like it is.  I am also a fan of ‘The Brit” but it appears he has run afoul of Facebook which loves to censor bloggers they disagree with.  One person I disagree with in all respects is Cathy Areu.  I have stayed away from my political rants but I am close to losing control again.  Anyone who thinks members of the MS-13 gang are not animals live in a dream world.  I now finish by saying “Go Yankees” and win 4 ASAP, Golden State.

BRITAIN – I am reading a lot about the problems being encountered by British subjects these days.  I could not resist passing on this very appropriate cartoon.

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Food, 1 comment

NEW CONDO CLOSE TO FIELDS AVE

One Euphoria – Check your bank accounts, get out your check books.  A new Condo high rise will rise near Fields Ave and by all appearances it looks like it will be one hell of a place to live. It is a 15 story building on Santos and goes back to Surla street.  It is just past Johnny street on Santos.  One and two bedroom units will be available and we think the price for a one bedroom will be around 6.7 million.  I have to thank my friend Mike Johnson for this info and he added that the space previously occupied by the Rajah short time hotel will become a parking lot.  Please check out One Euphoria, I did and was sure impressed.  I wonder if this is another project of Guy and Roselle, owners of the Central Park Tower?  This is another example of complete trust in the future of Angeles City and it is the same trust I have had for many years now.  Life here is exciting and I look forward to the euphoria I will feel when I first get to visit the completed One Euphoria condo complex.

VILLA HERMOSA – Readers will remember that I was not in favor of spending a weekend away from the comfort of my home and complained about an overnight trip my wife planned for the family.  I said I would provide a few details and I have to admit that the place we stayed was absolutely fantastic and very unusual.  I loved it, so much that last Saturday I closed up our bar and took the staff, along with family members, there for a one day outing.  How the hell can I explain adequately so you can feel complete wonder that I felt?  It is named Villa Hermosa, located in Sto. Cristo, Hermosa, Bataan, only a 45 minute drive on the SCTEX Super Highway.  On our weekend trip my wife reserved the entire property for P24,000 and it was completely private.  The house is a mansion that was originally owned by a British man and about 20 years ago bought by the well known Bataan Ramon family.  Once you enter the compound you see this beautiful mansion and impressive grounds.  The mansion has a Suite and 10 rooms as well as, get this, an indoor pool with Jacuzzi on the ground floor.  The suite is on the 2nd floor and has a balcony.  I was blown away even though I struggled to get to the second floor.  I loved it.  Now, the back area has a fantastic pool that is filled with natural mountain fed water 24/7.  It never stops running so you swim in a pool containing no chemicals at all.  It was amazing and I never figured out how this was accomplished.  Get thirst while swimming?  Just get to the end of the pool and drink from the water tube feeding the cold water into the pool.  One section of the pool is separate for the small kids and the children loved it.  There is also a very large function room and a smaller one which was not accessible to us.  In the house, as well as the suite, there are family and deluxe rooms. We had 24 family members and there was plenty of room.  The important thing is that when rented it is completely private.  You bring your own food and drink and swim all night if you want to but only until 10 PM in the indoor pool which no one used.  Before we left I decided to reserve the outdoor pool area for our staff annual outing.  I paid the deposit and returned to Villa Hermosa on Saturday and loved every minute we were there.  The staff brought their children and for sure the kids hated to get out of the pool.  Even I stayed in for quite a while and played with the kids and did my exercises.   Will I return next year – you better believe it!  You must reserve in advance so call Len at 09123965251 or (63) 47-491-4397.  Don’t tell my wife that I did kind of enjoy the overnight stay as I do not want it to become a habit.

SMILE MAKEOVER – I had my 3rd treatment for my root canal  and only one more appointment to go.  This time, Dr. Eilene did her normal great work and even the initial shot to my gum did not hurt at all.  The reason I mention this treatment as this was the first time I fell asleep in the chair while she was working on me and my mouth was full of equipment.  I had enough pain relief in me that I tried thinking of Hawaii and the music of Brother IZ in an attempt to move my mind elsewhere.  Three different times I knew I dozed off and later Dr. Irene confirmed my slumber as she heard me snore.  This was a first for me.  I was happy to see Dr. Tey when she dropped in to see me.  Another reason I am mentioning this here is because I would like to suggest that Doc Tey take her staff to Villa Hermosa the next time she plans a one day outing for staff and family.  For the one day reservation the charge was only P5,000.  I know she would really enjoy the visit.  Check it out Doc!

Finally, pictures displaying Villa Hermosa (with help from my brother in law).  L to R  your truly in dining room (not allowed to use), out door pool area, picture of owners (ex-congresswoman,), Staircase to second floor and nook for in-door garden, window view of 2nd floor balcony, indoor pool with jacuzzi, out door pool and last, front view of the Villa.

 

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Travel, 0 comments

JOSIE-HI

JOSIE-HI BAR – Many of you will remember this bar under the name of Thi-Hi and also remember that it was my favorite place to go for a bit of fun.  I still go there once in a while but it has lost a bit of its style over the last couple of years.  Recently a long time customer came on board to help Josie (owner) with a bit of capitalization and suggestions for improvement.  It did not go as well as he hoped, in fact most of his time and money went into paying rent that was behind and utility bills.  He was able to bring on Ken (Mac), a popular, well known Australian to help manage and he was able to make some improvements that have increased sales.  But, problems persist and a further “house cleaning” is necessary to raise the customer base.  Recently, some new investors have shown an interest in taking the place over and have been checking the books in discussions with management.  A team of two, Bill and Conrad I know Tony the previous owner of  a bar that close down last year was the second person of interest.  This can be good news for the loyal customers of Josie-Hi who do not wish to see it close.  Whoever buys it, we can only hope that the stage and dancers will disappear, tables added and more nicely dressed GROs added.  The outside seating brought about by Ken has brought out a positive response.  The Josie-Hi Bar can, once again, be a success story.

THE RAJAH – Previously, I write about the Rajah Hotel being demolished; yesterday I had my driver take me by for a look and  it sure did bring back a lot of memories of the old days.  Yes, I was a “frequent user” of this drive-in establishment and for sure it was not very fancy, in fact it was in a constant state of deterioration but the price was right along with its convenient location.  Yes, I took a picture for my scrap book.

PICTURES:  Speaking of pictures, those of you that read my comments about Envy Bistro Sports Suites will notice that the picture of the waitress was added.  I did not do that!  My friend Chuck who helped me out with Harry the Horse has editing privileges and added the picture for me.  I was surprised to see it there the next day.

OVERNIGHT TRIP – During my recent trip to the US I found it difficult to be in a hotel room for 7 days and needed a lot of assistance from my wife.  Once again I asked her, “please, back in the PI do not make me go on overnight outings where I have a problem with the bathroom”.  I was so happy to return to my PWD equipped bathroom here.  Guess what?  Tomorrow the whole family are heading to Bataan to stay overnight in some fancy resort where you rent the whole house.  Mrs Horse, asked me today, if I really wanted to go?  I asked if I could be honest, she sweetly said “Yes”.  I just as sweetly said “No”.  Somehow, I am still going!  Of course I will fill you in on the details next week.

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Bars, 0 comments

ENVY BISTRO

ENVY – Dog darn it, I wanted to put a picture here of one of Envy’s waitresses and screwed it up.  I was able to get the picture inserted but could not figure out how to write around it.  I really need to get some help on this.  Oh well, for now just settle for words only.  Envy Bistro Sports Suites is the newest venture from the previous owners of Phillie’s Sports Grill now being run by “Joe”.  The owners took the 7 years of experience from Phillie’s and built a Sports Grill that is a big improvement over their last venture.  Within a short 3 months after opening Envy has already acquired a reputation of providing complete sports coverage on the many cameras placed throughout the establishment while also providing delicious menu items quickly at a reasonable price.  Imagine being able to enjoy a great early morning breakfast menu from 0600 to 1000 hrs for only P99.  It is located just in front of the entrance to the Fields Ave walking street.  You can enjoy seating inside or even in front to enjoy the natural air.  As the weather warms up and becomes a bit uncomfortable you can always enjoy the comfort of air-conditioning that was not possible when the owners were operating Phillie’s.  It was one improvement that they were determined to provide at Envy.  Oh, one other bit of news is that Envy will also be offering 7 rooms on the 4th and 5th floor at the back end of the Envy building opposite the Orchid Inn.
When I finally beat this picture problem sometime this year I will be providing pictures.  Man, I am just not all that computer literate.

RAJAH HOTEL  – This is info is for the old timers that would remember the two short time hotels located just off the street leading to Johnny’s store after turning left after the Wild Orchid  hotel.  They were well used convenient locations providing short visits for a very reasonable price.  One of the two, the Rajah is being torn down, a bit of AC history being eradicated, wiped off the map but not our memories.  So many memories and fewer and fewer people left to share those memories with.  I do not know, at this time what will rise at this location, all I do know is that every time I pass by, whatever stands in its place will always make me think of a long gone landmark.  One still stands, but for how long?

ANGELES CITY SWAGMAN HOTEL – Provides us with a strange tale.  It is closed now and has been for quite some time now.  From what I heard the owner abandoned it, just walked away from it but I hesitate to say that this story is factual.  All I know for sure is that it is closed and I was totally surprised when I learned about it.  I have been told is that the owner of the Patio is running the bar or at least trying to.  I will try to get my brother in law to drive me by there and take a look.  Recently a contractor who provides up to 3,000 meals a day to a call center on Clark has leased the kitchen so he can provide the meals that, previously, were prepared by contract to another restaurant.  The Swagman kitchen was the perfect solution to a big problem for him.  Naturally he had to spend a great deal of money on equipment to be operational but it was worth it.  Can you imagine that number of meals that have to be prepared, packaged up, loaded onto a van and delivered to the call center exactly on time at 0400, 1100, 1500, etc., 7 days a week.  At least, for now, there is still a bit of life at the Swagman.  I can’t help but think of past manager Remy, who worked there for years and was well liked.  Sadly, she passed away from cancer while working there.  She loved her job and the many loyal customers of the hotel loved her.  Remy, you remain a pleasant memory to all who knew you.

Time for bed folks, sure does feel good to chat with you.  I plan to do it more often.  I sure do appreciate those who have taken the time to subscribe and patiently wait for me to get off my ass and write.  By the way, I am going through another root canal torture at Smile Makeover under the gentle hands of Doctor Irene.  Let me take this time to wish Doctor Rhoda a quick recovery from a recent medical procedure she underwent.  This is another great dentist at Smile.  Regardless, I HATE root canal treatments regardless of how sweet and gentle the dentist but a bit of tenderness does help.  At SMILE they are always kind to this old horse and Dr. Tey, along with her mother blessed me with their presence at my 80th birthday party in Feb.  Remember, one and all, be kind to horses.  Good night.  

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Bars, Food, 0 comments

Harry the Horse Archives

Years ago I started writing about Angeles City through a newsletter titled Harry the Horse.  I had many readers over the years.  Some of you might want to look through some of the history.  Give this a try.

HarryTheHorse

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, 0 comments

FOREIGNER SHOT

TRAGIC:  This morning I found out that the foreign manager of Gentlemen’s Club, Perry, was shot early AM as he was leaving work.  From what I learned from various sources is that two male Filipinos riding tandem on a motorcycle stopped and demanded money from him, when Perry refused to cooperate one of them shot him.  He was left lying in the street.  The latest news is that he was transported to Ona hospital and is still alive.  Pictures of him lying in the street have been circulated via social media.  This is a terrible act of violence and the sad thing is that I would be very surprised if the police did more than a cursory investigation.  As I receive more info I will update here and I certainly hope Perry survives.  At the time of the morning he left work that area of Perimeter road is dark and deserted.

US VISIT:  A week ago I returned from a quick visit to the US (Ft. Jackson, South Carolina) to attend the graduation of my son Jason from Army basic training.  It has been years since I was in a location that cold.  My wife and I were frozen, during the two day ceremony I shook so hard from the cold that my teeth hurt.  All went well, the family day and graduation  ceremony were wonderful to watch despite the cold and proud Mom, Vina was so happy to see “her baby” again.
We flew out of Clark on Emirates, business class and we were very happy with the great service and comfort.  We were 23 flying hours to our destination and when adding in layovers you better believe it was a long trip.  I used wheelchair service all the way and it seems to me that the distances from plane to gate in these terminals are getting longer and longer.  If I had to walk we would have missed our flights.  One pleasure that we had was not having to make the trip to and from NAIA Manila for our flight and believe me, even if we have to take a longer route to get to our destination we will always try to use Clark for our air travel.

It is time for bed now so I have to sign off but will be adding more comments soon.  Yeah, I have thoughts floating around in this old head of mine.  Remember, be kind to horses and the Emirates personnel certainly treated this old horse with kindness.

Posted by JimmyDHorse in Angeles City, Crime, Travel, 2 comments