Last weekend found me on lovely Mactan Island in tropical Cebu, Philippines. It was good to get away for a change of perspective. And the weather was nice as well.
There is much to like about the Philippines (and quite a bit not to like as well). I had considered retiring there at one point in my life. I guess it is still in play for the future, but these days I’m just taking things one day at a time and will see what happens next.
Now, Filipinos are generally happy people. I like their attitudes. For example, a fat man is thought of as wealthy. And an older man is viewed as stable and mature. So it is refreshing to go from invisible in Korea to being called a “hansome man” by the brown skinned lovelies.
Anyway, here’s some pictures:
Visited an old Spanish fort from the 1500s.
One of the views from my hotel…
…and another…
Surprisingly comfortable beach side lounger…what a hansome man, eh?
Stayed at the Be Resort which was 90% occupied by Korean tourists. I declared myself King of the resort anyway…
I could be a fuckin’ postcard…
A frosty San Miguel Light is always a nice surprise…
Dined on a mountain top with great views of the city of Cebu..
…like this…
…and this.
Lapu Lapu, the famed slayer of Magellan…
Here’s the story in case you missed it…
Speaking of Magellan, it is said that the original cross he planted in claiming the Philippines for God and Queen was at this spot and it’s remnants are encased inside this one. Who knows and who cares?
I enjoyed this hotel view much better…
…than this one. When I saw the color of the water I nixed the bath…
My favorite eatery was this floating restaurant…
…featuring this view of the bay…
In the tropics it is crucial to drink plenty of fluids. I was not taking any chances, so I enjoyed a trifecta of beer, mango juice, and water. Hell, I even inserted vapor into my lungs…
and the cannons used to roar…
dancing through history…
A smorgasbord of Filipina beauties…
Sadly they weren’t on my diet…
So, one morning at breakfast I ran into Tristan, a guy from the dart league in Seoul. Must be long odds that we would both pick the same resort on the same weekend. I told him to quit stalking me.
oui
Tristan is French and apparently was an underwear model back in the day. Hell, we are practically twins, don’t you think?
Anyway, except for the getting there and getting back it was fine trip indeed. I’m thinking Thailand is next on my agenda. My buddy Dennis is currently ensconced there.
The name “Mactan” makes me think of black widows. I used to know all the Latin names for a wide range of God’s creatures. No longer. But that one stuck with me.
By the way, that sultry pose in the fourth photo—reflecting the pose of that underwear model later on—makes me want to look up your Grindr profile.
Many moons ago, when I was in the AF in Korea, we used to go TDY down to Clark AB for a month at a time for the Cope Thunder exercises. The PI is a beautiful place, but the rampant poverty was depressing to see. Back then (late 80s) it was like the wild west down there; I enjoyed the warm weather, cheap food and drinks but I was always glad to get back to Korea.
Kevin: Interesting knowing that mactan relates to black widows. The spider I despise above all others. Didn’t see one on Mactan fortunately. I do however throw Black Widow brand darts, although they fail to strike fear into the hearts of my opponents.
Thanks for recognizing my sultryness. I think. And I admit to not knowing what Grindr even is. Maybe I should join.
Nomad: Yes, even on the resort island of Mactan there was plenty of crushing poverty to be witnessed. That was one of the factors that made me hesitate in retiring there because it really does get depressing.
How can those beauties now be on your diet? I wouldn’t be able to resist partaking of the local delicacies.
Billy, let’s just say I was otherwise occupied…