Comments Posted By Drain Snake
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Just for fun, try some rudimentary Thai.
“Thank you” (as said by a male) is, more or less:
Cop coon crap.“I love you” (male) is:
Pom raccoon crap.There are various alternative spellings, but for some reason these are easiest to remember.
Cheers!
» Posted By Drain Snake On 16/June/2023 @ 4:27 am
Independence Day actually used to be celebrated on July 4, the date on which the Philippines actually became an independent nation in 1946. But then President Macapagal unilaterally declared by proclamation in 1962 that the date would be changed to reflect the date upon which former self-proclaimed president and dictator Aguinaldo had declared aspirational independence from Spain, Macapagal being upset about unrelated matters (read: pera) and feeling a need to publicly stick it to the kanos and salve his wounded ego…
» Posted By Drain Snake On 12/June/2023 @ 2:38 pm
That badly proportioned and weirdly colored sailor statue looks plain silly, even by dubious Philippine standards.
Pretty ironic since the other one, with the series of handprints along the base, is supposed to symbolize “the hands that freed the nation,” i.e. the petulant senators who foolishly voted to evict the US from Subic Bay after overplaying their hand at extortion drenched in adolescent quasi-nationalist rhetoric, and with no real plan in place for converting the base to effective civilian use or addressing contaminants left behind, much less providing for the nation’s defense as China became increasingly bellicose and belligerent.
Oh well, if we keep smiling and congratulating ourselves, no one will think to question the truth of the matter….
But I’m not bitter. Just a bit bemused by the endless absurdity.» Posted By Drain Snake On 10/June/2023 @ 5:35 am
Wow, Rose was simply shameless. Not the first or last.
But rather than stomp off, perhaps it would have been better to assert: “I believe you already owe me 500 pesos. If you had asked me for a loan at that time, I would have been glad to help. Now, I don’t want anything to do with you, but I want my money back. When are you going to pay me?”
I would also spread it around to cohorts. She should be the one made to feel uncomfortable, not you. Nothing like the specter of an enforced debt to keep an erstwhile “friend” away. Just a suggestion.
In my humble opinion, the lack of accountability and its impact on cultural norms is one of the things that ruins the Philippines. Rather than invest minimal effort in genuine lasting friendships that could be mutually beneficial for years, too many people would rather just rip you off for a quick 500 pesos and act like nothing happened — or even that they’re the victim because someone dared to call them out and make them lose face. So be it.» Posted By Drain Snake On 07/June/2023 @ 3:29 am
The good, the bad, and the ugly
The sense of entitlement and “it can’t hurt to ask” mentality manifest quite quickly in certain circles, where money problems are eagerly transferred to others and generosity is often perceived as foolishness.
But you already knew that.
Your pera, your choice.» Posted By Drain Snake On 04/May/2023 @ 5:42 am
The lesson here is that Darlene never intended to pursue a relationship but was on her way to Qatar. She had a nice night out and then scored an easy 70 bucks after laying a little guilt trip. It won’t be the last request.
Your pera, your choice.
But remember Rule Number One.
Run, Forrest, run!» Posted By Drain Snake On 22/April/2023 @ 12:00 pm
Ten minutes late is a real bargain. She could be a keeper! 🤣
Cheers» Posted By Drain Snake On 15/April/2023 @ 4:12 am
There is a very pronounced cultural trait in the Philippines of making one’s problems someone else’s problems. Suffice to say that rugged individualism, honesty, and personal responsibility are not the norm. (Thin-skinned reaction, pouting, jealousy, and vindictiveness often are). The reasons and impacts of this dynamic on a society and culture can be debated forever. But it can be observed in everything from individual waste disposal to national defense. It is what it it, and it’s important for foreigners to at least recognize that it’s there.
If you’re not familiar with Atlantic writer James Fallows’ controversial 1987 essay “A damaged culture,” you may want to check it out. It’s broader than these quick observations and digs into some important areas. Truly groundbreaking in its day. And, predictably, often denounced in certain circles. Has it aged well? You be the judge.
Also, it’s often noted that many Americans seem to have a naive cultural predisposition to play the White Knight, rescue the damsels, and fancy themselves different from and better than all the rest. Sometimes it’s quaint. Sometimes disastrous.
Was Kipling’s “White man’s burden” sincerity or satire?
At any rate, Rule Number One, always.
Cheers!» Posted By Drain Snake On 13/April/2023 @ 5:18 am
Might be fun to actually stay overnight in a historic home at Las Casas with the right companion but $50 a pop just to walk around is nuts, especially for the Philippines.
In a way, it seems crude to dismantle cool old buildings to make a theme park. Then again, they might otherwise be randomly dismantled for scrap to build a pig pen or some other stupid shit.
If you haven’t been to Corregidor yet, it’s definitely worth it. But these days I’m pretty sure you have to catch the tour boat from Manila. Used to be able to hire a random fishing banca on the Bataan coast for a couple bucks.» Posted By Drain Snake On 03/March/2023 @ 5:27 am
Pinikpikan, also known as Killing Me Softly.
I hate to sound like an old fart, but Baguio was lovely until the 90s. Wasn’t nearly so crowded and overdeveloped. Guess that can be said about most places. Only reason there’s forest left is because John Hay was a protected US base. Much like the forest that remains at Subic.
Well, at least Baguio cab drivers are still mostly honest and civilized compared to the ornery crooks in Manila…» Posted By Drain Snake On 13/February/2023 @ 5:48 am
I also find the Aetas fascinating. Many moons ago, I learned that they, or at least the adults, don’t eat processed or prepackaged food, which tends to make them sick. I had given away some packaged baked goods to some itinerant vendors passing through Barretto, because that’s what I happened to be carrying at the time. They thanked me and quickly began trying to sell the stuff. Anyway, things may have changed since then (30+ years ago) but the Aetas seem to have some fundamental wisdom that works well for their modest traditional lifestyle. But they’re constantly under pressure now as the world around them evolves and closes in…
» Posted By Drain Snake On 19/November/2022 @ 5:49 pm
I much prefer the honest approach of “Say, pardon me, but could you help out a fellow American who’s down on his luck?”
Doesn’t mean I will, but it’s straightforward. Hard luck stories from strangers should usually be met with directions to the embassy, which ain’t far in PP. I’d be more sympathetic off in the boonies. Your generosity is admirable, but if his story were true, what difference would ten bucks really make?» Posted By Drain Snake On 07/November/2022 @ 3:46 pm
You won’t see many signs of Christianity there because they were all burned and smashed during the bad old days of communist insanity in the ‘70s, but the busted bells from the old French cathedral are in front of the National Museum, which is well worth a peek if you’re into ancient Buddhist statuary and stuff or just want to kill time.
Have fun and beware of the notorious Cambodian starfish.» Posted By Drain Snake On 05/November/2022 @ 8:25 pm
If you opt for a visa upon arrival in Cambo, make sure you have a couple of 2×2 photos on hand or be prepared for additional delay and gouging. Immigration officers there tend to be humorless automatons or just plain assholes.
» Posted By Drain Snake On 27/October/2022 @ 5:51 am
Good man. Wonder if nine months of no rent taught them anything. Probably not…
» Posted By Drain Snake On 06/June/2022 @ 8:57 am
I hope your old place is still empty after the landlord clan tried to screw you. Ever get your deposit back? A less-refined gentleman would have, ahem, quietly made it necessary for them to spend that money and much more on additional repairs over an extended period of sincere regret. 😄
» Posted By Drain Snake On 05/June/2022 @ 4:12 pm
Translation:
I was expecting some other dude who I bonked yesterday to show up any minute and give me more money, and thus your presence was ill-timed and inconvenient for me. I’d like to keep you on the back burner until he splits or finds something better, or I’m really desperate for cash, at which time my previously professed love will promptly reappear. In the meantime, maybe you can just give me a little money to prove there’s no hard feelings so I don’t have to keep pouting?» Posted By Drain Snake On 17/May/2022 @ 11:55 am
I’m sure you don’t really need the following translations, but…
Hi, babe morning.. i see you tonight is that ok? We don’t have to go anywhere else for our date but to your home.
(I need money. How about a quicky for some quick cash?)
You not sweet when you are sober ..see how you are
(You should feel guilty and give me money now or when I see you.)
Is that all you can say? …i know you not feeling well but its boring answer john
(You should offer me some money or I will keep pouting.)
Hmm.. Ok i leave you alone now.. Hope you feel better soon.. Love you..
(I hope you give me money soon.)
» Posted By Drain Snake On 16/May/2022 @ 3:16 pm
Noble gesture on your part regarding young Dimple but you might consider first providing a toothbrush and tube of paste, and some basic oral hygiene education, before biting further into your wallet. Start slow and encourage some personal responsibility, or you may just be setting yourself up for disappointment and broadcasting that you’re a soft touch.
» Posted By Drain Snake On 13/May/2022 @ 1:47 pm
And usually pronounced “bis-kwit.”
» Posted By Drain Snake On 10/May/2022 @ 1:39 am
Enjoy the ride. Simple companionship and social interaction can be enjoyable without necessarily leading to sex or anything else. In fact, sometimes that’s better. Lots of opportunities to take it out on someone else.
» Posted By Drain Snake On 09/May/2022 @ 1:05 am
I don’t believe your story from Thumbstar. Let’s see the evidence.
But in all seriousness, can’t say I’m all that surprised about the misadventure with Samantha. I’ve seen lots of pinays piss away opportunities for an actual break that could change their lives, only to pout later and angle for a quick and temporary bailout. The worst thing you can do is indulge and enable that shit. Bad for them and you.
Rule number one, always.» Posted By Drain Snake On 06/May/2022 @ 7:22 pm
Sounds like a very nice start. No complaining is always a good sign, especially when the going gets a little tough.
» Posted By Drain Snake On 30/April/2022 @ 5:28 pm
Congrats on the new venture. She’s a cutie. And being a light social drinker is a good sign. A plus if she’s, ahem, carnally unknown to your drinking and hashing cohort.
I suspect your challenge will be to ensure she has something relatively meaningful to occupy her time other than shooting pool, gossiping, and spending your money. Keeping fit, cooking, and being gainfully employed are always good choices.» Posted By Drain Snake On 29/April/2022 @ 12:24 pm
Unrelated but was just wondering if you ever make it out to Vasco’s, about halfway between Shit River bridge and Cubi Point, and how they’re holding up these days. Has always been a nice place to chill and shoot the shit.
» Posted By Drain Snake On 24/April/2022 @ 11:50 am
Nothing wrong with having a female friend to hang out with and enjoy adult conversation while continuing to play the field for other adult activities, as long as you’re not leading anyone on.
» Posted By Drain Snake On 16/April/2022 @ 4:27 am
Run, Forrest, run!
» Posted By Drain Snake On 14/April/2022 @ 4:54 am
You’re kinda brave to allow an unknown and possibly drunk bar girl from out of town to sleep at your personal residence right away. What could go wrong? Just sayin’…
» Posted By Drain Snake On 07/April/2022 @ 4:03 am
Pepe was a stinker. But he had some fun!
» Posted By Drain Snake On 25/March/2022 @ 7:09 am
«« Back To Stats PageHappiness is a wet pussy.
Getting there is half the fun.
— Pepe Le Pew» Posted By Drain Snake On 24/March/2022 @ 4:20 am