Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Thanks, James. You’ve inspired me to work up a couple of different “themed” bar crawls that should meet your needs on any given night. The newest and nicest hotel in town, the Central Park Reef, is pretty much smack-dab in the middle of the action. It’s also the most expensive hotel here, but there are other lower-cost options nearby. I’m going to figure out how to make a map of the bar strip in Barretto (about 2K end to end) and go from there.
Hopefully, this lung issue will clear up soon. I hate that shortness of breath feeling. Thanks for the good wishes.
I’m afraid Joy might be hoping for more than I’m willing or able to give. She’s a sweet gal and makes good company on the occasions I’m in the mood, but she’s a very young mother, and that’s not relationship material for me.
There’s someone for me somewhere. Or maybe not. Either way, life goes on, and I intend to enjoy the ride as long as I can.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/September/2022 @ 7:19 am
Kev, All the bars are right on the National Highway through Barretto, which runs about 2K total. It won’t be hard to map out a bar crawl; I just need to learn how to make a map. I’ll get to work on that.
There are over thirty bars here now, so I couldn’t do them all in one crawl, but I’m thinking about doing “themed” bar crawls might be fun. Stay tuned!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/September/2022 @ 7:06 am
I was just expecting fried potatoes. The chips were okay, and I’m glad I got to experience John’s guacamole.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/September/2022 @ 5:06 am
Well, I’m sure a few parishioners will find their way. The bar opens earlier than most at 11:00 a.m., maybe for that Catholic market.
Yeah, I thought I’d taken a picture of the menu, but for some reason, it didn’t come out. Next time for sure.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/September/2022 @ 5:22 pm
Dan, as a matter of fact, I was underneath. That is why it was so surprising. She was doing almost all the work.
I don’t know the legal status of psilocybin specifically, but generally, ALL street drugs are illegal here. I may possession of marijuana is a jailable, non-bailable, offense. No one has ever tried to sell me any drugs on the street except viagra. I’ve never heard of or seen (not that I’d know what it looks like) psilocybin growing wild here.
Just say no! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/September/2022 @ 3:04 pm
Kev, yeah, I’m going to bring the recent COPD exacerbation to my docs attention. Maybe there is something else I can try. Pre-diagnosis, I’d have these attacks with some frequency. I think you were with me once when I had to sit down and catch my breath while walking home from dinner. That attack the other day during sex (it wasn’t a handjob, BTW) was the first in a LONG time, which made it even scarier. It used to be that I’d use a nebulizer three or four times a month; now, I’m nebulizing that much daily. Something is going on, and it ain’t good.
Yeah, this older-younger thing is common here, and no one pays much attention. Folks from elsewhere always seem to assume the worst intentions. Sure, there are some who are scammers, but I also see many very loving relationships, like Eastwood’s. Back home, the gals go for young and handsome. Here it is for the security that comes from being with someone “rich.” Which is more shallow?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/September/2022 @ 7:03 am
Teddy, the sign above says Da’Kudos, but it is hard to see in that pic. Both resorts have the same owner, and the dive center is combined, hence the confusing printing on the wall.
One of those lovely bikini gals is a Hash member (see the photo where she’s on the ice); her Hash name is Slot Licker. The other three were just visiting with her from Angeles, where they all live.
I sponsor three or four gals every week for the Hash. It’s one of my “charity” acts–they couldn’t afford the 300P entry fee to participate otherwise. A small thing for me, a big thing for them. In return, they fetch my beers. Win-Win. My part-time house helper liked to Hash before she got pregnant. She’s due to deliver later this month.
That water crossing is over the Matain river, not the bay. Takes just a couple of minutes.
That youngish guy is taking a break from drinking and lives on the other side of Subic; I guess he decided the hiking part is not worth the journey. It is rare to see 40-somethings in Barretto, but there is a handful.
I’ve never been to BGC, but I hear it is very nice. I don’t mind Makati, but as you say, once you leave your enclave, you are surrounded by the ugliness that is Manila. No, thank you! Baguio is a very nice mountaintop city. I’ve visited a couple of times, and it appears to be very livable. The downside is a long twisty road to get there, no beaches, and being isolated from the world (no nearby airport). The only place I’ve visited in northern Luzon is La Union–I’ve Hashed with the local group there a couple of times. Very nice area and I could live there, but I like Barretto better. I despise Angeles City; I find it dirty, ugly, and, since I’m not a whore monger, boring. Back in my tourist days, I’d get depressed after a few days, with nothing to do during daylight hours. AC is back to its old self, though, the bars are open, and the tourists are coming back. There are other places I’ve not visited yet, like Dumaguete and Bohol, but they are on my list.
Yeah, I’ve been intentionally avoiding spoilers for Manifest. Let me know how you like it.
I’ll be getting my second Sinovac vaxx shot next week; then, I’ll start planning for my first international travel in three years. Stay tuned!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/September/2022 @ 6:52 am
We had 45 paid attendees on Monday when that photo was taken. Depending on the weather/location/Hare, we generally have 30 to 50 every week.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/August/2022 @ 7:54 am
I’m not sure why, but the woman who gifted me calls me “boss.” I sponsor her at the Hash (pay the 300 peso participation fee) each week, and in return, she fetches my beers from the ice chest. I guess that somehow makes me the boss. Anyway, she’s a nice gal and fun to have around, so it’s all good.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/August/2022 @ 7:52 am
I only had one slice of toast in deference to those nasty carbs.
Yeah, I knew the meaning of that classic phrase in French. Didn’t know the backstory and the animal variations, though. Kind of like gaesakiya (sp?) in Korean. I said it in jest, and I think (hope) Karen knew I was teasing.
I was surprised the trail came out looking so phallic, walked that way many times but never paid attention to the appearance on a map.
Finished season 3 on Manifest, and now I have to wait until November to find out what happens next. I suppose there is still time for the government to be redeemed and religion blamed. We’ll see.
I’m thinking I’ll buy some of those New Zealand steaks and try them at home. They are smaller and cheaper than their American cousins. John says they are grass-fed and not so tough. As for fish tacos, they don’t even sound appealing to me. They looked okay, but I’ll stick to beef or chicken.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/August/2022 @ 7:21 am
Yes, there are. And they aren’t jaded or mercenary (yet), still sweet like the girl next door.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/August/2022 @ 9:24 am
Damn, 68 sounds so old!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/August/2022 @ 5:09 pm
Yes, I do.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/August/2022 @ 7:05 am
Thanks, BW. Just doing my best to enjoy life.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/August/2022 @ 3:17 pm
Thanks, Rascal. It’s fine to make concessions that make life a little easier.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/August/2022 @ 3:16 pm
I consider Marissa to be a friend, and I hope she finds her path to happiness. I don’t blame her for wanting out of a hellhole like Manila–one of the worst cities I’ve seen.
Yes, it was sweet of the Snackbar crew to want to celebrate with me. I’ll post some pics from the gathering on the blog today.
I wound up having to postpone my steak dinner until today, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ll tell John he has a big fan in Korea!
I want to live as long as I am relatively healthy and able to do the things I enjoy. Some of my hike buddies are in their 70s, so there’s hope. My dad made it to 83 and was a smoker and a drinker until the end. Maybe I’ve got good genes (and a strong liver!) from him.
I reckon I’ll chase skirts as long as I have the money in my pocket to be attractive.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/August/2022 @ 8:04 am
thanks, Brian.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/August/2022 @ 7:34 am
Thanks, Kev. Rather be a geezer than dead, so there’s that! And yes, the pain stopped around noon yesterday, and I had a painless night. I hope it lasts.
I just can’t even imagine actually using a fleshlight. The real thing here is cheaper than the toy…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/August/2022 @ 6:20 am
Joy is a sweet girl, that’s true. It’s been a while since I’ve had the patience to sit through a TV series…probably Game of Thrones was the last one I looked forward to. After the lockdown, I went several months and never even turned on the TV.
No real plans for my birthday, just more of the same as always I expect. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/August/2022 @ 6:16 am
Honestly, when I was a tourist here, I would start getting depressed after a week or so. That’s one of the reasons I made it a goal to try and help a few people have a little easier life. I call it selfish charity–I give to ease my conscience about living a rich life when so many have so little. But the other thing is that despite the poverty, Filipinos are the happiest people I’ve ever seen. They take joy in the love of family, help each other, and make the most of what they have. I’m glad to be here among them.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/August/2022 @ 7:39 am
Yeah, that was a spelling fuck up, and b. is indeed correct.
HaHa, yes, I do put some onions in my chili. I actually thought of you when I noticed they were visible in the picture. Sorry! Love the boy scout joke!
I’ll definitely continue my feeding program. A hungry (or thirsty) bargirl can be quite dangerous! Once I have them tamed, I might consider feeding my favorites some sausage. (ahem)
You know, you become so accustomed to seeing the poverty that after a while, you don’t consciously notice it that much. I’m still impressed that people living in those shacks are usually friendly and smiling. It’s just the way life is here for so many, and they have come to accept their circumstances. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the litter, though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/August/2022 @ 5:38 am
Yeah, I’m pretty sure a pretty high percentage of the bargirls have a local Filipino boyfriend. Some even admit it. I also regularly see a girl getting dropped off for work at the bar kiss the trike driver goodbye. Yesterday I saw one of the Cheap Charlies girls walking hand and hand down the street with a young Filipino. That’s one reason the bars aren’t a good hunting ground for finding true love.
Dave occasionally reads my blog, but he won’t care what is said about BarCelona–it’s not one of his. He’s down to two bars now, Wet Spot and Green Room. He’s still the man about town, though.
The tooth is feeling better this afternoon. My helper is also a certified caregiver and makes sure I take all my meds. And Joy came by the house yesterday to offer me some comfort. I’m a lucky man!
There aren’t really any freestanding bars on Baloy; the bars are all part of the hotels. Some of them are pretty good, though, with pool and dart leagues and sports on TV. The only bars I can think of are two small places on the beach, Laharnz and McCoy’s. I used to enjoy an occasional visit to McCoy’s but all they serve is beer–no gin.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/August/2022 @ 2:39 pm
Thanks for the suggestions, Teddy. I’ll take them under advisement. 🙂
The only thing I know about Shantelle beyond the little I disclosed is that she was honest about being in a relationship. She even offered to let another girl drink with me instead, but of course, I declined. I’m trying hard not to look for love in all the wrong places.
I only very rarely visit Adam’s; it just doesn’t click with me somehow. Nothing wrong with the place (other than being an indoor bar). I have no idea what sports they might show on TV (if any); it’s just not the go-to place for that (most sports enthusiasts go to Harely’s or Green Room to watch).
BarCelona does have a great rooftop area, but I’ve just had several bad service experiences there that now I rarely bother climbing those stairs. I much prefer Cheap Charlies and do enjoy the mountain view (and remembering the times I’ve climbed them). Being on the third floor, the highway noise is somewhat reduced, but you can still watch the world going by below you.
Bar Barretto only recently opened, and there are a couple of other new places I haven’t reviewed yet. I’m going to get to them soon. I also plan to update the old reviews based on subsequent visits I’ve made to the bars. I’ll update the rankings as well. I think we have 30 bars in town, not counting Baloy beach area. You mention Gum Leaves, that’s been closed for a couple of years now. It looked like some work was being done, and it might reopen, but now it has a for-sale sign out front.
The tooth is killing me. That’s why I’m up at 0300 responding to your comment. I have a very low tolerance for pain.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/August/2022 @ 5:26 am
Yeah, the way I rationalize is irrational. Like I tell myself that if I eat a half gallon of ice cream each week, it doesn’t matter whether I do it in seven days or all in one–I consume the same number of calories. That may be technically correct, but it doesn’t account for the fact that on those other six days, I’m going to have to eat something for my evening treat. Last night I did sugar-free pudding, not a bad option, but still adds additional calories. Oh well, I’ll keep trying for better discipline.
I’m not much of a fish eater and don’t really know how to distinguish between the varieties (well, except for salmon). I wouldn’t have had that fried fish lunch if the helper hadn’t provided it. I’ll have to ask her again what it’s called.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/August/2022 @ 6:12 am
Rascal, these days I’m lucky to remember my own name!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/August/2022 @ 6:03 am
QP, Very fine indeed!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/August/2022 @ 6:02 am
I didn’t have to sit on the ice this time for a “Hash crash” because no one called me out. Good thing I didn’t; I was already cold and left shortly after.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/August/2022 @ 6:37 am
That’s actually pretty amazing, appreciate the explanation.
I never got much further than learning the Korean alphabet (which I’ve mostly forgotten now) and trying to sound out words. Problem was, even if I could read the word, I still had no idea of its meaning. And then, of course, almost everyone in Itaewon spoke English, and my motivation soon drowned in a sea of Cass.
Anyway, I hadn’t thought about how to properly pronounce sumneun-gos, I just wanted to use Korean “hideaway” to go with the “Korean night” theme. Probably should have used Hangeul, but thanks for the lesson!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/August/2022 @ 6:50 am
Actually, I got the meaning in your original iteration–you were sad a pic of the sandwich was “not to be.” Almost Shakesperian.
Auto-correct, age, or being human; it’s all good.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/August/2022 @ 6:59 am
«« Back To Stats PageThanks for the links. Burrito looks great; I’ll have to ask around about chorizo.
I checked out the Heavenly Kings and images, and yeah, I saw the similarity. I wonder if that was inadvertent or if they were aiming to create that appearance.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/August/2022 @ 5:36 am