Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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James, PhilHealth is the government healthcare insurance program. It’s relatively inexpensive and would provide enough coverage to be treated in a public hospital or local clinic. Foreigners can purchase it as well at a higher rate. From what I know about it, PhilHealth is better than nothing, but not much better. I expect Joy wants it so she can take her kids in for checkups or treat common illnesses. I don’t use PhilHealth–I kept my Blue Cross plan when I retired.
Yeah, I’m going to want to know Samantha a bit better before I make a commitment. And you are right, she needs to take responsibility and make a commitment to education as her priority. There was a friend’s daughter I was looking to help after she graduated high school. She wound up pregnant at 17 and the cycle of poverty in that family continues. A sad reality here. Why these gals don’t do birth control is beyond me–maybe for financial or religious reasons, but damn…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/May/2022 @ 7:15 am
Kev, we’ll see what happens, but I’m glad to help with advice and tuition if she wants to do the work required to become an HR professional.
Sensei you say? Hmm. Well, I did tell her this story shortly after we met:
I was in the process of filling a vacancy on my staff–my personal secretary. I had three equally qualified candidates. So, I called them each in for an interview and asked them one question: If I gave you $10,000 what would you do with the money?
The first candidate responded, “I’d use the money to feed the hungry children in Africa.”
The second answered, “I’d go on a shopping spree and buy all the things I’ve dreamed of.”
The third interviewee said, “I would invest the money and double it in ten years.”Which one do you think I hired? (Samantha said the third one).
Nope. I hired the one with the big tits!
(that’s my favorite HR joke).
Hmm, come to think of it, maybe she’s better off without my help…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/May/2022 @ 7:04 am
Kev, that’s a pretty fine score for such a youngster. It’s all useless trivia now anyway.
James, I didn’t intend to imply that Lyn compares unfavorably to the ex. She has already proven to be a better companion. All that is missing is the “love” emotion, and maybe that is a good thing. The kid will be an issue in whether we are both willing to take the next step. I’ll probably meet her son if she brings him on her next visit, although I can’t accommodate him at my house. We’ll see how that works out. The bargirls mean nothing to me, just a way to pass the time and share some of my good fortune. I don’t do anything with them that would constitute “cheating” in a relationship. I did stop visiting bars with girls previously because my ex didn’t like it. I cared more about her than the bar scene, so it wasn’t a hard choice. For all the good it did me.
Brian, this past weekend was a “getting to know you” endeavor. That part went well I think. And now comes the part about deciding whether we might have a future and what that would be. We’ll start figuring that out on her next visit. She’s already said she wants to bring her son with her. It’s early still. My inclination is not to be a stepfather. But there are other aspects of a relationship we might be able to share. That’s what we need to find out. But as to your basic point–yes, I’ll be honest and upfront with her about my feelings.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/May/2022 @ 6:55 am
It does take the fun out of it, although I suppose the sense of accomplishment when you finally make it through is worth something.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/May/2022 @ 9:16 am
DS, yeah, she has some nice qualities. We’ll see where (if anywhere) this goes.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/May/2022 @ 5:23 am
Kev, I knew the guys called it bushwhacking, but the context was always just pushing a way through the overgrowth. So, it struck me as kind of an exaggeration since nothing was getting “whacked”. Good to know it technically applies to what we do too.
I actually know “how” to play 8-ball–the rules, the strategies, etc. My problem is execution. I shoot lefthanded but I’m right-eyed. At least that’s my excuse for sucking. I see the shot, understand the geometry required to get the ball in the pocket, but just can’t seem to make that happen with any consistency.
True story: When I first moved to Korea in 2005 I had never experienced a bar scene like the one that existed in Itaewon. I had also never played bar games like pool and darts. Anyway, I got drafted to play pool at my favorite hangout, Dolce Vita. That first year there were 502 players in the Seoul Pool League. I was ranked 498. My nickname on the team was “Better Than A Forfeit”. One night I’m playing doubles with our team captain (and owner of DV) and I scratched on the 8-ball, causing us to lose. The captain looked at me and said, “Better than a forfeit? Not so much. Go play darts!
That is also the story of how my darting career began. I fared a little better at the oche.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/May/2022 @ 5:23 am
Thanks, guys. I’ll go into more detail about Lyn in a future post. She impressed the hell out of me on yesterday’s hike.
She lives in Angeles and has a 9-year-old boy at home. For that reason alone I don’t know that we will be spending significant time together in the future.
One day at a time.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/April/2022 @ 6:36 am
James, it’s all tit for tat I suppose. Never seen Aine’s unwrapped, but from the tent they make she must be well-endowed. I’ll probably never find out for sure. She wants me to take her out and thus far I’m more comfortable just buying her drinks now and then.
Kev, I was sitting right next to her for an hour and didn’t discover the fake cleavage until I tried to give her a tip. I always give it to the gal directly so it doesn’t go in the tip jar. My custom is to stick the money (usually a 100 peso bill) down her top/between the boobs. Aine got a big laugh when I tried to poke it through her shirt, “you thought this was real?!” Oh well. It was kinda dark in there and the illusion was good enough.
Damn, I missed a good pun opportunity. I guess my sense of humor must have eroded. *ahem*
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/April/2022 @ 6:28 am
I guess that’s one of the advantages of life in the Philippines. Although truthfully, inflation could put a damper on things. I currently spend about $200 a week at the grocery store, but the prices on some items (like cheese) have almost doubled since last year. And imported stuff keeps getting more and more expensive. On the other hand, I’m paying $700 to rent a nice place in an exclusive subdivsion–I’d be paying at least twice that much back home.
Beer is cheap, women are hot. Life is good.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/April/2022 @ 6:36 am
Brian, yeah, I pretty much live as I please and don’t watch my nickels and dimes. My overall budget is indeed $5,000 a month. I have some subcategories for managing expenses (rent, groceries, charity, etc) although I don’t strictly adhere to them. Most months I come in a little under budget and put the difference in my savings account. One pending change on the horizon will be my ability to travel again. I’ll need to make some spending/lifestyle adjustments to facilitate having the funds for two to three international trips each year.
Yes, you can check balance on the ATMs. I always check my bank account directly prior to making a withdrawal, that’s how I knew when I got the “insufficient funds” message at the second ATM that money had been taken, but not dispensed, at the first ATM. Anyway, the good news is my account has already been re-credited, so it’s all good.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/April/2022 @ 7:58 am
Kev, I tried to open a local bank account when I first moved here but it is very difficult to do on a tourist visa. I finally just gave up. Another option is to send myself money via a wire transfer service like Western Union. Waiting in line to pick it up isn’t that appealing either, but if I continue to have issues with ATMs might be the best alternative.
Interesting info on back scratchers. I never paid that much attention before. I don’t even recall purchasing mine, but I assume it was in the Philippines.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/April/2022 @ 7:41 am
“…them closing the bar means you’re probably their best customer”
Well, once the darts tourney was over I was the ONLY customer. They likely would have closed a few minutes after I left anyway.
The old base, which is now known as SBMA, is a wide-open tourist hot spot. Restaurants, hotels, and beaches attract lots of visitors. There is also a lot of permanent residents living in condos and villas. I checked out some of the old base housing as a rental option before moving here but in the end, decided I didn’t want to live on SBMA because it really doesn’t “feel” like being in the Philippines. In certain less developed parts of the old base, you can still see remnants of the Navy presence–Quonset huts and some fortifications, but it doesn’t have the feel of being on a military base anymore. We’ve done a couple of hikes in the backwoods of SBMA (it’s massive) and it is very nice. We’d hike there more often but transport is an issue (no Jeepneys or trikes are allowed). A private vehicle or taxi is the only way to get around.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/April/2022 @ 7:34 am
James, oddly enough I was just thinking the other day that I don’t cook much at home these days. Part of the reason is that I don’t have anyone to cook for, and dinner for one is a bore. And really, there is so much good food available in my little town (John’s, Sit-n-Bull, Mango’s are my favorites) that I enjoy doing dinner as part of my night on the town routine. It’s not all that cheap eating Western-style meals, probably average ten bucks with beverages in the places I dine. I don’t have a food budget per se, but I can afford to eat out every day I desire to do so. I still usually have breakfast and lunch at home.
It’s true, I rarely eat at fast-food joints. It’s not so much that I don’t enjoy a Whopper now and then, it’s mostly a matter of convenience. The closest place to me is the Jollibee’s on the Subic side of the river and I just don’t venture out that way on my nightly escapades.
As to the cookie recipients, I only speak English to the kids and they don’t say much to me either beyond “thank you, po”. Sometimes we have a Filipina with us on the hike and they might interact with the parents some in Tagalog, but otherwise, it is just an exchange of friendly greetings. I don’t know that I have a nickname, but a couple of the mountain families call me John.
I rarely see any native Aeta people in Barretto and I’ve never seen any in the bars.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/April/2022 @ 6:35 am
Kev, it was a BIG sandwich! 3/4 was more than enough to fill my gut.
Had the Hash in the afternoon, hence the shorter morning walk. I definitely got my steps in!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/April/2022 @ 7:04 am
James, as far as I know, the Dick is still doing what he does best, spending his life tearing down what others have created. I have totally disassociated myself from the group he hangs with, including my ex. I have no reason to believe he has been any more successful in his quest for her heart, but if that were ever to come to pass I would just shake my head and sadly acknowledge they deserve each other.
As for the voyeuristic photo, I was just trying to share with my readers the world as I see it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/April/2022 @ 7:01 am
DS, I’ve been there a few times. It’s out of the way for me so my visits are usually if I’m doing a hike or something else in that area. I think it is doing okay, although it’s been a while since I’ve been there. Nice place, though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/April/2022 @ 12:16 pm
Kev, best pork chops in town, I’m never disappointed with them.
Third place was just 100 pesos each. I would have tipped her that much anyway. She earned it!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/April/2022 @ 6:46 am
James, I don’t know that I evaluate every bargirl I meet on a suitability scale. Some that I spend time with frequently might get me thinking of their potential as a girlfriend. “Shaggability” is really just a matter of overall attractiveness, and some gals become more (or less) attractive depending on their ability to converse and interact. Getting my jokes is a big plus! I’m just not as comfortable with a barely legal woman as I am with an older gal–late 20s, or early 30s works for me. I don’t do “take out” so negotiating a price for that isn’t necessary.
The mountain girl (MG) told me her cousin was working at Rosie’s and that she takes care of her cousin’s baby while she works. I think the cuz has seen the fruits of my donations first-hand, so nothing to keep secret. You are right though, the more people who know, the more likely they’ll come knocking on MG’s door looking for a handout. That’s life amongst the poor here.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/April/2022 @ 6:44 am
Kevin, Yeah, I kinda ordered the bulgogi as an afterthought but it came out first, so it made for a nice appetizer. Joy loved it more than her tacos. Those taco shells were more like the ones you described as being best–firm, but not crunchy. They had enough flexibility to absorb the impact of teeth without exploding.
Indeed, I thought of what a douche Springsteen is when I posted that video, but it’s the music that matters, not the man. I like country music too, though, and it’s not all twangy these days. I’ll have to expose you to some of my favorites and try to open that mind! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/April/2022 @ 7:21 am
James, thanks for the interesting insights in your comment.
Re: Joy–She seems sweet and not nearly as jaded as many bargirls with more experience become. Actually, I tease her about the “brother” watching her kids while she works and she is adamant that it is the truth. I don’t have evidence otherwise, I’m just naturally suspicious. Also, her two young children are her priority (as they should be) so things I’d want from a pretend girlfriend, like overnight stays and travel, are not in the cards. For now, she’ll just remain an occasional companion.
Here’s to hoping I stumble upon a Miss Right to share this wonderful life. I’d really love to have a partner who enjoyed doing the hikes and Hash with me. She’s out there somewhere.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/April/2022 @ 7:13 am
James, Yep, that’s pretty much how it works–once the girls figure out you are a sucker, er, I mean generous, they rush to greet you as soon as you enter the bar. There is no escape!
I never went back to Finger Monkey. It’s a non-issue now as the bar has been closed and gutted. The story I’ve heard is that there was a raid, an underage waitress was found working, and the owner was arrested. I understand that she is charged with a non-bailable offense and remains in jail several weeks later. I actually feel sorry for her.
There was really no “secret” to my success other than maybe blind luck. Passing the Postal Service entrance exam put me on the road and the people I met and events I encountered along the way ultimately led me to a fulfilling career in government service. I worked hard and had some ability, but being in the right place at the right time and having a willingness to take chances (like moving around the country for promotion opportunities) were key factors. I don’t recall having ever set any goals for myself, I just went with the flow and did my best to keep my bosses happy. I never hated my work, that probably helped a lot too.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/April/2022 @ 7:32 am
Kevin, I’ve actually known Anna for several years having met her prior to moving here. She’s the ex of a guy I know. She’s in her late 30s now, but still attractive when she’s not goofing off.
Yeah, I should have known better with that taco. I’ve gotten to where I prefer a softshell too but that was not an option on the limited menu McCoy’s offered. Ground beef under all that sauce I had poured on.
Jens, aka Almoranus, has been working hard at getting back in shape after his scamdemic exile in Germany.
I had some rat issues at my old house but haven’t seen any up here at the new place. Now I wonder if I should be concerned about snakes! Thanks for the link, I didn’t realize just how little I know about Norse mythology. The presentation was also very well done and professional. I usually can’t make it through an entire YouTube offering, but this one held my interest.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/April/2022 @ 7:02 am
Brian, yes I do get an annual CPI adjustment to my pension. Never quite catches up to the rate of inflation, but it is much better than nothing. There is no question that my Civil Service Retirement System pension is probably the best thing going, private or public sector. So good in fact that they ended that program in the 1980s for newly hired federal employees and replaced it with something far less generous. I was grandfathered into the old system, so I’m a lucky man.
I couldn’t get your link to load, but for the most part, I agree with you. I don’t do politics much here anymore, but I was never a big Trump fan–it’s just that he was a better option than that the crook Hillary. And things were certainly better with Trump than under Biden so far, IMO. Yeah, there would still be consequences for all that “free” COVID money the feds spent. But under Trump, we were net exporters of oil. And Biden on day one ended the programs driving that by executive fiat. The cost of fuel impacts the price of all goods and services, so in that respect, Biden gets full blame for inflation.
Having said that, I do agree that Presidents get too much blame/credit for the good and bad. Their policies and appointments however can certainly make things worse. Biden (or whoever is actually running the show) has been a disaster in that regard. I really hope Trump doesn’t get the nomination in 2024, there are much better options (I’m getting to be a big DeSantis fan).
Anyway, I appreciate your thoughtful comment and insights. We are not so far apart.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/April/2022 @ 8:06 am
James, yes I could afford to live in Korea, albeit with a reduction in some of my lifestyle choices (like frequently going out to the bars and buying lady drinks), but where’s the fun in that? I do miss a lot of things in Korea, but once I lost the wife my life there just felt sad. I needed to move to overcome that.
Before deciding on the Philippines, I did visit Thailand and Cambodia. Ultimately, the choice came down to there being less of a language barrier here. Cambodia is still my Plan B, and Vietnam is also in the mix should I ever decide to depart the PI.
It is ironic in a way, but the women were a factor in choosing to leave Korea. I love Korean women but they don’t love me. And once you are over 60 in that culture you might as well give up on romancing a sweet young thing–you become invisible to them. Of course, now I’m in the land of “age is just a number” and the gals all love that big bulge in my pants (my wallet), but here I am as lonely as ever. I guess maybe I’m the problem.
I have no issue with the rank and file folks slaving away in government service. I disagree with the policies and priorities of our so-called leaders, but politics doesn’t play a big part in the day-to-day functioning of the federal bureaucracy.
As far as my “charity” work goes, when I moved here one of my goals was to make a difference in the life of some of the unfortunates I encounter. I won’t deny my selfish motivation for helping others is that it helps alleviate some of the guilt of living rich in a poor country. At least for a few folks, my being here makes their life better.
Ah, Annabelle. Yeah, I was hot for her when I met her as a tourist. Once I made the move, she was the first I tried to date. For whatever reason, she wasn’t receptive to my advances. I went on to other things, none of which turned out well for me. We’ve had fun as dartmates lately and she has at least hinted around that she’d like a boyfriend. I asked her what happened when I tried four years ago and she said that I “gave up to easy”. Hmm. Well, I do enjoy her company. Stay tuned!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/April/2022 @ 7:46 am
Kev, re: the fish and chips–it was advertised as three pieces and that’s what I got. Yeah, they weren’t big pieces like the photo you shared. It was tasty enough though.
Yes, I retired as a GS-15. As to the politics, it’s technically a violation of law (the Hatch Act) to engage in political activity on the clock. Still, you can get a sense of where people stand. I was actually a moderate Democrat and voted that way until 9/11 changed my worldview, primarily because I started getting my news from sources other than the Washington Post. I was shocked to discover that the bias in the MSM is not so much in what they report, but in what they leave out. Now I get lots of perspectives from sources on the internet and make up my own mind.
I spent 24 years of my federal career with the Postal Service. It really was pretty much apolitical. The Postmaster General was not subject to Presidential appointment and the Board of Governors didn’t change when a new administration took power. So, politics really didn’t matter much.
My five years with the Department of Education were entirely different. My boss there was a far-left liberal and I came on board at the same time GW Bush was elected. So, of course, all the top leadership was replaced with Bush appointees. I could hear the chatter throughout the halls as liberal heads were exploding. Bush even visited our headquarters once early in his term. My boss was not pleased!
My time with the Army was much calmer. Although the top Defense Department leaders are appointed by the President, the military mission remains pretty constant and not subject to political whims. I honestly had no sense of where the General Officers I worked for stood politically. That’s how it should be.
Anyway, within the bureaucracy I’d reckon the liberals far outnumber the conservatives. I don’t think working for Uncle Sam changes your outlook, I think lefties tend to gravitate more to government jobs. Implementing the policies of the leadership, regardless of party, is just the day-to-day grunt work. I never saw any of my fellow employees try to subvert whatever mandates we were given. The deep state I guess hadn’t seeped down to my level.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/April/2022 @ 7:17 am
“You should ask Liv to show you her compostela”
I don’t know, she has a boyfriend…I don’t want to start any trouble…
James, technically we were on the grounds of a hotel called Subic Seaborne. It’s next door to Jurassic. That outdoor pavilion is newly constructed and has couches, beanbag chairs, and hammocks. It is indeed very nice.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/April/2022 @ 8:09 am
Yeah, that’s how my brain seems to function these days, I’m thinking one thing and writing another. Compulsion does work better, but I was thinking of the context WITHOUT compunction. That’s what I intended, but obviously missed the correct way to use it, i.e. “they litter without compunction”. Good thing I’m not the President!
I didn’t get into details with Liv on the Camino de Santiago trail–I heard her say she walked the entire length…some 900 kilometers. I’m not sure if it was all at once, over a period of time (years?) or just BS. Seems like quite the undertaking…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/April/2022 @ 5:09 pm
Hey James, I love comments and questions, so fire away anytime.
I don’t see many of those big rooftop solar panel setups. A few houses here in my neighborhood and maybe a couple of big expat houses in town. I’m a renter so I won’t be making the investment. I do see lots of those small solar panels that feed an outdoor light. My old landlord installed several as security lighting. They worked great–when the sun went down, they came on. My mountain family friends mentioned having to hike into town to charge the cell phone. One of our Hashers brought them a small solar-powered charger I thought that was really cool.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/April/2022 @ 7:09 am
Nope, it’s an afternoon thing… a couple of hours of anticipation yet.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/April/2022 @ 12:41 pm
«« Back To Stats PageYeah, I honestly thought it would defrost naturally with the crockpot’s assistance. Actually expanded the cooking time to compensate, but, as you say, it was not a brilliant move. I will do better in the future!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/April/2022 @ 12:43 pm