Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Thanks, guys. Maybe things aren’t a clear-cut as I imagined…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/December/2021 @ 6:57 am
Bars of Barretto: Cheap Charlies
Brian, thanks for the memory! No, it wasn’t me that stood the fast way down from Dolce Vita, but I saw and heard of it happening many times. One regular at DV was actually very seriously injured during his fall.
And yeah, I hadn’t realized why those steps at Cheap Charlies looked so familiar…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/December/2021 @ 6:20 am
Soju, Ha! I know that song and it’s a good one. I admit I hadn’t considered its message as being directed towards my current situation, but it is something to keep in mind.
Mama is doing mama–living on the street but seemingly happy to do so…she is always so happy to see me, smiles, and tells me “I love you, papa”. Best 100 pesos I spend all day!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/December/2021 @ 12:36 pm
BW, those are fair points and I too wondered why she didn’t just come out and say she has a boyfriend. Her story was she didn’t want to lose a customer. Anyway, I think things resolved themselves last night. I’ll post about it later today.
Brian, those kids are group members’ children.
Yes, I’ve ended the FWB program. I’m still giving some support occasionally, but with no strings attached–just a straight-up donation. To clarify that 100 peso tip situation–those were more friends than bargirls–the Alley Cat crew that I’ve been knowing since I moved here. Giving a personal tip in that fashion eliminates the need to share in the tip jar. Also, it is not as lewd as it sounds–I never touch skin, just drop the money into the cleavage. But to your larger point, yes, Pearl has made similar arguments vis-a-vis my interactions with bargirls. But at my worst, I don’t come close to the grab-ass antics of Dick.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/December/2021 @ 12:29 pm
Thirsty, great to hear from you again. And thanks for the insights. Although Pearl’s place is really a restaurant more than a bar, she’s getting quite a few drinking customers, mostly us expats. There are no drinking girls or extra waitresses available to entertain the customers. She seems to be attempting to fill that void and that led to my GRO joke. She has told me that Dick is just a good customer who brings in a lot of friends and she is trying to navigate those waters and not lose his business because she rejects his overtures. I get that.
Kev, yeah, whacked in a sick and twisted way. Pearl had been adamant that she doesn’t want me to confront him directly. Something happened last night though that may have gotten the message across. I’ll tell that story in today’s post.
Rascal, thanks again for making the effort to share your words of wisdom. Yeah, I’m not going to do the “military” approach, that would potentially create bigger issues and land me in jail. Merry Christmas to you! Hang in there, getting old sucks but it beats the hell out of the alternative!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/December/2021 @ 7:12 am
Yeah, I’d hit that too, Soju. If she didn’t have a boyfriend and didn’t work for me… 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/December/2021 @ 12:32 pm
BW, yeah that thought did occur to me.
QP, annoying is putting it mildly. Actually, I went by after darts last night and she was busy with the Dick. I confronted her and told her to make a choice, and left before I lost control and went after Dick (I’d been drinking). We had more “discussion” on messenger after I got back home, but no resolution before I went to bed. I woke up to my phone ringing at midnight, it was Pearl and she was waiting outside my gate. It appears she has made her choice.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/December/2021 @ 7:14 am
Kevin, I’m sorry, but it gives some perverse pleasure to learn that you were also comma-tose back in the day. Although your mistakes were on a whole other level than my basic screwups.
As to the age thing, well, physical attraction is a big deal, but I’m not sure the basic integrity issues are generational. You remember what Loraine did to me. She was 50 when she revealed herself to be a liar and a cheater. But yeah, I’m going to have to be cognizant that this age gap thing is going to create some difficulties and misunderstandings.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/December/2021 @ 7:09 am
Yeah, I hear you, Brian. I will elaborate some more in today’s post. I’m thinking though that this one is on me…there are just some things that make me think walking away is the safest course of action.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/December/2021 @ 9:52 am
QP, there’s an idea…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/December/2021 @ 9:14 am
Yeah, other than “slow down” Pearl hasn’t said much about my drinking. She probably is more opposed to my drinking with bargirls than anything. I still thought the meme was funny though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/December/2021 @ 6:51 am
Hot Zone is one of the best dancing bars in town, and it usually has some good-looking gals. My understanding is that they do have shows every hour, although I think the snakes are gone. And yes, Jay still runs the place with Marine discipline…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/May/2024 @ 9:35 am
I haven’t been to Hot Zone for a couple of months now. Coincidentally, I ran into HIV last night and promised him I’d drop by soon. I’ll ask about Rea when I do.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/March/2024 @ 7:40 am
Soju, but you should have seen the way they wag their tails!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/December/2021 @ 12:36 pm
Yeah, Dave, you are right. It seems clear to me that Pearl has not in fact made it clear to “Dick” that she’s with me now. That’s a big problem. But no, I’m not going to get drug down into a situation with the potential for violence. Either Dick stays away, or I do.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/December/2021 @ 7:27 am
Yeah, I chin mask on SBMA so as to give the appearance of compliance and to avoid being targeted as the defiant foreigner. The mask stays in my pocket everywhere else–I only put it on when riding Jeepneys or passing through checkpoints.
Yeah, Dick is going to be a problem I fear. My tolerance for Pearl’s tolerance of him is wearing very thin. It makes me wonder…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/December/2021 @ 6:19 am
Dan, different background, more middle-class upbringing than the usual girls I meet here. She’s never asked me for a penny either. Whatever attracts her to me doesn’t seem to be based on any financial needs. Appears smarter and more engaged than most as well.
Still not sure where this is going to go, but it ought to be an interesting ride…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/December/2021 @ 12:44 pm
Yeah, not perfect but hopefully good enough! 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/December/2021 @ 9:45 am
Dave, yeah. The name doesn’t matter, it’s all about the story. No need for distractions. 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/December/2021 @ 7:42 am
Yeah, I’m keeping my eyes wide-open for any signs of trouble. One thing about the recent ups and downs–I realized I’m going to be fine whatever the ultimate outcome. I want to give this a try because it is something different for me and I’d like to continue to experience that passion. But if she chooses a different route, so be it. I’ll go back to my other life and that suits me fine as well.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/December/2021 @ 5:45 pm
Actually, this was dart league, not a tourney. And wins and losses matter in the standings. When I’m just playing one-on-one I generally don’t give a shit.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/December/2021 @ 5:12 pm
Perhaps you have a point, Brian. Then again, Pearl is not a bargirl so she shouldn’t have to act like one in her own business. And the guy is not being subtle about his desire to court Pearl into a relationship. So, my actions in the bar are all in good fun. Standing by and watching someone working on winning over my girlfriend is a totally different thing.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/December/2021 @ 3:29 pm
Yeah, he’s trying VERY hard. I was at Pearl’s after darts, and he was still there. We did chat some and he sounds like an interesting guy. Brit. More to come on this subject I’m sure.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/December/2021 @ 7:26 am
Well, Hunter Jo is more of a hotel than a bar, and it’s in really bad condition. It’s also located too far from the expat community to be an option for most. I’ve toyed with the idea of a bar in Barretto, but the reality is always bigger than the dream. Don’t need the headaches and hassles associated with ownership.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 09/December/2021 @ 10:17 am
Hey Soju, no it is the Hash plunger so it hasn’t seen too many toilets. I think.
Yeah, that sexy girl works for me as a part-time domestic helper. She lives in my basement maid’s quarters. Her Hash name is Cum In My Basement. Yeah, she has a hot bod by I’m an old HR guy and know better than to boink the hired help.
Not sure what the asking price of Hunter Jo might be, never considered it. Want me to ask?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/December/2021 @ 2:11 pm
Kev, haha, I hadn’t noticed the little crotch grabber.
Chip, thanks for the comment and the stroll down memory lane. I wish I could have experienced that version of Korea. By the time I arrived (2005) it was all pretty much modernized. I did enjoy some hiking on the mountains in Seoul and around Pyeongtaek.
There are some beautiful places to see here in the PI. It would definitely be a different experience than Korea for you and your wife. Good luck!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/December/2021 @ 5:58 am
Yeah, that’s pretty much where I’m at in my thinking: Is it really worth it? The illusion of love is a grand thing, the reality, for me at least, not so much. My old life seemed empty and devoid of meaning but looking back I see the benefits of not caring enough to be hurt.
I’m thinking, perhaps selfishly, that Pearl ought to be fighting for me as hard as I’ve been trying for her. I’m just not feeling it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/December/2021 @ 4:15 pm
I’m not as optimistic as I was when I wrote this post. I just don’t know if I have what it takes to make things work out. We shall see.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/December/2021 @ 5:17 am
Well, to be clear, it’s not about drinking beer as much as it is about WHERE I drink it. Instead of visiting my favorite venues around town, I’ve been spending my time at Pearl’s place. She even ordered some San Mig Zero to add to the menu. So no real complaints there. The most she has ever said was to “drink slower”.
Oh, the “L” word has been bandied about already. And I think we have entered the “fight and forgiveness” zone as of last night. Honestly, I’m concerned about the implications of her behavior in this mode. Stay tuned.
And actually, Pearl did express an interest in darts. I just haven’t been able to get her out to throw with me. I understand she’s busy with the new business these days, but I wonder if something else is going on…
Brian, it seems I might be missing the simplicity of single life–so much less drama. And, why waste time? Fifteen minutes without the elements of a happy life seems so pointless!
Anyway, thanks guys for your support. At the crossroads now, we’ll see which is the best way forward.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/December/2021 @ 7:19 am
«« Back To Stats PageWayne, nice to hear from you. We have similar memories of Alaska Club way back when. I did my first bar fine from there as well. Yep, it is great that Jerry is still going strong.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/December/2025 @ 12:31 pm