The highlight of my yesterday was a 10K hike from the Waltermart in Subic town back to Barretto on the highways and byways and backroads between there and here. I’ve got the pictures to prove it which I’ll get to in a minute.
The other thing that happened is I met the owners of the newest bar in town. Actually, it’s an old bar known to most as T-Rose. T-Rose closed several months ago and a new bar opened in that location called McCoy’s. That venture only lasted a couple of months. In fact, it is the place I was singing in just a couple of days before they closed. Not that one event has anything to do with the other.
Anyway, I was walking by last night and noticed that the lights were on, so I popped in. I met Bob and Cliff, the new proprietors, who informed me the bar was not technically open yet, they had unlocked the doors so the dart league team (from the McCoy’s days) could play their scheduled match. Still, they invited me to have a seat and a beer and that’s what I did. It’s Bob’s first time in the bar business, but something he’s dreamed about for years. He said the deal they got on taking over the lease was too good to let pass. Bob says profit isn’t his motive, he just bored with being retired and the bar will be more of a hobby project. We did share stories of our customer experiences in other places and I think his philosophy will be consistent with what I like in a bar. I also like that he will emphasize good service. One way he will do that is by motivating the waitresses by allowing them to keep the tips they receive. This shared tip jar thing most bars use has long been a pet peeve of mine. If I can’t tip the gal who serves me, I’m less likely to tip. I think this is a good strategy which will benefit the staff and the customers. We’ll see.
I asked Bob the name of the place and he responded “it doesn’t matter”. I’m thinking that of course, it matters. When he saw my look of confusion he clarified that the name of the bar is It Doesn’t Matter. Ha! I like his sense of humor and wish him well. I’m looking forward to becoming a regular there. And anytime someone asks me where I’m going to be drinking, I will enjoy matter-of-factly answering “it doesn’t matter.”
To the hike, then:
So, that’s the way it went down. As usual, thanks to Scott for most of these photos.
This afternoon I’ll be attending a birthday party out on Baloy Beach. Should be a good time.
Later, gators!
Nice walkâvery much in the style of the Four Rivers walk here, albeit with a bit more road and a bit less paved trail. Enjoy the party!
I am sure the same saying holds true in the Philippines as it does in Thailand – “If you want to make a million dollars owning a bar, start with two million……….”
Good luck to them however. Hope that they are at least able to break even, as that sounds like it would be a “win” for them.
Brian, yeah, I’ve heard that saying many times here. If I understood correctly, their rent is only $300. a month. With low-overhead and a good business plan, I’d have to think breaking even is an achievable goal. They have an outside/streetside bar area which is where I’ll be hanging out when I visit.
Kev, I never did the Four Rivers, but yeah, sometimes it’s nice to change it up and do a pleasant and comparatively easy hike that doesn’t involve climbing hills and then slipping and sliding back down them!