It was so nice to enjoy the sunshine again this morning. Now, let me play some catch-up and do a post about Monday’s Hash.

It was a Vienna Sausage (Guenter) trail, and the On-Home was way out at the end of Rizal Extension. So, I knew some modifications were in order from the start. Pubic Head and I agreed to leave from our respective residences and rendezvous at the first family’s (Onelia and Jennifer) house on the My Bitch trail, then hike to the On-Home from there. Another factor we had to consider was the rain situation. It had been drizzling with occasional downpours all morning. I considered bailing on the Hash altogether, but the rain had let up to a light sprinkle when the two o’clock start time rolled around. I knew another deluge could strike anytime, but I decided to take a risk and headed out. I was second-guessing the wisdom of my decision on the portion of the trail I hiked alone, but I was extra careful and managed to avoid any life-altering fuck ups. I got to Onelia’s about twenty minutes before Pubic Head and was surprised to see Blow My Pipe, Demolition Derby, and Captain Prickhard doing the alternative trail as well. The rest of the march to Always Wet’s house for the On-Home events went without incident. I left at the beginning of the Hash circle and made the 3+K hike down Rizal to Barretto on my own. I plopped myself at Sloppy Joe’s and drank enough to extinguish my sobriety, then went next door to Sit-n-Bull and got a banana split to take home with me. Life is good.

And that’s how the Monday Hash went down. Now let’s do Tuesday.

A rainy Tuesday, but the chores still got to be done, and that included the grocery shopping trip to Royal. Swan came along again and it was nice to see her. Tuesday is usually “our day,” and I’ll do my drinking at her place, but she was “busy” last night. And at coffee this morning, she advised she will also be too busy to do our Thursday hike together this week. Yes, I’m disappointed. And yes, I understand she has a lot on her plate. I do have my pride, and I’m not going to beg anyone to spend time with me that they are unwilling or unable to freely give. And to her credit, Swan continually assures me that everything will be different for us come October. I’m looking forward to that. I’m also prepared to do what I need to do if it comes to pass that I am not a priority in her life. Stay tuned.

So, another night on the town on my own. I baked up a batch of brownies to take with me without knowing where I might be going, but that’s part of the adventure. Walking by Sloppy Joe’s, I saw Chris and Shieryl, so I came inside to have my first beer there. And stayed for several. Troy and Jim also dropped by for some pool and beers. As I prepared to move on to the Green Room, I invited them to join me there. And so began our impromptu barhop.

I shared the brownies with the Green Room girls, and they really went nuts over them. That always makes me feel good. I didn’t buy any lady drinks but gave my waitress a generous tip when I departed. We only stayed for one beer because a pool league tourney was going on, and it was uncomfortably crowded. The nice thing about the Maze is that another venue is just a few steps away, so we stepped into Wet Spot next door.

We got a nice table, and two massage girls started giving Troy and Jim shoulder rubs in exchange for lady drinks. Aine came down from the dance stage and joined us as well. A couple of beers later, Jim suggested going upstairs to La Oficina. I countered that Alaska was right through the curtain in back and they agreed avoiding the stairs was a good plan.

My Alaska favorite, Joy the dancer, was already tabled, saving me a potential lady drink or two. We had a good time teasing the bored waitresses sitting behind our table, and before we left, I rewarded them with a lady drink each. So much for saving, right?

Now, here’s the thing. I’m a semi-regular at Alaska, and it’s a sentimental favorite as the first bar I visited in the Philippines (back when it was in AC). I’m friendly with Jerry, the owner, as well. I was hanging with the guys, so I did not need a drinking companion. But I also know how much difference a lady drink commission can make in a bargirl’s daily salary. I don’t know what wages Jerry pays, but most bars give the girls a flat rate of around 300 pesos for an eight-hour shift. That’s less than a dollar an hour. I personally don’t buy double lady drinks, but the commission on a 170 peso single lady drink is 70 pesos. That may not be much, but it is better than nothing and will cover the transportation to/from work, so there’s that. And, of course, if some happy-go-lucky guy buys them several, they’ve doubled their salary for the day. So, I won’t apologize for buying a drink now and then, but I recognize I need to set limits. I’m getting there. But purchasing a gal a drink gives me a level of pleasure that is worth the expenditure for me. I honestly have no motivation to mess with these girls; I see it more as an act of charity. Like giving cookies to the kids on my hikes. The smiles make me feel good.

We decided to vacate the Maze and head down the highway to the end of town closer to home. I suggested we give the seldom visited Rosie’s a try.

That was my Tuesday.

Alright, gonna shower up and head out to feed the Hideaway girls. See you here tomorrow! Enjoy the sunshine wherever you might be!

I survived the first Hash in my 69th year yesterday, so there you go. As is my custom, I channeled Frank Sinatra and did the trail My Way. I walked to the starting point at Savers on the far side of Barretto from my house and noticed that the end of Hare’s trail came through Alta Vista. So, I did the end of the trail at the beginning, and my “shortcut” took a hunk out from the middle. My version was almost the same length as the official trail, so I didn’t really cheat, not that I give a damn anyway. At my age, I’m just happy to be out and about, and I intend to stay within my limits, such as they are.

The best news was that we got an almost miraculous break in the rain during the Hash yesterday afternoon, which is a good thing, especially on the muddy hills we had to traverse. On-Home was at Blue Butterfly, which is a decent enough venue for the Hash Circle. I’m boycotting IDM, so I did my after-Hash drinking alone at Sloppy Joe’s.

Here’s how the Hash went down:

It turned out to be a pretty good day on trail, all in all.

It is raining again today, and it appears that wet will be the new normal for a while.

And that’s the way it is for now. Well, here’s a quick update on the Swan saga–a brief exchange on Messenger this morning:

Swan: One month we live together. We will be ok.

Me: That’s my hope…

Swan: We will . Thank you for everything. Thank you for always there for me. Thank you. You still understand me.

Me: Trying my best…

Swan: I know you are. That’s why i thank you..

Seems like progress to me. We’ll see what happens next.

It was Hash Monday, and I wasn’t feeling at the top of my game, but I figured I’d give it a shot and see what happens. After my morning nap, I had an hour to kill and didn’t feel like sitting around, so I went to Sit-n-Bull for a light lunch before the Hash.

The VFW meet-up location was only a block away, so I hustled over to await the start of the Hash trail. (Thanks to Pubic Head for his photographic contributions to this post. I reckon half of these shots are his.)

After the Hash was over, I hung out with some of the guys at It Doesn’t Matter. Good times!

A nice trail yesterday by Leech My Nuggets. No rain and some paths we’ve not walked for a while to enjoy again. I avoided the second climb as I’m wont to do, but had a pleasant stroll through the streets of Matain and Calapacuan. I’ll let the photos do the talking:

I spent some time on ice in the “Hash fuckup” category. The charge had to do with last week’s ill-fated trike ride that left me stranded in the wrong part of my neighborhood. That’s what happens when fellow Hashers read your blog.

After completing the Hash rituals, I joined Pubic Head and Demented Dickhead at Snackbar for some additional liquid refreshments. Not my favorite place anymore, but it is convenient to home.

And now it is another day for me to write about tomorrow. I’ll be spending the evening with Swan, and we’ll see if any of my concerns are resolved.

I honestly don’t know what happens next. I’m going to move cautiously on the path of discovery.

As I feared would happen, it began raining shortly before the scheduled beginning of the Hash.

The good news is that the rain stopped about the time I arrived and that it hadn’t rained hard enough to wash away the powder trail markings. I gave my instructions to the group and sent them on their way.

Here are a few photos from the Hash trail:

Feedback on the trail was mostly positive; the biggest complaint was that it was too short (about 4.5K). The trail markings withstood the deluge, and no one got lost. So, I’d rate it a successful day overall.

I started drinking a little after two, continued drinking throughout the circle, and went with the group to It Doesn’t Matter at the conclusion of the Hash. I’d had more beer than I needed by seven p.m. and was home and in bed by eight. Quite a day!

It appears there is a storm a-brewin’, and more wet weather is forecast for this week.

Got some special plans for today. Grocery shopping, then Swan will join me on an excursion to the mall to assist in my search for some new hiking shoes. Then this evening, Swan will cook for me for the first time, and I’ll do my beer drinking at her place. Looking forward to getting a taste of the domestic lifestyle I’ve been craving!

Just in case I don’t make it back in time to blog at the usual time today, I’ll briefly fill that void now.

I’m one of the Hares for today’s Hash trail. Rain is in the forecast, so we have to make a decision on whether to do the planned off-road hilly hike or stick to the flat pavement. We’ll meet up at 0900 and make the call then.

Nothing significant to report from my night out on the town yesterday.

A couple of beers (and lady drinks) at It Doesn’t Matter, then finished my night at Wet Spot. I was feeling no pain when I caught the trike for home.

Up on schedule this morning. Did my internet “work” and kitchen duties.

So, I may be back later with a weather report and any other updates between now and then. Or it could be tomorrow morning. Here’s a poem to tide you over:

The Ideal Husband To His Wife

We've lived for forty years, dear wife,
  And walked together side by side,
And you to-day are just as dear
  As when you were my bride.
I've tried to make life glad for you,
  One long, sweet honeymoon of joy,
A dream of marital content,
  Without the least alloy.
I've smoothed all boulders from our path,
  That we in peace might toil along,
By always hastening to admit
  That I was right and you were wrong.

No mad diversity of creed
  Has ever sundered me from thee;
For I permit you evermore
  To borrow your ideas of me.
And thus it is, through weal or woe,
  Our love forevermore endures;
For I permit that you should take
  My views and creeds, and make them yours.
And thus I let you have my way,
  And thus in peace we toil along,
For I am willing to admit
  That I am right and you are wrong.

And when our matrimonial skiff
  Strikes snags in love's meandering stream,
I lift our shallop from the rocks,
  And float as in a placid dream.
And well I know our marriage bliss
  While life shall last will never cease;
For I shall always let thee do,
  In generous love, just what I please.
Peace comes, and discord flies away,
  Love's bright day follows hatred's night;
For I am ready to admit
  That you are wrong and I am right.

--Sam Walter Foss

As I walked out in the streets of Barretto
As I walked out for the Hash yesterday
The raindrops were falling but that didn't stop me
I marched on to the On-Home that was so far away

Oh walk ahead briskly or move along slowly
Open the umbrella and hold on so strong
It doesn't matter if it's raining or sunny
Cold beer is awaiting so you can't go wrong

With apologies to whoever it was who wrote “Streets of Laredo.” My lyric writing is almost as good as my joke-telling.

Anyway, the Hash ethos dictates that we go out and do our thing every Monday, rain or shine. Now, that doesn’t mean accommodation for the weather doesn’t occur. Yesterday’s Hares, Leech My Nuggets and Bug Fucker, laid a flat trail and stayed on the paved streets of Barretto for the most part (there was a bit on the beach, too). The rain was light for the most part, and the wind wasn’t as bad as it had been, so that helped. I honestly found the hike almost pleasant as I was free from the worry of slipping, sliding, or falling down some steep embankment. And that cold beer was waiting at our On-Home venue, Blue Butterfly.

It was a nice Hash run despite the foul weather. After the Hash, some of us gathered at It Doesn’t Matter for some more imbibing. I got a banana split to go from Sit-n-Bull to take home with me, and it was masarap!

I covered the unfortunate passing of Rex Lewis in yesterday’s post, and today that story made the news. The biggest surprise for me was that Rex was only 57. He was frail and sickly, so I had him pegged as being older than me. This photo is also featured in the news article I linked:

A good man gone too soon.

On a lighter note, there is this:

I’m no expert on commas, but I know better than to misuse a colon like this:

Alright, that’s all for today. I’ll leave you with some Marty Robbins for your listening enjoyment (it’s only two and a half minutes, so suck it up and enjoy some old-school country western music that I grew up on courtesy of my father).

UPDATE: The most egregious errors noted in the comments have now been corrected. Thanks, Mr. Kim.

Yesterday’s Hash was refreshing in its easiness–a mostly flat 4.5K walk on the streets and beaches of Barretto, Baloy, and Matain. It even featured a refreshing beer stop at Laharny’z on Baloy. On-Home was at the Smokes and Bottles resto-bar, a pleasant venue in Matain.

After the Hash, I enjoyed some additional adult beverages at Snackbar, then took a trike back home. Had some chat with my sweetie Swan (who has zero interest in Hashing) and then hit the hay. The power went out around 4 a.m., and I woke up a sweaty mess. But the day has gone better since.

More on today, tomorrow.

Welp, another milestone in my Hashing career–my first-ever journey with the Manila Hash House Harriers. They were here in Barretto for an outstation run, and several of us Subic Hashers joined in the fun. In fact, the Hare was none other than Leech My Nuggets, who, unbeknownst to me, used to Hash in Manila back in the day. There were two trail options, long and short, and being the old fat fucker that I am, I opted for the short. A tad over 3K all in and covering a familiar portion of the My Bitch trail.

You can Relive the hike here if you are so inclined:

So, one interesting aspect of Hashing with an out-of-town group is observing their Hash circle rituals. Manila doesn’t do the ice thing but has other tools of humiliation to impose punishment. Some of the things they did struck me as a tad gay (not that there is anything wrong with it):

It was a good Hash, though, and I enjoyed the experience. Plus, I got a nifty new Hash shirt!

One more Hash to add to my participation list:

• Subic Bay H3 (my mother Hash)
• Humphreys Hangover H3 (the Hash that named me in Pyeongtaek)
• Angeles City H3
• Corona H3 (also in Angeles City)
• La Union H3 (I’ve done several with them, including the Valentine’s Hash in Baguio)
• Pattaya H3
• Pattaya Jungle H3
• Manila H3

I titled this post Milli Vanilli as a kind of play on the Manila name and some of the Hash group’s effeminate rituals (oh, I forgot to mention, this is an exclusively male group, no women allowed). I was never a fan of the Milli Vanilli singing duo and had actually forgotten about their lip-synching scandal, and it’s tragic outcome for one of the singers. No offense intended!

Doing the short trail meant I started drinking early (in Subic, the free beer doesn’t flow until 3:30) and the Manila Hash circle seemed inordinately long, which of course, required additional beers to pass the time. I was buzzing when it was finally over, but that didn’t stop me from paying a visit to Cheap Charlies. Hey, it wasn’t even six o’clock yet on a Saturday night!

A couple more beers (and lady drinks, of course) later, I crossed the highway for a nightcap at Wet Spot. I stayed longer than I intended because the owner Daddy Dave was there, and we had some catching up to do. It turned out to be a nice evening on the town.

In other news, I looked at a potential house rental yesterday. It’s actually where Swan was living with her significant other, but she needs to move out now that he’s gone.

Some negotiations are to come with the landlord. I need to pay six months’ advance rent to pay for the work that needs to be done. I’m okay with that as long as I have a good lease agreement to protect my investment. Hope it all works out.

The Sunday feeding at Hideaway is the next item on my agenda. We’ll see what happens after that.

I almost skipped yesterday’s Hash. The fact that the trail started way out near the top of Rizal Extension was one pain in the ass factor. The On-Home was at the private residence of Malibog Mountain Momma, which is also off the beaten path at the end of Rizal Extension and meant my drunken stumble home after the Hash would be more perilous than usual (trikes that far out are few and far between). But Pubic Head suggested we do a “sane” trail that started in Alta Vista and avoided the main ups and downs of the Hare’s intended path. So, that’s what we did.

At the conclusion of the Hash circle, I began the long trek down Rizal Extension into town. Luck was with me, though, and an empty trike appeared before I had logged a kilometer.

And so ended another Hash Monday.

What’s in store for tonight?

I didn’t do the Hare’s trail yesterday. I didn’t like the hassle of getting to the start way up on Rizal Extension, and I don’t like the Hare or his shitty trails. So, I made my own way. Ashley asked where the trail began, and I gave her the option to join me. She agreed and brought her friend Rose along. They arrived in time for some lunch before our hike.

So, when I cleared the table to serve lunch, I moved my empty box of nebulizer juice to the kitchen counter and put 500 pesos underneath it so my helper could buy more at the drugstore. While enjoying my after Hash beers at Blue Butterfly, my helper sent me a message asking where the 500 pesos went. Yep, apparently, one of my guests decided to help herself to the money. I was both pissed and disappointed. When confronted, they both denied being a thief.

After I got home last night, Ashley messaged me. She didn’t exactly implicate her friend, but she did note that Rose was the last one out of the house when we left for the hike. I also recalled that during lunch, Rose had asked me out of the blue whether I had CCTV. That seemed suspicious then and even more so now. I asked how long Ashley had known Rose, and they met at work a few months ago. Anyway, I suspect Rose is the culprit, but I don’t trust either of them now. Lesson learned for a relatively small amount of money.

My plan for the hike was to do the My Bitch trail and then circle around on the backstreets to the On-Home venue. A couple of kilometers into my hike, I ran into the “sane” Hash group going in the opposite direction. My group joined forces with theirs, and we finished the Hash together. This did require a retreat and retracing of steps in the opposite direction, but no big deal.

Olivia wasn’t around, but I did get to say hello to her daughter Jennifer (mother of those kids above). Pubic Head (Scott) posted these photos of Jennifer today:

Drank my fill of beer, got some takeout food from Sit-n-Bull, then watched a couple more episodes of Lucifer at home. A bit of a roller coaster ride emotionally but live and learn.