Feliz Navidad!

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays!

I’ve been busier than usual playing Santa Claus, but what the hell, it’s only money and it makes me feel good. I did some donations so some local kids could have a Christmas dinner, and also sponsored meals for some families in Bohol. One of my former FWB messaged me yesterday that she needed to buy food for Nochebuena, which is apparently a traditional Christmas Eve dinner. She pleaded that I let her come massage me. What the hell, I had an hour before darts and she sounded desperate, so why not? I also prepared a bag with the canned ham, cheese, and cookies my landlord had given me for Christmas. There was a knock on the door and there she stood. With her young child beside her. What the hell? Obviously, she had no intention of “working” for the money. I was not pleased, but in the spirit of the season, I gave her the gift bag and 1000 pesos. She told me she was sorry and gave me a hug goodbye. Oh well.

I took third in darts last night. Well, I settled for third place rather than play the match to determine who would play in the finals. My Filipina opponent needed the money more than I did, so let her compete for the championship. I just didn’t care either way. Bought all the Alley Cats girls a drink and said goodnight.

I wasn’t done with my Saint Nicolas impersonation just yet though. I wandered up the street to Alaska Club to spread some more joy. As usual, I was given a warm welcome in the nearly deserted bar. There was one other customer, but he was back in the pool table area. I asked how many girls were working, “ten, sir”, and how much are lady drinks, “150 pesos only”. Okay, a drink for everyone then!

Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, and Ho!

And right about the time the drinks were served, a delivery of several pizzas arrived. The other customer had ordered them earlier. So, a little impromptu party broke out. That was nice. When I departed I gave each of the girls a 100 peso tip, thereby nearly doubling their salary for the night. Yep, I was full of beer Christmas spirit by this point.

This morning, Facebook memories reminded me of the life I was living ten years ago.

Ah, well. Dreams die and life goes on. I sent Jee Yeun, who is working as a waitress in a Korean restaurant, $300. for Christmas. All these years later it still makes me sad.

Speaking of Facebook, I also had to block the ex from my newsfeed. I couldn’t stand seeing the photos of her loving it up with Dick. Jesus, what a fool I was believing in her.

I did an 11K hike to Subic town and back this morning.

I zipped along at 5K an hour.

The purpose of the hike was not just exercise, I needed to hit the ATM again. All my Christmas generosity has depleted the funds I extracted on Thursday. Alas, the trip was in vain because the ATM was devoid of money to dispense. And so it goes. I’ve got enough left to get me through tonight. If necessary, I’ll wire myself some cash via Western Union.

So, that leaves my gift for all my faithful readers–photos from yesterday’s hike! You are welcome.

Our group of Christmas Eve participants. It wasn’t a hard hike, especially for my break-off group that bypassed the second climb. Short and sweet!
We’re off!
Follow the smoke signal!
It wouldn’t be a hiking post without a shot of Easter mountain, now would it?
A thatch grass escapade!
A woodsy path
Looking down on Rizal Extension…
Another nice view!
Country living.
Swinging!

Merry Christmas!

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