Perhaps the standard for what constitutes a “win” has been set too high. Maybe my purpose in life is to lower that bar. After all, losing and winning is really just a point of view. Some folks might consider me a loser, but as meaningless and pointless as my day was yesterday, it had some highlights. I’ll call that a win!

I usually don’t start my afternoon routines until around 5 p.m., and by “routine” I of course mean visiting my favorites bars. I started a little early yesterday, leaving the house a bit after three. My helper had prepared a pancake breakfast that I enjoyed after my morning hike. I skipped lunch but opted for an early dinner before the serious work of beer consumption commenced.

While I was eating, Joy from Hideaway messaged me and asked what I was doing. I shared the photo from above with her and she was quite envious. It was kind of cruel I suppose because I know she loves the club from Sit-n-Bull. I hadn’t intended to visit Hideaway–it’s on the far side of town and I had just been there the previous night. But I couldn’t finish the whole sandwich, so I decided to surprise Joy with the leftover portion. I also picked up a couple of roasted chickens from Chooks To Go so the other girls had something to eat as well.

I did my usual three beers (and three lady drinks) and out routine. There was only one other customer at Hideaway, but he was another big-spending tourist, so the other girls were taking full advantage (lots of double lady drinks). They did enjoy my chicken contribution to their party though, so I was glad for that.

Next stop was It Doesn’t Matter. I had forgotten that a local motorcycle club, The 8 Deamons, holds a raffle drawing every Sunday. The proceeds go to a local charity, a burn unit in Subic, so it’s all for a good cause. One of the members made a “last call” for tickets announcement. They are 100 pesos each, or six for 500 pesos. I was just going to buy one, but the member told me the raffle jar was very empty this week. I liked those odds, so I bought six tickets. At the drawing, two of my tickets were pulled, both for discount coupons at various local bars. The other prizes were bottles of booze, so I preferred the coupons. Another winner, the guy who had sold me the tickets, also gave me his coupon pack. I guess my friend Roan won too because she gave me some more coupons.

Let’s see where I’ll be going: Hot Zone, Wet Spot, John’s Steak and Sushi, Thumbstar, The Green Room, Hideaway, Alaska Club, and Sit-n-Bull. They are all “buy 1, get 1” deals on drinks (some customer drinks, some for lady drinks) except for Sit-n-Bull which is good for a 15% discount on food. It will be a challenge, but I will find a way to consume my winnings somehow.

It’s Hash Monday, so I just did a 5K walk to Baloy Beach and back this morning.

Can you count all the wins in this post? I’m a lucky bastard, that’s for sure!