I paid a rare visit to the popular Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee yesterday.
Anyway, the purpose of the visit was not for me to eat; instead, I was doing something a little different for the Hideaway girls feeding. The local franchise is just across the river in Santo Tomas. As I was walking en route, I saw “mama” and invited her along for some Jollibee goodness.
The usual good time was had at Hideaway, including some free drinks for yours truly. I also got to control the music and played some of my favorite classic rock songs from the 70s.
I had heard from Virginia, one of the Alaska dancers, earlier in the afternoon. I was touched that she was thinking of me (and even remembered my name!), so I asked if she would be working later. She said yes and asked why, and I responded that I would come by to see her there. I moderated my alcohol intake at Hideaway to ensure I could navigate the highway walk/crossing and enjoy my time in Alaska with this cutie’s company. Alas, when I arrived, I saw Virginia wasn’t on stage with the other dancers. When I asked the waitress about her whereabouts, she just shrugged and said she didn’t come to work. I messaged Virginia asking what happened, and she told me she wasn’t feeling well. Hmm, well, thanks for letting me know; I made a special trip here for you. She did message me this morning and apologized again.
Another female friend (non-bargirl) was there for a pool tournament. She was seated at the next table, so I greeted her and wished her good luck. She thanked me, and as I was preparing to offer her a beer, but she turned her back to me and didn’t say another word. Talk about a cold shoulder!
So, I left Alaska after one drink and went next door to Sloppy Joe’s for my nightcap, then caught a trike home feeling a little melancholy.
I did almost 11K on my Sunday morning solo walk. I took the backstreets to Subic town so I could raid the ATM (those lady drinks don’t pay for themselves!). Along the way, I dropped off 1000 pesos so an acquaintance could have a birthday celebration for her daughter.
Nothing all that interesting along the way, but I did see the wealthiest man in Subic:
Here’s what my hike looked like from above:
You can Relive the experience and see some more photos if you are so inclined:
Up and at ’em again this morning. Did a beach walk to Baloy:
And now it is Hash Monday once again. The trail starts on Rizal Extension, so I reckon I’ll once again chance walking the My Bitch trail alone to get there.
I will be back tomorrow with a full report. Hopefully.
Maybe try to get “mama” to join your Hash group. That could be a hoot. I’m glad you defended her honor at the restaurant.
As for taking her home… you’re probably right to scram. You tried to fix her up with a home once already, and it was no surprise when she didn’t take to it. If she snuggled up with you now because of some fantasy she’s having about blissful domesticity, well, I’d expect her nomadic instincts to kick in, and she’d end up unhappy all over again. So I think you made the right choice. I hope she’s not too hurt.
I copied and pasted your above post into Chat AI and asked for a response in the style of Donald Trump. I did preface it by saying it was written by a retired expat named John living in Barretto Philippines. As you also found, mainly regurgitation with no insight. Below is the response, and I have to admit, I chuckled as a read it.
I must say, John, your visit to Jollibee was quite interesting. It’s great to see you taking care of the local homeless community, even if it’s just for a meal. That’s what America is all about, taking care of one another, and I’m glad to see that spirit alive and well in the Philippines.
But let me tell you, that manager questioning your friend was wrong. You should have told him to shove it. People like that are the reason America is making a comeback, because we’re putting our foot down and telling people enough is enough. And let me tell you, I know a thing or two about fast food. I’ve had the best fast food, believe me. Nobody knows fast food like I do.
And let me tell you, those chicken and spaghetti dinners look fantastic. Jollibee, if you’re listening, I would love to try one of those. Maybe we can make a deal, Jollibee, a big, beautiful deal. I know a lot about deals, believe me.
And speaking of deals, I’m glad to hear that you got to control the music at Hideaway and play some classic rock from the 70s. That’s what America is all about, having fun and enjoying the good times. And let me tell you, I love classic rock, I’ve got all the classics, believe me.
Now, let’s talk about your friend Virginia. It’s too bad she wasn’t feeling well, but I’m glad she messaged you to apologize. That’s what America is all about, being accountable and taking responsibility. And let me tell you, I’m a big believer in responsibility, I take responsibility for everything, believe me.
But let’s talk about your female friend at the pool tournament. She turned her back to you and didn’t say another word? That’s not America, John. In America, we treat each other with respect and kindness, even if we disagree. And let me tell you, I have the best people, the kindest people, believe me.
And that wealthy man with all the onions? That’s what America is all about, making a fortune and enjoying life to the fullest. And let me tell you, I’ve made a fortune, the biggest fortune, believe me.
And your solo walk to Subic town, that’s fantastic. In America, we don’t let anything stop us from achieving our goals, even if it means walking 11K to raid an ATM. And let me tell you, I’ve achieved a lot, I’ve achieved more than anyone, believe me.
And running into mama again and her asking to go home with you? That’s not America, John. In America, we’re independent and we make our own way. And let me tell you, I’m the most independent person, I do things on my own, believe me.
And now it’s Hash Monday once again. I love that, John. In America, we don’t back down from a challenge, we face it head-on and come out on top. And let me tell you, I face challenges every day, I face the biggest challenges, believe me.
So keep up the good work, John. You’re doing America proud. And let me tell you, America is making a comeback, a big, beautiful comeback, believe me.
And I’ll be waiting for your full report tomorrow, John. I can’t wait to hear about your Hash Monday adventure. And let me tell you, I’m always interested in adventure, I love adventure, believe me.
Brian, that was pretty funny! Truthfully, listening to Trump gets on my nerves–he’d be better off shutting up some and letting his actions tell the story. That’s not his style, though. Anyway, I’m glad Mr. Trump is not a regular commenter here! 🙂
Mama walks her own path in life, that’s for sure. Still, I was surprised to see her revert to her past life as a bargirl and want to come home with me. The thought of that kind of intimacy makes me shudder–I see her as a sweet old woman who is a little off in the head and nothing more. I don’t think she took my rejection to heart, though, and she’ll be her same happy self the next time I see her.