Two straight days of sunshine, what’s a fella to do? Same old shit I always do, of course. And I’m gonna keep doing it (and blogging it) for as long as I can. You’ve been warned!

Kicked things off with the Saturday Sweets Stroll. My neighbors, Martin and Joss, joined in the fun.

At the end of our jaunt, we decided to pop into a relatively new restaurant we’ve been meaning to try.

Yugto was a pleasant and informal dining experience and we will visit again one day soon.

We didn’t have anything in particular planned for our Saturday evening, so we plopped our asses down at Sloppy Joe’s to think it over. Swan mentioned Hops and Brews for a wood-fired pizza, but I wasn’t feeling it. I suggested Sit-n-Bull as an alternative, and Swan acquiesced. Just as we were finishing our drinks and preparing to head out, owner Bert sent over a beer and a glass of wine on the house. Damn, the way Swan sips at her wine (I drink three beers to her one glass), I knew we wouldn’t be leaving Sloppy’s anytime soon. I went over to Bert to thank him for his generosity, then complained that because of the free drinks, I’d have to order food from his place. He didn’t seem to mind. Funny how that works.

Sloppy Joe’s had a good crowd, and Bert confirmed they have been very busy, even when it rains and the street outside floods. So, the expats have found their place to hang out, drink, eat, and watch sporting events on several large screen televisions.

We did our nightcap next door at Green Room and had our usual good time. I sponsored a couple of the girls to play a best-of-three pool match, and was impressed with their ability. It came down to the eight ball in the deciding third match with 100 pesos for the winner, and 50 pesos to the loser. We also dispensed cookies and lollipops, and I was comped TWO more beers.

You know, I’m going to miss this life when it is gone. It may not be much, but it’s the best one for me as an old man. I can wait another fifteen years or so before I start the do-over life.

Here’s something about the history of the Philippines I found interesting:

Here’s the story:

In 1901, there was a proposition in the U.S. to change the name of the Philippine Islands to “McKinley Islands,” in honor of President William McKinley who was assassinated that year.

According to the September 30, 1901 issue of the New York Tribune, the proposition was intended to be presented “before the next Congress” and there was no doubt that it would be accepted.

The Americanization of the Philippines would not only change its name but also those of different provinces and islands within the country:

“This part of the scheme embraces the idea of bestowing upon the different islands and provinces the names of the men most prominently identified with the acquisition and management of the islands.

For instance, the members of the American Commission which negotiated the Paris Treaty would thus be honored, as well as the names of Admiral Dewey, General Lawton, Governor Taft, General Otis, Secretary Root, and others.”

The report also pointed out that “this proposed change would link his (McKinley) name with the government of the country for all time and also would be a constant and conspicuous reminder to future generations throughout the world that it was in his administration that the republic expanded its beneficent influence to the Orient and there established in enduring form its institutions and systems.”

President McKinley is remembered in Philippine history as the one who issued the “BENEVOLENT ASSIMILATION PROCLAMATION” in 1899.

The said proclamation emphasized the “altruistic” mission of the U.S. in acquiring the Philippines and that the U.S. have “come, not as invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in their homes, in their employment, and in their personal and religious rights.”

Obviously, the proposition didn’t push through. And that leaves us wondering what would have happened had the Congress approved the name change.

This August 2010 post from the LTG archives talks about the transition from my working life to an unknown future. I write some more about the uncertainties leading me to postpone my retirement date by three months, so I could figure out what to do next. Of course, I know what I wound up doing and where that led me, but perhaps future posts will help me remember why.

From Facebook memories:

Today’s YouTube video discusses how much bargirls make and how their compensation works, at least in Angeles City. In my opinion, a woman is free to sell her body for whatever it is worth to her, but I’ll be damned if the bars should dictate what she does in her off-duty hours.

And now the funny stuff:

Now it’s time to get ready to roll on out to the Hideaway feeding, dinner at John’s place, and a stop at Red Bar. Yep, it’s Sunday and that’s how I roll!