The Friday group hikers caught a Jeepney and rode out to Olongapo City to begin the day’s trek. As I boarded and took my seat, the young woman directly across from me said, “Hello, John.” I smiled and nodded, then discretely looked at her for the duration of the trip. Nothing about her was even vaguely familiar. Being greeted by name by someone I don’t recognize happens so frequently these days that it is beginning to bother me. I’ve decided that when this happens in the future, I’m just going to ‘fess up and admit I don’t recognize them and ask where and when we met. This road to dementia is paved with…shit, I forget, but it’s a rough one. Anyway, when I disembarked from the Jeepney, I said it was nice to see her again.
The hike itself was up and over the Kalaklan Ridge, then back down into Barretto. The route we took was through the aptly named Hilltop village. Ninety percent of the climb is via stair steps, and I’d almost forgotten what an ass-kicker they can be. Getting back down also had some challenging moments, but overall it was a pleasantly scenic hike. I was a bit surprised when I checked my tracker at the end of our journey and saw that we had only gone 3.3 kilometers from start to finish. It sure as hell felt longer!
The Friday group (plus Scott) after exiting the Jeepney in Olongapo City.We’ll be steppin’ it up from hereThe Hilltop community in barangay Upper KalaklanLet the climbing commenceWe’re up here, Scott!Lollipops dispensedOn up!Peanut butter perfume? I’m not sure that smell would be enticing.A part-way up view of OlongapoStairs make a good place to sit when you need a rest from climbing themPressing onwardWe must be getting close to the top by nowWell, the stairs have ended be we are still going uphillAlmost a feeling of serenitySeeing a nice house like this in the middle ofnowhere was kind of eerie. Very well maintained and decorated for Christmas, so definitely occupied. There’s no vehicle access here, and I just can’t imagine what a pain in the ass getting the groceries home must be. Not to mention getting home from the bars at night.A ship heading out to seaPausing at the top for a group photoThat moment when you are congratulating yourself for having the strength and willpower to complete the climb, and this old guy comes along carrying a heavy load of water up the hill like it was no big deal at all.Beth played Swan’s part in handing out the cookiesLaundry day at the creekFinding our way across the waterAnd now for the downhill trekNot so bad in the beginningThe view of Barretto from hereScott is such a tree-huggerAnd then things got a little diceyAt least it wasn’t muddy. There was one place where I chose to sit on my ass and slide down as opposed to falling on my ass.Barretto Beach. You can see the floating island in the foreground, and what’s that about midway…It’s the Arizona floating bar! I’ll be paying a visit tomorrow.Another sweets opportunityAnd then back down on the highway at last
A short stroll into Barretto and some liquid refreshment at Dynamite Dick’s before grabbing a trike for home.
Short, but mostly nice.
And then, it was time to head back into town and secure my seats for the SOB dance competition at Wet Spot.
Hiking companion Beth is the head waitress at Wet Spot, and she saved our seats for us. She also spells “John” Filipino-style.Our neighbor, Vina, joined us. You can see how nice it was to have company!There was record-breaking attendance last night. I’ve never seen the bar so packed.Alaska finished 4th3rd Place went to Queen VictoriaVoodoo took 2ndWet Spot’s routine included an impressive pole-dancing performanceAnd secured their first-place finish
It was one of the better shows I’ve seen in a while.
Home to some sugar-free gelatin and then a peaceful sleep. That’s the way this old fart rolls these days.
Coffee and a view to kick off my Saturday morningI somehow managed to come in slightly under goal
Christmas memories from my working life on Facebook today:
Nine years ago, the 8th Army Commanding General, Thomas Vandal, visited our office at Yongsan Garrison in Seoul. Sadly, LTG Vandal died a few months after retiring. RIP, sir!Seven years ago, I spent my last Christmas as a working man in Korea with my Deputy at Camp Humphreys.
How about some unfiltered Pea for today’s YouTube video? I’ve been mildly curious about my favorite vlogger’s personal life. I assumed she had a foreign husband who supported her channel, but apparently not. Anyway, it was enjoyable to hear her open up some about herself.
The joke is on me:
The three things Filipinas always say to me the first time we make love: Ouch! Oh shit! Already?Be careful what you wish forThe English accent I find most difficult among the expat community is Aussie talk.
Alright, before I get to today’s song from the past, let me share the Baloy Beach bars I was too lazy to post yesterday:
The first business on Baloy Road is the Mangrove Hotel. I’ve never been inside, but I can see from the street that they do have a bar. So, I’ll grant them #45 on the list of Barretto bars.#46. Harley’s. It’s a pub with hotel rooms. Probably one of the most popular venues in town. I should come here more often.#47. Blue Rock Resort. This used to be a happening place. I stayed here often as a tourist and always enjoyed the bar. They had great food, too, especially grilled meats. Blue Rock had my favorite floating bar as well. Those days are all gone now. The floating bar washed up on the beach and was destroyed. The hotel never recovered from the COVID lockdowns. As far as I know, no expats go here for anything these days.#48. The Drunken Sailor. This is a new venue; the nicest thing I can say is that it is a work in progress. It has potential, and we’ll have to wait to see if it is ever realized.#49. McCoy’s. Pretty much a shithole that caters primarily to Filipino customers. I think it could be an amazing beach bar with a bit of time and effort. I inquired about taking over the lease, but it was rejected.#50. Wild Orchid Barefoot Bar. This place could also be a nice place to hang out on the beach. Sadly, they have overpriced their beers at 150 pesos each (almost double what most other venues charge)and even though I can afford it, that’s a price I’m not willing to pay.#51. Treasure Island Resort. The new owner is doing it right. It offers the best food on Baloy, a great pool, live music on Saturday, and just a nice place to hang out.#52. Foxhole (formerly D’Kudos). The new owner here has taken a viable business and run it into the sewer. I used to enjoy my occasional visits, but not anymore. Nothing to like about this place now.#53. The Kokomo’s floating bar. Love it. My Tuesday hangout at beer o’clock.#54. Kokomo’s. I’ll stop by occasionally when the floating bar is not operational.#55. Three L’s Resort. They have a brand new place on the beach that looks nice to me. When I stopped by they said they open at 8 p.m. I don’t think I’m the customer they are looking for.#56. Laharnyz. I’ve recently rediscovered this venue and I really enjoy the beach vibe here. Lots of other expats seem to share that view.#57. Lagoon Resort. Back in my dart league days, this was our home bar. Nice enough place with a decent kitchen and weekend live music.#58. Viking Resort. They have a nice outdoor bar by the pool, and some folks say their pizza is the best in town.
And that’s it on Baloy Long Beach. So, fifty-eight bars in the little barangay of Barretto. I should never go thirsty! As mentioned, I will try to broaden my horizons and visit new venues as part of my Wednesday routine. You can read all about it here!
I won’t be venturing into the bars this Saturday night. Instead, I’ll be attending a birthday party at Ricky and Heidi’s house here in Alta Vista. It should be fun and a nice change of pace.
