A lot of things really are inexpensive in the Philippines, especially those involving labor or services. For example, yesterday I got a very nice one hour Swedish massage for 400 pesos ($8). I could have received an extra 30 minutes for a dollar more but I don’t like being on the table that long.

This was actually my first massage since moving here which is a bit surprising. I use to do massages in Seoul a couple times of month. Back then I was paying $70. for an hour. Anyway, I went yesterday because of the ongoing aches and pains in my neck, shoulders, and back. For what was described as a “relaxing” massage there were moments when it was a bit painful. I woke up again at o’dark thirty this morning with body aches and took some aspirin. Today so far I’m mostly pain free so maybe the massage did some good. Overall it was a pleasant experience. And having a woman’s hands touching me (no, not there; it was a legit massage) for an hour for only eight bucks seems worthy of at least a weekly visit in the future.

What else? Well, I got my morning steps in despite being doused in liquid sunshine. Once again I got sucker punched thinking the storm had finally moved on only to see it regroup at my farthest point from home. Ah well, it is forecast to be heading to Korea for a visit soon and good riddance. Of course, we have another tropical depression forming off the coast here now. It seems this rainy season will indeed be rainy. Go figure.

I don’t engage much in political stuff these days, either here or on Facebook. But every once in a while I can’t resist tossing a rhetorical grenade. Like this one:

And while we are on the topic of politics, it turns out the latest rage in racism is the Gadsden flag. Who knew? I’ve been “flying” it proudly atop the right hand column of this blog for over a decade. And there it shall remain. Don’t tread on me motherfucker!

In what I’m sure has nothing to do with politics, this study said that 70% of Americans wished they lived somewhere else. And 20% of those would like to live out of the country. Welcome to the club!

Okay, let’s cleanse our palates of all the ugliness with this, shall we?

Of course, it is always big news in the Philippines when boxing legend Manny Pacquiao takes to the ring. He’s got a big fight coming up on Sunday and establishments all over town are going to be broadcasting the blow-by-blow. I don’t really much care about the fight but I do respect and admire the Pacman. He’s also a Senator here but more importantly in my view is he leads by his actions. He spent a goodly portion of his riches building housing for the poor. Lifting people up that way is something we could all use more of in this poverty stricken land. Good on you Manny! And good luck on Sunday.

Oh my! A break in the clouds. I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football, but I’ve got some more walking to do.

UPDATE: Curses, foiled again. Well, what are you going to do when you get caught in the rain?