Back to Manila

Heard this am two 6.0 earthquakes in the Phillipines....hope Jay and family are ok.
 
It's ok. I believe it was just Intensity 4. You'll feel shaking, but hardly anything falls down. No one died.
 
This was a minor quake with no damage or injuries reported. I went to Angeles for the weekend. There are actually cue shops here catering to all the local players. I bought a "Mario" cue for 2,500p (less than $60). A good straight cue that I can leave here in the PI. Mario passed away last year so these are the last of his cues. Seems every cuemaker in Angeles has a photo on the wall of them posing with Efren. He is a native son of Angeles.

I looked high and low for a money game last night to no avail. All fun and games here. But there are a couple of poker rooms. I will change hats tonite and go into poker mode.

One other interesting thing here. I see pool on television every day! It is a major sport on TV here (and all over Asia as well). It's kind of fun to turn on TV and see a match that I'm doing commentary on. In the last week, I have watched the 2009 World Ten Ball, the 2009 U.S. Open and the 2009 Mosconi Cup. All on ESPN Star or Solar Sports, major networks with large audiences.

At One Side I am recognized as the Announcer of pool on TV, not as a competent player. In the past my gambling here consisted mainly of side betting on big matches. On this trip I feel like playing a little bit myself. I've been playing fairly steadily since January, so I have some confidence in my game. It's the first time I've felt half way in stroke in two years. Sad to say it looks like the only action I will get is with the unknown "Godzillas" who hang out at One Side. These are young guys who are willing to play Shane EVEN! Ouch!

I'm still willing to play them One Pocket. That is how complicated the game is. With no knowledge of how to play, you can be a great player and lose to a One Pocket shortstop. Like me :cool:.
 
jay helfert said:
This was a minor quake with no damage or injuries reported. I went to Angeles for the weekend. There are actually cue shops here catering to all the local players. I bought a "Mario" cue for 2,500p (less than $60). A good straight cue that I can leave here in the PI. Mario passed away last year so these are the last of his cues. Seems every cuemaker in Angeles has a photo on the wall of them posing with Efren. He is a native son of Angeles.

I looked high and low for a money game last night to no avail. All fun and games here. But there are a couple of poker rooms. I will change hats tonite and go into poker mode.

One other interesting thing here. I see pool on television every day! It is a major sport on TV here (and all over Asia as well). It's kind of fun to turn on TV and see a match that I'm doing commentary on. In the last week, I have watched the 2009 World Ten Ball, the 2009 U.S. Open and the 2009 Mosconi Cup. All on ESPN Star or Solar Sports, major networks with large audiences.

At One Side I am recognized as the Announcer of pool on TV, not as a competent player. In the past my gambling here consisted mainly of side betting on big matches. On this trip I feel like playing a little bit myself. I've been playing fairly steadily since January, so I have some confidence in my game. It's the first time I've felt half way in stroke in two years. Sad to say it looks like the only action I will get is with the unknown "Godzillas" who hang out at One Side. These are young guys who are willing to play Shane EVEN! Ouch!

I'm still willing to play them One Pocket. That is how complicated the game is. With no knowledge of how to play, you can be a great player and lose to a One Pocket shortstop. Like me :cool:.
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Great stuff Jay... one pocket shortstop.... cute....;)
 
There are road men in the Philippines who rarely if ever play in tournaments. I ran into two of them last night in a bar in Angeles. There was a game going on for 20,000p between two weak players. It was a grudge match, but attracted a crowd, including me, because of the size of the bet (about $450).

I let people in the bar know that I was looking for action at either One Pocket or Bank Pool. Pretty soon I am introduced to Jo-el and Ray Ray, "visitors" to Angeles from another province. They are hesitant at first, preferring to play 9-Ball or Ten Ball. I insist on One Pocket or Banks and following the match in progress Ray Ray agress to play me Banks for 500p a game. 500-1,000p ($11-22) is a hustlers game of pool over here, comparable to playing for $50-100 in the states.

But at the last moment it is decided that Jo-el will play me 500p a game One Pocket. Okay by me. He has his own cue naturally and I'm playing with my new wood that I don't feel comfortable with yet. The shaft is too thick (over 13mm) and the tip is still not right. I win the first two games anyway, but then he kicks it into gear and NEVER misses another ball he shoots at the rest of the night. Long shots, banks, combos, everything is swishing the hole. When he gets a shot he breaks the rack wide open. I can out move him, but he has way too much firepower for me. I call it a night, stuck two games after playing maybe ten games total.

I need to work on this cue and get it right to have a chance. I tell them I am coming back tonite. I will try Ray Ray some Banks, my road game. These two guys would be considered "third tier" players over here, still very solid and highly skilled players. It would take a Jesse Bowman or Chris Bartrum speed player to bring it playing guys like this 9-Ball or Ten Ball. Ray Ray and Jo-el are bonifide hustlers, no one really knows much about them. They came to Angeles looking for action and found me. Singapore Johnny is the one they were looking for, the best player in Angeles. I don't think Johnny can get there with these guys.

In pool it is important to know your own speed. Too many players over rate their game, and it can be costly. I KNOW these guys play a stronger game than me, but I still want to challenge them (and myself), and I know that they are not as comfortable playing "my" games. For this small amount I can risk a few dollars and see what I have left in the tank after forty years of pool wars. I still feel like I can play about 80-90% of my top speed. Of course I would love to have my Josey cue now. That would do wonders for my confidence. Hey, at least I got action! I worked on my tip and took the weight bolt out of my cue. I'm going to go hit some balls and see how it feels. I'm on the road in the Philippines! Wish me luck.
 
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Jay, Happy to hear your trip is going good so far and continues too. Hope to see you in Vegas in May.....Jeff
 
hey j good luck just read whole thread think your a man for the way you approach the sit.. alot of dudes here havent evan seen their kids they have in their own home town let alone travel to another country to get 'em. hope jalo is better and good luck with the action. hope to see pics of jalo, bunny,and yourself in the greatest pool playing place of all. stay srong cause we all know you will get what you deserve. best wishes. frank
 
I certainly am wishing you luck Jay. But you're a good man with sense, knowledge and experience so luck takes a back seat (still nice to have along for the ride though). In order to give luck some help you might have that shaft turned down some.
 
No pool game last night. My man was a no show. I went to Wild Aces, the biggest poker room in Angeles. Got in a 25p-50p NL game with a 5,000p minimum buy in (the "big game" here). Many players had 20-30,000p in front of them. It was a wild game with four to six players seeing almost every flop. I couldn't pick up a hand or connect when I did. There was money to be won here, but I didn't get any. Played several hours and broke even, finally quitting at 2 AM. A good player could make a nice living off this game. No games like this in the states, anywhere!

Time to return to Manila and Bunny and Jalo. Got my fingers crossed all will go well at the Embassy next week. I haven't forgotten my mission here.
 
jay helfert said:
Jalo's application was accepted today! Now we wait for the appointment to prove we are in fact Jalo's natural parents. I'm armed with lots of proof including a photographic history. It's a waiting game over here (they call it 'filipino time') and you must have patience or you will go crazy. The more difficult it becomes the more focused I am on bringing Jalo to America.

This is the "third world" here and lover's of the good life might find it unacceptable. For me I prefer the hardscrabble life in Manila to New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Tokyo, with all their affluence. There is something very real and unfiltered here. No pretense anywhere to be found. It's like being in Vegas in the 60's, anything goes! Or maybe the old West in the 19th century. You must stay on your toes here or you will get pushed aside.

For an old rounder like me, I somehow feel at home. Every day here is a little bit of a gamble. I went out the other night to a small restaurant/nightclub. The young gals working there were beautiful little foxes. All in their early 20's, and totally unspoiled. For a girl from the provinces this was a dream job. I asked them if they had ever met an American man. No they replied. I want to play the matchmaker now. I'd love to introduce some of my young AZ buddies to these sweet young things. Okay EasyE, Deadpoked, Derek Disco and Chris B. I'm talking about you. I got all their e-mail addresses for you. Just send me a PM if you're interested. If you connect with one of them, you can come back with me on my next trip. Chris B. you would love it here. Great gals and loads of good players. Not all champions either. You can play all day and all night and no one will ever ask you for a spot.

This offer goes for you to Torrance Chris.
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Hey Jay what about us 50ish guys that like the younger ladies (25-40). You know we still have something left in the tank, it might be fumes but its something..lol.. hope you still enjoying your trip......Jeff
 
Anyone hear from Jay? I know he doesn't have to post everyday, but he was. Hope all is well. Johnnyt
 
jay helfert said:
There are road men in the Philippines who rarely if ever play in tournaments. I ran into two of them last night in a bar in Angeles. There was a game going on for 20,000p between two weak players. It was a grudge match, but attracted a crowd, including me, because of the size of the bet (about $450).

I let people in the bar know that I was looking for action at either One Pocket or Bank Pool. Pretty soon I am introduced to Jo-el and Ray Ray, "visitors" to Angeles from another province. They are hesitant at first, preferring to play 9-Ball or Ten Ball. I insist on One Pocket or Banks and following the match in progress Ray Ray agress to play me Banks for 500p a game. 500-1,000p ($11-22) is a hustlers game of pool over here, comparable to playing for $50-100 in the states.

But at the last moment it is decided that Jo-el will play me 500p a game One Pocket. Okay by me. He has his own cue naturally and I'm playing with my new wood that I don't feel comfortable with yet. The shaft is too thick (over 13mm) and the tip is still not right. I win the first two games anyway, but then he kicks it into gear and NEVER misses another ball he shoots at the rest of the night. Long shots, banks, combos, everything is swishing the hole. When he gets a shot he breaks the rack wide open. I can out move him, but he has way too much firepower for me. I call it a night, stuck two games after playing maybe ten games total.

I need to work on this cue and get it right to have a chance. I tell them I am coming back tonite. I will try Ray Ray some Banks, my road game. These two guys would be considered "third tier" players over here, still very solid and highly skilled players. It would take a Jesse Bowman or Chris Bartrum speed player to bring it playing guys like this 9-Ball or Ten Ball. Ray Ray and Jo-el are bonifide hustlers, no one really knows much about them. They came to Angeles looking for action and found me. Singapore Johnny is the one they were looking for, the best player in Angeles. I don't think Johnny can get there with these guys.

In pool it is important to know your own speed. Too many players over rate their game, and it can be costly. I KNOW these guys play a stronger game than me, but I still want to challenge them (and myself), and I know that they are not as comfortable playing "my" games. For this small amount I can risk a few dollars and see what I have left in the tank after forty years of pool wars. I still feel like I can play about 80-90% of my top speed. Of course I would love to have my Josey cue now. That would do wonders for my confidence. Hey, at least I got action! I worked on my tip and took the weight bolt out of my cue. I'm going to go hit some balls and see how it feels. I'm on the road in the Philippines! Wish me luck.
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I don't think luck applys in your case Jay, but certainly can't hurt. I'm with you on knowing your own speed... years back I got a little full of myself and ended up holding my arse in my hands with an empty pocket.... learned some humility from that..... You go get these guys... let us know how it plays out. Hope all is working out on your Daughter.....

Rick <avmasterr>
 
Jay mentioned have to do the EMBASSY thing today, you know standing in line for hours, and feeling like a Hamster on a Wheel, Jumping Threw Hoops like a Circue Performor to make some GS something HAPPY....
 
jrackman said:
Hey Jay what about us 50ish guys that like the younger ladies (25-40). You know we still have something left in the tank, it might be fumes but its something..lol.. hope you still enjoying your trip......Jeff
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There are lots of young beauties in the 25-30 age range that would LOVE to meet you! They love American men over here. That's why you see so many retired guys who have relocated to the PI. The saying in Angeles is, "It's a tough life but someone has to do it." Meaning the sheer magnitude of young available women makes chosing a difficult thing to do.

I go in the pool bars looking for games, but my head gets turned in every one of them. They really respond to a guy who can play pool and hold the table. The kind of girls who would look right thru you in the states give you the once over here.

The really young ones (18-22) appear a little too young for me and I would think for most middle aged guys. But not always. I have seen 60ish men with 20ish women. I like em young too but not quite that young. I've gone in bars full of teenagers and they look like babies to me. But a 25-35 year old is a WOMAN! Many of the gals this age already have a child.
 
I traded my cheap cue for a much better one. It will take time to get used to, but this is a good cue made by a guy who calls himself "Boy". A comparable cue would probably go for $3-500 in the USA. I got it for about $135 total, with my trade of the other cue. He wanted $200 for this cue but took mine in trade.

I practiced with it two days ago in Angeles - no money games. I hung out with my buddy Ted Lerner, who does commentary on the pool tournaments over here. We have worked together on a couple of them. If you watch the Golf Channel, his brother is Rich Lerner who does many of the interviews with top golfers. Ted took me to the Lewis-Grand Hotel in Angeles, an absolute palace - rooms available for $70 a day! This would be a $3-400 a night place in the states.

We were NOT guests of the hotel but they let us use the wonderful pool area anyway. We even had our own cabana. All they expect you to do is order drinks and food, which we did. I had a great burger, fries and a drink for about $8. And spent the afternoon lounging by the pool and ogling the tan beauties. Who all smiled back at me by the way. Like I said, it's a tough life.

Yesterday I had to go back into Manila to be ready for the all important appointment at the U.S. Embassy. It is only about 50 miles, but I took a Trike, two buses, a Jeepney and another Trike to get home. Total cost of travel, about $7! Took me two and half hours to travel that short distance though. DON'T be in a hurry over here. You need lots of patience on filipino time.

I was tired after that and hung out at Bunny's home for a couple of hours (she lives with her grandma - and about 6-8 other relatives). After that I was ready to go back to my hotel. Unfortunately, there is the local Kangeroo poolroom on the way, and I just had to stop and see what's up.

Continued below
 
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