Jay maybe you could be like a Yiddish Matchmaker, and do tours to the Philippines 3, or 4 times a year to supplement your travel expenses to visit your family. Think you would look great in a Yamaka...LOL
Back to Manila
- Thread starter jay helfert
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NaturalEnglish
Banned
Hi Jay...
I was in AC last month. Did you happen to visit Paradise bar? Open area bar with a table and a lot of action in the afternoon. I never saw any gambling there tho. The table is a challenge table. Several times I have held the table for several hours...but it never fails someone will come in and shoot lights out and now you have to wait your turn to get another chance at the new table holder. There is a short pinoy guy that plays there sometimes, must be about 4' 8". He can shoot! I beat him a couple of times, but he knows how to play those PI tables. Forget the slow rolls eh? Cloth like my grandma's pajamas. Heat, humidity...need I say more? haha
This trip I took my 3 piece travel cue Sheldon Lebow made for me. Nice to have my own cue! On the last day I used it to break...and I broke the cue
Well Sheldon repaired it for me after I got home and I wont be using it to break with again. Dumb I know. Would have been great to meet you there in ac.
Ingat Jay!
I was in AC last month. Did you happen to visit Paradise bar? Open area bar with a table and a lot of action in the afternoon. I never saw any gambling there tho. The table is a challenge table. Several times I have held the table for several hours...but it never fails someone will come in and shoot lights out and now you have to wait your turn to get another chance at the new table holder. There is a short pinoy guy that plays there sometimes, must be about 4' 8". He can shoot! I beat him a couple of times, but he knows how to play those PI tables. Forget the slow rolls eh? Cloth like my grandma's pajamas. Heat, humidity...need I say more? haha
This trip I took my 3 piece travel cue Sheldon Lebow made for me. Nice to have my own cue! On the last day I used it to break...and I broke the cue
Well Sheldon repaired it for me after I got home and I wont be using it to break with again. Dumb I know. Would have been great to meet you there in ac.
Ingat Jay!
The internet went down during my last post. Here is the rest of the story.
A few guys greeted me when I came in. There were two money games going on in the little poolroom. On one table Randy (the owner and a very good player) was playing someone and two younger guys were on the front table. Someone asked me if I wanted to play and I said sure, The two guys in front were playing a Race To Three (Rotation) for 300p. Much smaller games here than in Angeles but just as serious to the participants.
I waited patiently until one guy won (it was 1-1 when I came in). Then the winner agreed to play me for 50p or a 100p a game. I said okay 100p a game is fine with me. The house man racks the balls and he wins the flip. Before he breaks he tells me only 50p a game. I have a rep in this joint. I want to play some more with my new cue. I know it will take time to get the feel of it, so I need to play. Any bet is fine with me.
I win the first three games using the strategy of banging balls early in the rack. I figured out that the last six balls (10-15) are worth 75 points and the first nine balls are worth only 45 points. Do the math, running a few of the lower numbered balls won't win you the game. Now the cleanly dressed young man wins the next two games, so he's only 50p down. He's confident now and asks me to raise the bet to 100p, like that will scare me somehow. Wow, two dollars a game (actually $2.20). I agree and he starts playing pretty good. And I start feeling my cue.
The games are close, usually coming down to the last two or three balls. But he's got a little dog in him and that's when he misses. I'm not missing on the high numbered balls. I think he sees me playing bad on the little balls and thinks I'm weak. Good move by me I guess. I finally get 550p ahead after he misses a fifteen ball for the game. He quits. I pay 40p in time for the four games I lost, and tip the house man who has been racking and calling hits another 20p. I played almost two hours to win 490p. Another day at the office in Manila.
That's it for the day and I meet Bunny and Jalo back at the hotel. I'm resting that evening thinking about today's game. The young guy shot very straight. How did I beat him I'm thinking? I played better safes, kicked more accurately and made a few key bank shots. I also dogged fewer balls. That was the difference. He definitely could shoot off the end rail better than me. I guess you could say I outsmarted him.
I wonder how many 60 year old Americans are running around this country looking for pool games. Maybe I'm the only one. Maybe ever! There are lots of older American guys who play pool here, as a hobby. Only one I know who gambles is Darryl Norquist, an old buddy from Long Beach, CA. And he doesn't go looking for action. Oh well, you only live once, might as well enjoy the ride.
A few guys greeted me when I came in. There were two money games going on in the little poolroom. On one table Randy (the owner and a very good player) was playing someone and two younger guys were on the front table. Someone asked me if I wanted to play and I said sure, The two guys in front were playing a Race To Three (Rotation) for 300p. Much smaller games here than in Angeles but just as serious to the participants.
I waited patiently until one guy won (it was 1-1 when I came in). Then the winner agreed to play me for 50p or a 100p a game. I said okay 100p a game is fine with me. The house man racks the balls and he wins the flip. Before he breaks he tells me only 50p a game. I have a rep in this joint. I want to play some more with my new cue. I know it will take time to get the feel of it, so I need to play. Any bet is fine with me.
I win the first three games using the strategy of banging balls early in the rack. I figured out that the last six balls (10-15) are worth 75 points and the first nine balls are worth only 45 points. Do the math, running a few of the lower numbered balls won't win you the game. Now the cleanly dressed young man wins the next two games, so he's only 50p down. He's confident now and asks me to raise the bet to 100p, like that will scare me somehow. Wow, two dollars a game (actually $2.20). I agree and he starts playing pretty good. And I start feeling my cue.
The games are close, usually coming down to the last two or three balls. But he's got a little dog in him and that's when he misses. I'm not missing on the high numbered balls. I think he sees me playing bad on the little balls and thinks I'm weak. Good move by me I guess. I finally get 550p ahead after he misses a fifteen ball for the game. He quits. I pay 40p in time for the four games I lost, and tip the house man who has been racking and calling hits another 20p. I played almost two hours to win 490p. Another day at the office in Manila.
That's it for the day and I meet Bunny and Jalo back at the hotel. I'm resting that evening thinking about today's game. The young guy shot very straight. How did I beat him I'm thinking? I played better safes, kicked more accurately and made a few key bank shots. I also dogged fewer balls. That was the difference. He definitely could shoot off the end rail better than me. I guess you could say I outsmarted him.
I wonder how many 60 year old Americans are running around this country looking for pool games. Maybe I'm the only one. Maybe ever! There are lots of older American guys who play pool here, as a hobby. Only one I know who gambles is Darryl Norquist, an old buddy from Long Beach, CA. And he doesn't go looking for action. Oh well, you only live once, might as well enjoy the ride.
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Hi Jay...
I was in AC last month. Did you happen to visit Paradise bar? Open area bar with a table and a lot of action in the afternoon. I never saw any gambling there tho. The table is a challenge table. Several times I have held the table for several hours...but it never fails someone will come in and shoot lights out and now you have to wait your turn to get another chance at the new table holder. There is a short pinoy guy that plays there sometimes, must be about 4' 8". He can shoot! I beat him a couple of times, but he knows how to play those PI tables. Forget the slow rolls eh? Cloth like my grandma's pajamas. Heat, humidity...need I say more? haha
This trip I took my 3 piece travel cue Sheldon Lebow made for me. Nice to have my own cue! On the last day I used it to break...and I broke the cue
Well Sheldon repaired it for me after I got home and I wont be using it to break with again. Dumb I know. Would have been great to meet you there in ac.
Ingat Jay!
I've been in there but no action for me. Played a couple of nice guys (one American, one filipino) but no talk of gambling. The American guy had met me at the WPC a couple of years ago. The filipino guy was there when I played Jo-el. There were a lot of people watching that game, so I guess I knocked my action, even in losing.
Jay, you're really making me jealous! I'm getting more and more anxious to make another trip to the Philippines. Danny DiLiberto wants to go with me. When I go I like to stay at least a month. The length of the flight and the cost, along with the reasonable prices once you arrive makes it more sense that way. Enjoy yourself buddy, I know it's like being a kid at Disneyland for guys like us and Mickey Mouse is calling my name!
Remember your filipino Visa is only good for 21 days. You must either get an extension or expect to pay hefty fees when you leave. I made that mistake once.
Yesterday I called the US Embassy for an update on my application for Jalo's passport. Interesting thing is that all the workers there are filipinos, not American. So I got some bad news. This is Holy Week here (I knew that), so the examiner handling my case is off until Monday April 5. She will call me then to set an appointment time, probably two or three weeks later in April, long after I'm gone. Bad news huh.
All is not lost though. Bunny can appear on our behalf, since all the necessary paperwork has been submitted. All I need to do is give her a copy of my Passport, and the page showing the Visa when I was in the Philippines, nine months before Jalo was born. They don't miss a thing here.
So now I know that it's true, it can take months to get a US passport. Well at least the process is underway and hopefully when I return later this year, Jalo will be a documented U.S. citizen. I am also helping Bunny get her Philippine passport. She must get it to have any chance at coming to America.
I cannot despair at this news. This is how it is over here and you either accept it or go crazy for nothing. I cannot change this culture. It is better just to go with the flow. So it looks like more pool and poker this trip. Later today we will go to Baclaran, the largest outdoor shopping area in Manila. Thousands of stalls selling everything, and mobs of people shopping. Here is where the best deals are to be had.
I still don't understand how the exact same thing you buy in the states (like beer, toothpaste, food products, etc. etc.) sells for pennies on the dollar here. Same name, same brand, same packaging, for a fraction of the price. Is it really that inexpensive to produce the same product here? I buy a large tube of toothpast for $1. It would cost triple that at home. Big beer (two quarts) for a $1.20. In the states also double or triple. It's like that on just about everything, except electronic products. Laptops, computers and televisions sell for similar prices here to what we pay in the states. I can buy a nice small motorbike here for $800-1,000. I've seen very clean used ones for $400. 100-155cc. Same bike in the USA would be at least $2,500 to $3,000.
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I come home on April 7, after three weeks. Trying to get in stroke for my big match with New Orleans Joey!
jay i really like your writings...
i've been to the philippines in november for 3-months. pretty much all over the islands and i always went to play some pool and for some cheap games.
even out in the province or up in the mountain they have pool tables.
some of the tables dont play as they should but after a while you get it out and its fun to play anyway.
no matter if it is a outside table at the beach or one in the pool-hall, there is always someone around who might win against you.
at least that was my experience.
most of the time the owner steps in the game first, if he cant beat you the next ones on. and so on....
after a while you're surrounded by people and in the middle of a match.
even if you only play for a little money, they always like to watch. and i often got advices at the end from the crowed.
everyone seems to know about pool there. :grin:
all the best
i've been to the philippines in november for 3-months. pretty much all over the islands and i always went to play some pool and for some cheap games.
even out in the province or up in the mountain they have pool tables.
some of the tables dont play as they should but after a while you get it out and its fun to play anyway.
no matter if it is a outside table at the beach or one in the pool-hall, there is always someone around who might win against you.
at least that was my experience.
most of the time the owner steps in the game first, if he cant beat you the next ones on. and so on....
after a while you're surrounded by people and in the middle of a match.
even if you only play for a little money, they always like to watch. and i often got advices at the end from the crowed.
everyone seems to know about pool there. :grin:
all the best
Keep posting your report please Jay that are an education for one who has not traveled the world.
You should stay there a few extra weeks and really get in stroke, then you can come down to my home town and TRY to give me a spankin' on my birthday.
JoeyA
One Side......Heaven!
So Jay...when you went to One Side in Manila did someone ask you "Do you want to play a Filipino?" LOL, that question was asked to me when I went there last time. I replied...I have a pocket full of cash and I will play anyone! You should have seen the guy's eyes light up! He set me up with Frenchie (some french guy), Roberto Gomez, another filipino, and Efren. I played them on the CHEAP, but it was the most fun I had on my trip to the PI. I plan to go there this December 2010...
Funny thing...I asked them to play One Pocket (except Efren) and they replied, "I don't know how to play, but I will play you." They were honest. They didn't know how to play, but at least they gambled! I lost to everyone playing them 9 or 10 ball...LOL!
So Jay...when you went to One Side in Manila did someone ask you "Do you want to play a Filipino?" LOL, that question was asked to me when I went there last time. I replied...I have a pocket full of cash and I will play anyone! You should have seen the guy's eyes light up! He set me up with Frenchie (some french guy), Roberto Gomez, another filipino, and Efren. I played them on the CHEAP, but it was the most fun I had on my trip to the PI. I plan to go there this December 2010...
Funny thing...I asked them to play One Pocket (except Efren) and they replied, "I don't know how to play, but I will play you." They were honest. They didn't know how to play, but at least they gambled! I lost to everyone playing them 9 or 10 ball...LOL!
You should stay there a few extra weeks and really get in stroke, then you can come down to my home town and TRY to give me a spankin' on my birthday.
JoeyA
Agitator!
You should stay there a few extra weeks and really get in stroke, then you can come down to my home town and TRY to give me a spankin' on my birthday.
JoeyA
Keep talkin. I think maybe he needs an excuse to stay.
Back to One Side last night. I found out the first guy I played last week was Yu Young or something like that. Just one more filipino champion in waiting. Last night I played Gech (pronounced Geek), one more in the endless chain of talented young players churned out here. He knew I had played One Pocket on my previous visit and agreed to a game. We played a Race to Five for 2,000p total (about $45). One more guy who never misses, and I still had a very good chance to win.
I out moved him every game, but couldn't run enough balls. A couple of games I lost, I had him 5-0 and he made a Bank and ran out. I lost the set 5-3. But the time was 700p (I paid half), so I told him if we play again it will be for at least 500p a game. The tip on my new cue sucks (hard as a rock) so the house man at One Side is putting a new one on today. I miscued twice while stretching for a shot against Gech. That might have made the difference in our match. I sure do wish I had my Josey here. I can play two balls better with it.
In the malls you see many kids and baby stores. And on the street, there are a multitude of Ob-Gyn clinics. Making babies is the number one activity here. It is a total Catholic country with zero attempt at birth control. Everywhere you go there are women with babes in arms. Not unusual to see a family of four or five (mom, dad and the little ones) all traveling on one small motorbike. One child on the handlebars, one on dad's lap, and mom carrying one behind him. I've frequently seen six or seven people packed on one trike (with baggage attached as well). They really put these little bangers (100-125cc bikes with sidecars) to the test. The Philippines is one big baby factory. I'm glad to have made my small contribution. :wink:
Almost 100 million people live on these islands, so it is one of the largest countries in Southeast Asia in terms of population. The economy here is surprisingly robust, with crowded malls and small businesses thriving everywhere. You will see very few boarded up buildings like we see all over the USA. Space here is put to good use. There are street vendors lining every boulevard, with a variety of businesses, from food sales to shoe repair, and everything in between.
I out moved him every game, but couldn't run enough balls. A couple of games I lost, I had him 5-0 and he made a Bank and ran out. I lost the set 5-3. But the time was 700p (I paid half), so I told him if we play again it will be for at least 500p a game. The tip on my new cue sucks (hard as a rock) so the house man at One Side is putting a new one on today. I miscued twice while stretching for a shot against Gech. That might have made the difference in our match. I sure do wish I had my Josey here. I can play two balls better with it.
In the malls you see many kids and baby stores. And on the street, there are a multitude of Ob-Gyn clinics. Making babies is the number one activity here. It is a total Catholic country with zero attempt at birth control. Everywhere you go there are women with babes in arms. Not unusual to see a family of four or five (mom, dad and the little ones) all traveling on one small motorbike. One child on the handlebars, one on dad's lap, and mom carrying one behind him. I've frequently seen six or seven people packed on one trike (with baggage attached as well). They really put these little bangers (100-125cc bikes with sidecars) to the test. The Philippines is one big baby factory. I'm glad to have made my small contribution. :wink:
Almost 100 million people live on these islands, so it is one of the largest countries in Southeast Asia in terms of population. The economy here is surprisingly robust, with crowded malls and small businesses thriving everywhere. You will see very few boarded up buildings like we see all over the USA. Space here is put to good use. There are street vendors lining every boulevard, with a variety of businesses, from food sales to shoe repair, and everything in between.
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I hear you Jay. My first personal trip to the US(attend SBE) was an eye opener when it came to cost. Everything was just so much expensive and I'm already from HK which is one of the most expensive cities to live in.
My previous trips to US(NY) was on business, so I never looked at how much it cost. It was all paid for by the company. :grin:
and now reporting from the Phillipines is Jay H...
what a kick...
and the best line was:
I'm glad to have made my small contribution. :wink:
as always, waiting for more reporting...
best,
smokey
what a kick...
and the best line was:
I'm glad to have made my small contribution. :wink:
as always, waiting for more reporting...
best,
smokey
a very good observation of our state of living sir. cost of living here is pretty much low compared to most countries. i hope you enjoy your stay here.
NaturalEnglish
Banned
Since your playing One Side I assume your staying close to the Southern Cross hotel. On my way back from Puerta Galera I spent a few hours playing pool on a nice table there at the bar in Southern Cross hotel. The table has Simonis on it or a very good copy. I remember seeing a sign on the wall about a tournement there every week. Go check it out and play in it. Ive played tournements before in the PI and actualy won one in Subic once. Got a free chit for food or drink I seem to remember :wink:
Good way to pass some time and have some fun too! Good luck!!
Good way to pass some time and have some fun too! Good luck!!
Forgive me for getting off subject but does anyone else see that floppybears avatar looks like Efren?!