Another Day in Manila
- Thread starter jay helfert
- Start date
hi jay......
definitely super bundles of joy...
here's my lovely daughter angela...
regards
ron
definitely super bundles of joy...
here's my lovely daughter angela...
regards
ron
TheThaiger
Banned
Good advice, and something I usually follow, but JB's such a basket case I'll make an exception.
I have a soft spot for people who just won't concede defeat, no matter how hopeless their position.
He should be happy that it didn't turn into a lesbian biker bar then.
I can see where the PI is called The Land of Smiles. I find the Chinese, at least in my city to be somewhat standoffish. Maybe they don't trust us.
I work with a lot of Filipino nurses and support staff. They are always bright and cheery, talkative, non judgmental. I can see where a visit to the PI would be a fun experience.
Terry:
Filipinos are BEAUTIFUL people. Most of us ex-squids (slang for ex-Navy sailors) have spent a lot of time working shoulder-to-shoulder with Filipinos. The U.S. Navy has a special program for its territories, whereby residents of those territories can join-up and serve, and get an end-run/shortcut to their U.S. citizenship. There are a LOT of Filipinos serving in our U.S. Navy, and they are very dedicated, loyal, and talented people. On the Spruance-class destroyer I served one of my tours on (U.S.S. Briscoe, DD-977), we had two pastry chefs that worked the midnight shift, making rolls, pastries, and danishes for the next morning. One was an Italian from the Bronx, the other was Filipino. These two guys would compete against each other to see who made the best breads, rolls, and pastries, and the competition benefited us, the sailors that ate breakfast the next morning. There would literally be KNOCK-DOWN FIGHTS on the mess line as to who got what pastry. It was found out that our Bronx Italian made the best breads/rolls, while the Filipino made the best pastry. But everyone knew it was the Filipino who kept things civil and fun (the Bronx Italian was a hothead that would explode into fisticuffs at the slightest provocation, but the Filipino helped him keep his cool -- just by being himself).
Like you say, whereas a lot of the Asian culture is subdued and standoffish, Filipinos are bright and cheery. I love working and being around these gentle and happy people.
-Sean
As far as Thailand goes, I've been here nearly eleven years now (I spent eight years in Japan before moving here- I'm from New York)- there are a LOT of foreigners who spend a couple of years here who end up becoming very disillusioned with the place (obviously I'm not referring to tourists who come for a month or less)- there is a Thai subculture that most foreigners never manage to break out of or see past- it's nightlife and bargirls and people with their hands constantly out- very few manage to see any other aspects of the country.
Thais are fairly racist- they believe they're #1 (the same way that we Americans believe we are)- foreigners are not generally looked upon as having a high social status, but that also has to do with the behavior of the vast majority of foreigners here- 'farang' doesn't mean 'sub-human scum' but it does carry a somewhat negative connotation depending on how it is used- oftentimes it's deserved, and sometimes it's not- unfortunately we tend to be judged by the actions of our peers (and I've found myself feeling quite a bit of embarrassment after witnessing the behavior of some foreigners towards the Thais- there is plenty of reverse-racism on their part).
I married a Thai girl from a very wealthy family (many men here end up supporting their wife's family, and that often ends in heartbreak and bad feelings- I would not want to be in that situation) and I run my own successful business and have real estate investments- that association alone granted me a bit of status in the eyes of some Thais (money is a BIG deal over here- if you have it you must be 'smart', even if you're not...)- I live a pretty decent life in Thailand that is very different from most other foreigners living here- I can see the negative aspects of expat life, but I've also been fortunate enough to see the positive aspects as well- not everyone who comes here has that chance.
All-in-all I've found Thailand to be an excellent place to live- I've managed to become fairly successful here, and I built a life that's (imho) worth living, and I will most likely retire here someday- there are, however, many people who will tell you a different story, and their version of life here is just as legitimate as mine- it's not an easy place to build a life, but it's also not as bad as many people would lead you to believe- it takes real effort and perseverance (and more than a little good fortune)- SE Asia isn't for everybody.
Thais are fairly racist- they believe they're #1 (the same way that we Americans believe we are)- foreigners are not generally looked upon as having a high social status, but that also has to do with the behavior of the vast majority of foreigners here- 'farang' doesn't mean 'sub-human scum' but it does carry a somewhat negative connotation depending on how it is used- oftentimes it's deserved, and sometimes it's not- unfortunately we tend to be judged by the actions of our peers (and I've found myself feeling quite a bit of embarrassment after witnessing the behavior of some foreigners towards the Thais- there is plenty of reverse-racism on their part).
I married a Thai girl from a very wealthy family (many men here end up supporting their wife's family, and that often ends in heartbreak and bad feelings- I would not want to be in that situation) and I run my own successful business and have real estate investments- that association alone granted me a bit of status in the eyes of some Thais (money is a BIG deal over here- if you have it you must be 'smart', even if you're not...)- I live a pretty decent life in Thailand that is very different from most other foreigners living here- I can see the negative aspects of expat life, but I've also been fortunate enough to see the positive aspects as well- not everyone who comes here has that chance.
All-in-all I've found Thailand to be an excellent place to live- I've managed to become fairly successful here, and I built a life that's (imho) worth living, and I will most likely retire here someday- there are, however, many people who will tell you a different story, and their version of life here is just as legitimate as mine- it's not an easy place to build a life, but it's also not as bad as many people would lead you to believe- it takes real effort and perseverance (and more than a little good fortune)- SE Asia isn't for everybody.
Last edited:
Hmm, Gobrian (11 years in Thailand), Me (5 years in China), Jay Helfert, (5-6 years on extended visits in the Philippines) vs. The Thaiger (2 years in Thailand).
Yesterday at dinner I told Efren, Rubilen Amit, and Iris Ranola that you and Pangit think that the Philippines is a land of beggars and scammers. Efren said, "he didn't get lucky".
(actually I didn't think it was needed to mention what a couple of anonymous born losers on a message board were saying about their country. but I do wonder if either of you chumps would EVER have the balls to actually say these things to a real life Filipino? Somehow, I very much doubt it. I think they would have to invent a new term for you with meaning being something like "peanut ball-man")
Last edited:
I got a good suggestion today from a friend. So next time I will take more pics of the pool rooms I visit and show the tables, the lighting, the cues, the works! You will get an idea of what these little hole-in-the-wall places are like. For me it's a throwback to being a young gun again, out looking for action every day. And in Manila and the environs you can definitely find it. EVERYONE gambles here!
The only real difference for me now (besides being much older) is that now the money means little and once upon a time it was my livelihood. I can clearly remember how good it felt to make $50 in a day playing pool back in the 60's. My rent was only $25 a week!
Funny, but the economy in the Philippines today is a lot like the economy in the U.S. back in the 60's. You can rent a decent small apartment for $25 a week or $100 a month in parts of Manila right now. $500 a month is considered a very good income and many people work full time (50 hours +) for a lot less.
P.S. Why does this thread feel like it's really two separate threads at once? :scratchhead:
The only real difference for me now (besides being much older) is that now the money means little and once upon a time it was my livelihood. I can clearly remember how good it felt to make $50 in a day playing pool back in the 60's. My rent was only $25 a week!
Funny, but the economy in the Philippines today is a lot like the economy in the U.S. back in the 60's. You can rent a decent small apartment for $25 a week or $100 a month in parts of Manila right now. $500 a month is considered a very good income and many people work full time (50 hours +) for a lot less.P.S. Why does this thread feel like it's really two separate threads at once? :scratchhead:
Last edited:
Cause someone started peeing on it?
You should try to make it to Bangkok sometime, Jay- I know Brad has tried to convince you to come over during one of your PI trips- there's an interesting pool scene here with some very nice rooms (though it's not as ingrained as it is in the Philippines)- it's worth a look- you'd probably enjoy it.
Brad is coming down ~the 15th (I'll probably fly up from Koh Samui to spend a few days there from the 17th)- if you're still in the area think about it.:wink:
Brad is coming down ~the 15th (I'll probably fly up from Koh Samui to spend a few days there from the 17th)- if you're still in the area think about it.:wink:
I was in Thailand about 14 years ago for a few months, and I loved every single minute of it. Then again, I jumped into the culture with both feet, played snooker at a higher level than most of the locals, and never judged anyone.
I did not partake in the "darker side" of tourism there, I just went with the flow, and saw a lot of interesting things. The snooker players had a katoyah (sp?) that hung out with them, and I actually spoke to him (her?
) and found them to be a friendly, outgoing, "normal" person, even given their life choices.If I had the money, there is no doubt I would consider retiring in Thailand, though I would probably stay away from Bangkok, as I could see the possibility that locals in that city might not be as friendly.
I understand that my few months does not really compare to the years of others, but I can't really see things being much different given a longer stay. I made friends with quite a few Thais in my short time there, and noone really had their hand out begging.
Short Bus Russ
I do want to return to Thailand some day. I was last there 30 years ago. Spent three weeks there and loved every minute of it. I tried to play pool but it was ALL snooker in those days, on 12' tables too! I couldn't find a pool table back then. :wink:
P.S. I did get into a little friendly (?) kick boxing match with a young kid outside a fight arena. I was surrounded by kids who were all kicking their feet in my face, challenging me. So I grabbed one kids leg and threw him down. This led to a "fight" using their rules. I lost that one! I was in my 30's then and a very healthy young man at the time. I could have wailed on that kid but there were about ten more like him ready to take me on. They had me way outnumbered and I knew it. Better to take a fall in that spot.
Last edited:
I do want to return to Thailand some day. I was last there 30 years ago. Spent three weeks there and loved every minute of it. I tried to play pool but it was ALL snooker in those days, on 12' tables too! I couldn't find a pool table back then. :wink:
P.S. I did get into a little friendly (?) kick boxing match with a young kid outside a fight arena. I was surrounded by kids who were all kicking their feet in my face, challenging me. So I grabbed one kids leg and threw him down. This led to a "fight" using their rules. I lost that one! I was in my 30's then and a very healthy young man at the time. I could have wailed on that kid but there were about ten more like him ready to take me on. They had me way outnumbered and I knew it. Better to take a fall in that spot.
It would be good to see you here sometime. There are still a few snooker parlors around (with the 12-footers- those tables always seem like football fields to me) but they're not really mainstream anymore.
If you have any desire to re-enter the kick-boxing arena, I train in Muay Thai a few times per week and I can hook you up with an excellent trainer at my gym.
Not that one. This one is near the corner of Harrison and Libertad. The one you're talking about (near Taft and Libertad) is where they brought Andam in to play me last year.
Last edited:
TheThaiger
Banned
I do want to return to Thailand some day. I was last there 30 years ago. Spent three weeks there and loved every minute of it. I tried to play pool but it was ALL snooker in those days, on 12' tables too! I couldn't find a pool table back then. :wink:
P.S. I did get into a little friendly (?) kick boxing match with a young kid outside a fight arena. I was surrounded by kids who were all kicking their feet in my face, challenging me. So I grabbed one kids leg and threw him down. This led to a "fight" using their rules. I lost that one! I was in my 30's then and a very healthy young man at the time. I could have wailed on that kid but there were about ten more like him ready to take me on. They had me way outnumbered and I knew it. Better to take a fall in that spot.
Rule number one: don't get into a fight with a Thai.
It would be good to see you here sometime. There are still a few snooker parlors around (with the 12-footers- those tables always seem like football fields to me) but they're not really mainstream anymore.
If you have any desire to re-enter the kick-boxing arena, I train in Muay Thai a few times per week and I can hook you up with an excellent trainer at my gym.
NO more kick boxing for me! That was my one and only attempt at it.
TheThaiger
Banned
I did not partake in the "darker side" of tourism there, I just went with the flow, and saw a lot of interesting things. The snooker players had a katoyah (sp?) that hung out with them, and I actually spoke to him (her?
Rule number two: avoid lady boys. For a variety of reasons, they tend to be foul creatures.
TheThaiger
Banned
:grin:
And he's still at it, but this time with shameless name dropping. Given the brackets, it's seems John's moved on from using google and a 'friend' as the basis for his vast knowledge of Thai society, and has moved into the realms of using conversations that didn't actually happen.
Man, JB with multi personality disorder. The mind boggles. {shudder}