Back to Manila

jay helfert said:
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.
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Hey DUDE! Are we going to see some pictures of Jalo or what?

How about some pictures of the Filipino players you are playing, too. We want to be ready for them when they make the trip?:D
JoeyA
 
Manilla

Hi, Jay.
It has been years since I've seen you, and you might not even remember me. I am from New Mexico, and ran into you a few times at tournaments over the last 30 years, or so. Just wondering if you were going to be at the Seminole event at Hollywwod Billiards. I was planning to come, and thought maybe we could have a cup of coffee. That would be wonderful. It sounds like you have quite an agenda between now and then. Are you an adoptive parent? Kudos to you, and Godspeed on your quest. Are you planning to bring this child back with you? I wish you all the best in this venture, and if there is anything I could ever do, on this end.....please don't hesitate. Ciao for now, friend.
Andy Gundersen
 
This thread alone is worth coming here to check the boards every day.

Your posts are absolutey engaging, Jay. Please keep them coming as time permits. The pool-playing stories are great, and your descriptions of the way of life there are wonderful.

Continued good luck with your baby and her passport/citizenship.
 
Jay I wish you would post some photo of the place you talk about, the stories are great, but a photo makes it all so much better...
 
NaturalEnglish said:
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!!
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My name was on the board for winning something like five games in a row. A pretty decent table in there.
 
JoeyA said:
Hey DUDE! Are we going to see some pictures of Jalo or what?

How about some pictures of the Filipino players you are playing, too. We want to be ready for them when they make the trip?:D
JoeyA
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My little digital camera is currently out of gas, but I will post some photos upon my return.
 
;)
Raggedy Andy said:
Hi, Jay.
It has been years since I've seen you, and you might not even remember me. I am from New Mexico, and ran into you a few times at tournaments over the last 30 years, or so. Just wondering if you were going to be at the Seminole event at Hollywwod Billiards. I was planning to come, and thought maybe we could have a cup of coffee. That would be wonderful. It sounds like you have quite an agenda between now and then. Are you an adoptive parent? Kudos to you, and Godspeed on your quest. Are you planning to bring this child back with you? I wish you all the best in this venture, and if there is anything I could ever do, on this end.....please don't hesitate. Ciao for now, friend.
Andy Gundersen
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Thanks Andy. I'll be directing the Seminole event at Hollywood Billiards, so I'll probably have to show up if I want to get paid. :D

I am a "natural" parent. Plain old intercourse, nothing more exotic than that. ;)
 
Thanks for the stories and insights, Jay!

How's the action today? Streets must have been empty, considering it is Black Friday. The only time there's no traffic....
 
Renegade said:
Thanks for the stories and insights, Jay!

How's the action today? Streets must have been empty, considering it is Black Friday. The only time there's no traffic....
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I've never seen Manila so quiet. Almost all the major businesses are closed including the giant malls. This lasts from Thursday thru Sunday. Talk about a dedication to their religion. When was the last time a major mall closed in America. Try never, unless there was a shooting there. I saw a parade of people on Edsa (a main thoroughfare) yesterday, all swinging their sacred objects, many of them with shrouded faces. They were nearly blocking the entire street, and the buses and jeepneys respected this procession, giving them a wide berth. I still don't really understand the significance of all this.

Very little traffic anywhere, everyone in church. Bunny and Jalo went to TWELVE churches yesterday! She said she prayed for me and her family. I need all the prayers I can get! :grin-loving:

What's really weird is that they have even have some ceremonial crucifictions every year with a several people actually crucified. Yes, I'm talking nails thru the hand, the whole bit. It is considered an honor and a privilege to be one of them. These people are revered for their courage. I'm a little too squeamish to even witness this.

P.S. I celebrated by taking a day off from pool. :thumbup:
 
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Yes they do have, some ceremonial crucifictions, it made the world press.

I remember the day in the USA when most business closed for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Good Friday, Easter, and the other major holidays. Now there holiday are excueses for SALES of things we most don't need. IMHO!
 
Renegade said:
Thanks for the stories and insights, Jay!

How's the action today? Streets must have been empty, considering it is Black Friday. The only time there's no traffic....
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In here, it's called 'Good Friday', the irony! Today is the 'Black Saturday'
 
Renegade said:
I always get confused when to use Good, Holy, or Black during the Holy week...:confused:

Happy Easter, everybody!!!
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Palm Sunday, Holy Monday-Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, Easter Sunday.

18 years of catholic school. YEAH YEAH!
 
There was a poker tourney at Wild Aces in Angeles yesterday, and my pool action had dried up. 500p, with a 20,000p first prize guarantee. Too good to pass up. I started bad and finished strong to nab second place and 10,000p! Pay Day!

Back to reality today in Pasay, and went food and baby supply shopping with Bunny. A full cart equalled 3,000p. Easy come. easy go! :wink:

Leaving for home in two days. I feel a little sad about that. Something about the Philippines grows on you. It's a free and easy life style here, much like Mexico used to be before the narco wars. My big decision each day is whether to play pool, poker or just kick back.

I'm very attached to my baby girl (and the entire family). I'll really miss Jalo when I'm gone. I'm having so much fun with her. She loves to eat (a little fatty) and laughs & smiles at my stupid jokes and the funny faces I make.
 
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jay helfert said:
There was a poker tourney at Wild Aces in Angeles yesterday, and my pool action had dried up. 500p, with a 20,000p first prize guarantee. Too good to pass up. I started bad and finished strong to nab second place and 10,000p! Pay Day!

Back to reality today in Pasay, and went food and baby supply shopping with Bunny. A full cart equalled 3,000p. Easy come. easy go! :wink:

Leaving for home in two days. I feel a little sad about that. Something about the Philippines grows on you. It's a free and easy life style here, much like Mexico used to be before the narco wars. My big decision each day is whether to play pool, poker or just kick back.
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Here's wishing you a safe flight home as well as many thanks for keeping us updated while you were away. And mention to Bunny and Jalo that many people who are your friends here send them cheerful greetings!
 
jay helfert said:
There was a poker tourney at Wild Aces in Angeles yesterday, and my pool action had dried up. 500p, with a 20,000p first prize guarantee. Too good to pass up. I started bad and finished strong to nab second place and 10,000p! Pay Day!

Back to reality today in Pasay, and went food and baby supply shopping with Bunny. A full cart equalled 3,000p. Easy come. easy go! :wink:

Leaving for home in two days. I feel a little sad about that. Something about the Philippines grows on you. It's a free and easy life style here, much like Mexico used to be before the narco wars. My big decision each day is whether to play pool, poker or just kick back.

I'm very attached to my baby girl (and the entire family). I'll really miss Jalo when I'm gone. I'm having so much fun with her. She loves to eat (a little fatty) and laughs & smiles at my stupid jokes and the funny faces I make.
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Jay, just wanted to wish you a safe trip home....I know you feel like you are leaving alot of family behind there and not just your little Jalo....

Like you said and it is how it is over there...you are treated immediately like family and brotherhood in so many ways in your acceptance...it is the culture and makes you feel so happy inside in so many ways...

Anyway, thanks for all the updates and Danny and I will see you soon in Vegas buddy...

Lets all go to a nice dinner if we can and I'll be treating you like I said I would in the past...my word in good...

Jeff
 
Jay, any chances that you'll be playing tom night, Tues, before leaving? If ever, where? I might drop by just to say hi :wink:
 
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