In other words "Welcome to Manila." I arrived at 3:30 AM yesterday. The flight was only half full so there was no refueling stop in Guam. Only a 14 hour trip, instead of 16. Went straight to my hotel and collapsed. For me it is the hardest part of making this trip, just getting here. My girl came to see me at about 11 AM, so that cheered me up. I will see my little Jalo tomorrow, another happy reunion. Right away the filipino people remind me of why I like it here so much. So genuinely friendly and open to strangers like me. Everyone with a big smile and a warm hello. I don't get that in the states.
I text my friend Darwin who is keeping my cue for me. He says he can't meet me for two days. Darnn and I want to play pool. I go to One Side anyway last night. I am greeted by all the hustlers and the hangers-on. I represent action (albeit small) to them. They know I like to play and bet a little something. Pretty soon the hustlers descend on me - "Want to play some 9-Ball? How about Ten Ball? Maybe Eight Ball?" No one mentions anything about One Pocket or Banks. These guys are good, they know my best games. I remind them that I am willing to play one of these "champions" One Pocket or Banks. Only Lolong agrees to play, but he is already in a game with some young Swedish kid. Lolong is a top speed hustler, and I really don't want his action, but I tell him that we can play Banks when he is done. I've got a hard on to play!
Now Eric pipes up, asking me to play 9-Ball. I don't know him so well, but he is another regular here. I know he probably plays like God, but so what. I reiterate that I will only play Banks or One Pocket. He accepts the Bank game, wonder of wonders! He wants to play a race to five, short rack for 1,000p (about $22). This is typical of the small action you will get here. I tell him that is too long a race, and we can go to three. He agrees. We flip and I win and now he tells me he only has 500p. I'm not happy but I want to play someone so I say okay. The first game is all me and I run three and out to win 5-1. I feel good and I look like the big favorite.
The second game he wises up and begins playing me safe. It is a long game and he wins on the hill, 5-4. Drat! Suddenly I am feeling the jet lag and am feeling fatigued. I start drinking water and have a hot tea. I feel queasy. I can't quit now, I just have to gut it out. The third game goes the same way. He senses my discomfort and begins stalling me, taking a long time on every turn. I lose this game 5-4. I'm getting sick, and keep going to the bathroom. He beats me easily in the final game 5-2, and rejoices, calling himself The Champion! I don't really care but I vow to get even with him. I have been playing with a borrowed cue and feel under the weather. I'm sure I can beat this guy.
I tell Eric next time we must bet at least 1,000p. He says sure, all of a sudden liking my action. I go back to my hotel and take some vitamin C and pass out. I wake up eight hours later feeling much better. Today is another day in pool paradise!
I text my friend Darwin who is keeping my cue for me. He says he can't meet me for two days. Darnn and I want to play pool. I go to One Side anyway last night. I am greeted by all the hustlers and the hangers-on. I represent action (albeit small) to them. They know I like to play and bet a little something. Pretty soon the hustlers descend on me - "Want to play some 9-Ball? How about Ten Ball? Maybe Eight Ball?" No one mentions anything about One Pocket or Banks. These guys are good, they know my best games. I remind them that I am willing to play one of these "champions" One Pocket or Banks. Only Lolong agrees to play, but he is already in a game with some young Swedish kid. Lolong is a top speed hustler, and I really don't want his action, but I tell him that we can play Banks when he is done. I've got a hard on to play!
Now Eric pipes up, asking me to play 9-Ball. I don't know him so well, but he is another regular here. I know he probably plays like God, but so what. I reiterate that I will only play Banks or One Pocket. He accepts the Bank game, wonder of wonders! He wants to play a race to five, short rack for 1,000p (about $22). This is typical of the small action you will get here. I tell him that is too long a race, and we can go to three. He agrees. We flip and I win and now he tells me he only has 500p. I'm not happy but I want to play someone so I say okay. The first game is all me and I run three and out to win 5-1. I feel good and I look like the big favorite.
The second game he wises up and begins playing me safe. It is a long game and he wins on the hill, 5-4. Drat! Suddenly I am feeling the jet lag and am feeling fatigued. I start drinking water and have a hot tea. I feel queasy. I can't quit now, I just have to gut it out. The third game goes the same way. He senses my discomfort and begins stalling me, taking a long time on every turn. I lose this game 5-4. I'm getting sick, and keep going to the bathroom. He beats me easily in the final game 5-2, and rejoices, calling himself The Champion! I don't really care but I vow to get even with him. I have been playing with a borrowed cue and feel under the weather. I'm sure I can beat this guy.
I tell Eric next time we must bet at least 1,000p. He says sure, all of a sudden liking my action. I go back to my hotel and take some vitamin C and pass out. I wake up eight hours later feeling much better. Today is another day in pool paradise!
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I met my wife at a pool room....so we are lucky!
