May 23, 2014
"Wouldn't you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows Your name."
Well for me, my Cheers is TGI Fridays in Eastwood City. It is right across the street from our condo. We are lucky to have such a great place nearby that reminds us of home and still has a flair for the Philippines.
The staff is incredibly friendly and I am so blessed to call many my friends. In November I laid out about 60 bucks to get a discount card. it gives me 20% off every visit, 30% on Mondays, and 6 coupons for free appetizers. I get 25% off during my birth month, so I plan to be there often in June. The card has paid for itself easily.
In addition, I have been lucky to meet so many cool people who frequent there. Some live in the area, some are just passing through. So it is an interesting blend. A lot of the local basketball players live in Eastwood so it is cool to see them. The local favorite is Justin Melton of the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers. He is such a nice guy and it has been a pleasure getting to know him.
Outside of the basketball players, I have met rappers, DJs, businessmen, musicians such as the guys from Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, local celebrities such as newsmen and newswomen, and others. It is kind of cool they decide to hang out at Fridays.
I have also made some great friends. One is a German named Rolf. He lives on the island of Palawan with his wife and they come to Eastwood occasionally to check on a condo here. Last December, they invited Suzy and I out for dinner and since then I always look forward to Rolf's return here which is usually every couple months...I also look forward to a visit to Palawan. That will be a relaxing vacation. A few weeks ago, I was at Fridays and a younger guy was at the bar by himself. He came up to me and said, "are you Chuck? I am Stefan, son of Rolf. He said you may be here." Yes, Yes I am.
The staff of Fridays are the stars of the show. They are extremely good. In a country where most restaurants do not excell at superior service, Fridays is the best. Most places ignore customers once the food arrives. Getting the bill is a challenge. Fridays is never a problem. They are attentive. The food is good, too.
In the United States, it is no secret that I love roller derby. The servers of Fridays are my replacement. The servers wear bright or unique tights. Some are single or multi colored designs, or the US flag, or something else crazy. Its like they just need skates and a helmet.
As the servers go, they are all my favorite. A lot of the guys I play basketball with on Tuesdays when we can. Sam, one of the servers has helped me learn Tagalog words and phrases and I thank her very much.
The story at Fridays does change, Management changes often which is disappointing. I understand, but it is too bad. Some of the servers have moved on once their contract was up. Hopefully corporate realizes that stable managers are key for a good experience from the top down. My favorite manager is leaving soon to go across town. Time for change...
Well i will wrap this up. Its Friday, and maybe I will go to Fridays. I am lucky to have a great establishment nearby that everyone does know my name.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Chilling in the Philippines--Waiting in line
May 23, 2014
Well it has been a long time since I have blogged. Time to fire up the cpu again. Today willbe a doubleheader day. The second one will be a blog about Friday's. I have wanted to write about TGI for months, but the story kept changing, so it got delayed. I am just going to write a short blog about it and then augment as time goes on.
I still do not have full time employment here in the PHP. Getting a work visa is tough. I am working through the interview process with an international company now and will see how it goes. I am not holding my breath. In the meantime I assist Suzy with whatever and have been able to help her friend and co-worker Melissa, who has also come here for a time from Iowa. Part of my duties is going down to the taxi stand in the evening and waiting for a cab so they can get ready and not have an extra 45 minutes or hour added to their day. Usual wait is around 45 minutes although sometimes there is no wait. Thursdays, Fridays and any day it is raining are the worst.
During my time in line I have challenged myself to come up with new ways to be entertained. I listed to enough music working out, so I do not bring the Ipod, but I do have my phone. I try to stay off except to text Suzy with updates.
One day I followed a huge Palmetto bug as it crossed the road. It made it all the way across. Inexplicably, the insect decided to turn back and do another lap back (living dangerously I guess) only to get squished by a van.
Most locals are very friendly, but pretty shy. so usually no one talks to me. Last Friday, a guy of middle eastern descent I would guess, was in line ahead of me with a Filipina. She was sitting nearby on a bench. After 30 minutes of waiting, he decided to join her on the bench and did not say a word. As I finally got close... He jumped up from the bench and cut back in front of me. I said, "Oh now you are back in line?" The tiny guy said, "I was here and got tired and sat." I said, "you were out of line." He just gave me the hand and turned. There are some very rude people here in the Philippines and almost always has to do with them cutting in front in line.
Tonight was a long line. It started to move fast, then grinded to a halt. A few person lengths ahead of me, I noticed a beetle on its back, flailing its legs helplessly. It took about 10 minutes to get to it. When I did I propped him up on his feet. He then took a few steps to a curb and flipped upside down again. I helped right his ship again and as he crawled up the curb, I put my foot under so as to keep him from falling. he then got to the top! I watched as he just kind of hung out on the top step. I then moved forward a ways.
Hoping he was on his way to safety I looked back to see his location just in time to spy a lady kicking him back down the step and onto his back. He was in the helpless position again. At that time, I was too far way to help.
On a broader scale, I started to over-analyze. Should I have never helped? Should I have just stomped him? I think I did the right thing. I hope he makes it.
This last weekend marked the 6th anniversary of an event that I think about a lot. I was leaving Suzy's house on a Sunday afternoon to go home to newton. I was on 2nd Ave heading South From Ankeny to I-80 when I happened upon an accident that happened about 15 seconds prior. I essentially was the first or second to stop. I called 911 and ran to the scene. A car and pickup had collided head-on. The car was in one side of the intersection, the pickup in a ditch and it was smoking. The Pickup had destroyed a telephone pole. Another guy had stopped and met me at the pickup. We opened the door and saw an elderly man in bad shape from Mahaska county. he was all bloody and didn't look responsive. The other gentleman who stopped was an EMT in the Navy and he said he had this. He gave me directions to make sure traffic was clear around him so they did not get hit and to find first responders.
At the same time, the elderly guy stopped breathing. Mr. EMT started CPR and brought him back. I got traffic moving and in 8 minutes, the first responders from Saylor arrived. I advised of the situation and they took over and got the elderly guy to the hospital. The day was saved. The wife of the hero told me I was a hero for being in the right place and taking orders. Nice for her to say, but her husband is the hero. I never saw or heard anything on the news about this. I have no idea if the old guy passed away or is still driving a fixed up pick up all over Oskaloosa. I hope he made it. The Hero? he was from Illinois and just happened to be driving to Ankeny to visit family. Talk about right place at the right time. he deserved a medal.
So, everyone in the US, please have a safe Memorial Day Weekend. When you fire up the grill, be careful. To all my friends here, just have a great weekend.
Take care, everyone.
Chuck
Well it has been a long time since I have blogged. Time to fire up the cpu again. Today willbe a doubleheader day. The second one will be a blog about Friday's. I have wanted to write about TGI for months, but the story kept changing, so it got delayed. I am just going to write a short blog about it and then augment as time goes on.
I still do not have full time employment here in the PHP. Getting a work visa is tough. I am working through the interview process with an international company now and will see how it goes. I am not holding my breath. In the meantime I assist Suzy with whatever and have been able to help her friend and co-worker Melissa, who has also come here for a time from Iowa. Part of my duties is going down to the taxi stand in the evening and waiting for a cab so they can get ready and not have an extra 45 minutes or hour added to their day. Usual wait is around 45 minutes although sometimes there is no wait. Thursdays, Fridays and any day it is raining are the worst.
During my time in line I have challenged myself to come up with new ways to be entertained. I listed to enough music working out, so I do not bring the Ipod, but I do have my phone. I try to stay off except to text Suzy with updates.
One day I followed a huge Palmetto bug as it crossed the road. It made it all the way across. Inexplicably, the insect decided to turn back and do another lap back (living dangerously I guess) only to get squished by a van.
Most locals are very friendly, but pretty shy. so usually no one talks to me. Last Friday, a guy of middle eastern descent I would guess, was in line ahead of me with a Filipina. She was sitting nearby on a bench. After 30 minutes of waiting, he decided to join her on the bench and did not say a word. As I finally got close... He jumped up from the bench and cut back in front of me. I said, "Oh now you are back in line?" The tiny guy said, "I was here and got tired and sat." I said, "you were out of line." He just gave me the hand and turned. There are some very rude people here in the Philippines and almost always has to do with them cutting in front in line.
Tonight was a long line. It started to move fast, then grinded to a halt. A few person lengths ahead of me, I noticed a beetle on its back, flailing its legs helplessly. It took about 10 minutes to get to it. When I did I propped him up on his feet. He then took a few steps to a curb and flipped upside down again. I helped right his ship again and as he crawled up the curb, I put my foot under so as to keep him from falling. he then got to the top! I watched as he just kind of hung out on the top step. I then moved forward a ways.
Hoping he was on his way to safety I looked back to see his location just in time to spy a lady kicking him back down the step and onto his back. He was in the helpless position again. At that time, I was too far way to help.
On a broader scale, I started to over-analyze. Should I have never helped? Should I have just stomped him? I think I did the right thing. I hope he makes it.
This last weekend marked the 6th anniversary of an event that I think about a lot. I was leaving Suzy's house on a Sunday afternoon to go home to newton. I was on 2nd Ave heading South From Ankeny to I-80 when I happened upon an accident that happened about 15 seconds prior. I essentially was the first or second to stop. I called 911 and ran to the scene. A car and pickup had collided head-on. The car was in one side of the intersection, the pickup in a ditch and it was smoking. The Pickup had destroyed a telephone pole. Another guy had stopped and met me at the pickup. We opened the door and saw an elderly man in bad shape from Mahaska county. he was all bloody and didn't look responsive. The other gentleman who stopped was an EMT in the Navy and he said he had this. He gave me directions to make sure traffic was clear around him so they did not get hit and to find first responders.
At the same time, the elderly guy stopped breathing. Mr. EMT started CPR and brought him back. I got traffic moving and in 8 minutes, the first responders from Saylor arrived. I advised of the situation and they took over and got the elderly guy to the hospital. The day was saved. The wife of the hero told me I was a hero for being in the right place and taking orders. Nice for her to say, but her husband is the hero. I never saw or heard anything on the news about this. I have no idea if the old guy passed away or is still driving a fixed up pick up all over Oskaloosa. I hope he made it. The Hero? he was from Illinois and just happened to be driving to Ankeny to visit family. Talk about right place at the right time. he deserved a medal.
So, everyone in the US, please have a safe Memorial Day Weekend. When you fire up the grill, be careful. To all my friends here, just have a great weekend.
Take care, everyone.
Chuck
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)