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This is the second time I have been to Angeles City. My first visit, was to interview for this job I am starting.

I have heard a lot about Angeles, the web is filled with accolades like, exciting, the entertainment capital of the Philippines, where men of all ages trek to find their dream date.  Tread softly; if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.  It’s hard to get an official representation of Angeles city, the official city site, is full of “under construction” sections, like most official sites, on the internet, in the Philippines.

The web sites for most businesses in the Philippines are troubling at best, filled with dated and unreliable information.  Content is presented in Filipino form.  When you ask a Filipino a question, they will ask you a question back. The Filipino mind set is, don’t let anyone know that you don’t know what they are talking about. OR don’t tell anybody anything they may use to, somehow, steal your money.  There are so many web sites that don’t have phone numbers or addresses. If they do have an address then refer to the map posting I made.  One of the biggest department stores has a web site with a promo offer from 2004. Web sites, which are professionally done, have pictures that haven’t been optimized, therefore the sites load slowly, because of the sense of style, the sites are mainly fluff, rather than a call to action and precise information on how to do business with the company.   This is the way business is done in the Philippines; you have to be aware of everything by digging for the information. Most of the time you have to go to the store or building to find out what is going on or if they are selling what you are looking for.

Making phone calls are even more about wasting time, than anything else.  The phone company, for some reason, doesn’t offer hunting or roll over lines, as they are sometimes called.  So when you get a card or brochure it will list several numbers; you will need to call them, one at a time, to see if any one of them is available. If they ring without an answer, guess what?  You need to call back! Voice Mail is not really something anyone wants to pay for. People figure you would text my cell phone if you really knew me. I don’t understand the mind set because it is hard to do business, yet all the technology is available.

So I am here, in Angeles, and it is weird.  I have seen a good many girly bars, in my travels; it is not so astounding, until you get to Angeles City.  I like to call it the capital of DT’s and if you have never seen anyone going through the DT’s, let me just say, it makes LSD look like an aspirin.  There are a lot of bars in a large section of town called Fields Ave.  Driving on the main highway there are many clinics with ads for V.D. and STD treatment as well as AIDS screening.  I won’t say anymore other than the cost of living is high here, because foreigners that are on vacation and a little drunk, throw money around. What we consider insignificant is a lot of money to a Filipino.  Even Filipinos, who I have talked to say, the cost is high for then as well. A tricycle rider will just wait around for a foreigner rather than take a Filipino fare, because they can say just about any price and get it.  Not from me they don’t.

There are things to do here, treks up Mount Pinatubo, the closest beach is about two hours away in Subic Bay area.  Subic Bay and Clark are now a free port corridor, designed to invigorating the economy of the surrounding provinces.  I understand that many people buy a car, when abroad,  and have it shipped into the free port to avoid duty.  This link will provide more information about Subic Freeport .

I am disappointed about Angeles city it seems like a place for retired military to come and re-live their youth.   I just went to an American VFW club for dinner this evening.

Renting here requires 3 months’ rent plus Electric and water deposit, key deposit, and contract charges.  Here a 9000 peso rent will cost 37,000 pesos to move in.  You then have to pay rent of 9000 and your utilities till the end of the contract. If you forfeit on the contract you lose 28,000 pesos. That is the way it is done.

For more information read my book; don’t forget to buy it smile, smile.