Some pictures from Grahamw48's last holiday...

[grahamw48]

Short introduction:

I last flew out to visit my sweetheart on May 5th, from Manchester. (Emirates).

The flight arrived at Manila late in the evening, quickly through immigration etc, then grabbed a taxi to Sogo Hotel, Pasay....just somewhere to get my head down, fairly near to my lady's home, and not too dear.

We met up the next day and decided to shoot off up to Mercedes' province (Pangasinan).

Caught the night bus (5 star or Victory Liner...can't remember now :doh).

Pulled into Dagupan bus station, early morning and took a trike round to the cheapo, but nice hotel we stayed at last time. (p850 a night...+ free wi-fi in very nice room).

Just down the road...Shakeys Pizza. :biggrin:

One of Mercedes' nieces joined us:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/10306628_650420465031922_572457467052681502_n_zps68838cf6.jpg~original

One thing I did do this trip, was to remember to take my little radio/CD player. Very nice to have your own music, or listen to the radio without headphones. Next time, I'll take my BIG one. :smile:
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Dagupan hotel room: :Erm:

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/IMG_20140510_152014_zpsf00ca51d.jpg~original

[les_taxi]

One of Mercedes' nieces joined us
:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

To be continued:

Next, we set about equipping and moving into our brand new p2500 a month apartment in Mercedes' home town. :Rasp:

[cheekee]

To be continued:

Next, we set about equipping and moving into our brand new p2500 a month apartment in Mercedes' home town. :Rasp:

2500 !!!

Wow.

[Doc Alan]

Thanks for posting, Graham, waiting for the next instalment :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Longweekend]

To be continued:

Next, we set about equipping and moving into our brand new p2500 a month apartment in Mercedes' home town. :Rasp:
These Yorkies are known for 'splashing the cash'......:biggrin::biggrin:

[Dedworth]

To be continued:

Next, we set about equipping and moving into our brand new p2500 a month apartment in Mercedes' home town. :Rasp:


Bargain :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[stevewool]

Will there be pictures of the bed?

[grahamw48]

It's very handy that M's brother happens to own a trike (and is also a smashing bloke...shy and modest, non-drinker, non-smoker....bit like my goodself :biggrin:).

So, after a 5 minute shopping spree in Dagupan, we had all the necessary stuff to part furnish a small part of a large apartment. Spent 3,000 pesos and that included the mattress :xxgrinning--00xx3: (bed provided).

I naturally included an electric kettle...something I'd already intended to purchase for use in hotels, so I could make a coffee when I wanted it, naked if I so desired, plus save a blinkin fortune. :smile:

I only have some pics looking out from the apartment (in San Jacinto), which was first floor, with a nice balcony to sit out on, and perform in front of my many fans :icon_lol: ...+ 1 video.

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/IMG_20140522_072327_zpsbdac9f4b.jpg~original

[grahamw48]

Will there be pictures of the bed?

All in good time Steve. :biggrin:

[grahamw48]

For a small provincial town, there was a surprising amount to do in and around the place...not least, walking about looking for food, a micro-HDMI to HDMI lead, and an internet cafe with lighting sufficient to see a keyboard and a temperature below 45deg C. :cwm3:

What we did happen to stumble across was something that could only be described as 'surreal', to be honest; a very posh little coffee house cum bistro, with free wi-fi, great sound system playing sophisticated music and nice cold aircon, offering every kind of fancy coffee and milkshake known to man and that I've never heard of :Erm:...and would normally never dream of purchasing at rip-off UK prices. ...nicely concealed behind the burger trailer and the male seamstress's shop (who kindly 'took in' the waistline on 3 pairs of shorts for me for 150 pesos:smile: ).
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M' and (another) niece, Melanie, in the coffee shop:

Melanie is I think 4' 9" tall and looks about 12 years old when you see her, but is in fact 24 years old and a very sweet single lady (but with poriner b/f).

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/IMG_20140524_103403_zpsa1c0897c.jpg~original

[grahamw48]

Mercedes' family are lovely people who live in a tiny hamlet of houses, with some land (and Mango trees) attached, quite a way out of town.

They also have a hand in one or two small businesses in town, like this small Carendaria, where I treated some of the youngsters to milkshakes and other local delicacies.

The 2 girls nearest the camera are nieces...both 12 years of age,. The lady sitting facing the camera is another niece...Melanie, who looks the same sort of age and size, but, as mentioned above, is in fact 24 years old. :biggrin:

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/2014-05-13164926_zps68d6956f.jpg~original

[grahamw48]

One day we decided to visit the relations...and have the mobile karaoke delivered too, so that we could entertain one another and do a bit of family 'bonding'. :cwm25:

[Michael Parnham]

Very nice Graham really enjoyed all that!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Rory]

Great pictures Graham and you a great bargain hunter. I hope you did not spend all your money on milkshakes for yourself and the family there. :biggrin:

[Arthur Little]

Will there be pictures of the bed?

:cwm25: ... Why the :Erm: ... sudden interest in the "soft furnishings", Steve? :laugher:

[grahamw48]

So, M's brother ran us out to the ancestral village...by way of a very long and bumpy road, in his trusty trike. At one point I did feel obliged to leap out and help push it up a very steep hill. How those poor little Hondas keep going , lord only knows. :NoNo:

After the initial introductions to M's mum and various brothers, sisters, cousins,etc, and an inspection of the pig pens, Mango trees, chickens, cows ,etc, it was suggested that the mobile karaoke could be summoned so that the legendary Graham could be heard to perform.:anerikke:

I was also invited to partake of some lunch that was being prepared, but I politely declined after having seen what looked like the internal organs of 'something' being added to the mix. :Erm:

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014061_zpse3ee74c0.jpg~original

Videoke came on a clever little trailer that hooked onto the back of a trike: :smile:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014055_zps908f8e56.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014056_zps5d161416.jpg~original


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Doing some weeding...

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014052_zps7545cba6.jpg~original

[grahamw48]

Mangos:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014051_zps07a55616.jpg~original

Relations:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014049_zps7546a1fe.jpg~original

[grahamw48]

Nearby (clean) river:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014081_zps9b61718a.jpg~original
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014078_zpsefb97ff5.jpg~original

[grahamw48]

Some views of the town (San Jacinto) :

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014070_zps125c9261.jpg~original

A lot of large stones were being collected fom the nearby river, with (grossly overloaded) trucks full of them, or gravel, passing up and down the street outside our apartment all day long. We also had a piece of land opposite us where trucks were worked on by mechanics. Interesting for someone interested in mechanics, like me, but not everyone's ideal neighbour. :icon_lol:

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014077_zpsb80df08b.jpg~original

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014076_zpsd548231f.jpg~original

[grahamw48]

...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8hprZv5SHw
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB6WXiLfXv0
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHBQMv6cNfk

[Michael Parnham]

After seeing all this Graham, I'm really looking forward to our holiday later this year!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Great pics Graham!!
Was that a bottle of Ginebra San miguel on the table there? (Karaoke pic)

[Terpe]

Nice stuff Graham.....thanks for sharing your memories. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

My time will come soon...... :Jump:

[cheekee]

Love it. Can't wait to be back in November.

Some great memories.

[grahamw48]

Cheers.

Oops...must post some more. Watch this space. :smile:

[grahamw48]

Great pics Graham!!
Was that a bottle of Ginebra San miguel on the table there? (Karaoke pic)

Yes, but not mine !

Red Horse for me. :biggrin:

[Steve.r]

More more!!

[grahamw48]

Now, what happened next ? :Erm:

Aah yes, I thought it might be a good idea to borrow a couple of bikes...these being very popular in the town, and do a little bit of leisurely exploring. Well, M's brother came up with the goods and two nice bikes were delivered to our door the next day. I gave them a quick check-over, which included connecting the brakes. :smile:

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014080_zpsb04f17c3.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014083_zps977df2b8.jpg~original

An agricultural 'thing': :Erm: (Below !)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014082_zps31007100.jpg~original

A shiny new one: :smile:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014028_zps56abfe95.jpg~original

Very useful these tractors, and to be seen in a wide variety of 'body types', sometimes acting as private/staff Jeepneys too. :smile:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014027_zpsa44fe50b.jpg~original

[grahamw48]

Now, one characteristic that Mercedes and I share is extreme 'kuripotism'. How lucky is that for a Yorkshireman ? :biggrin:

So, as we didn't have to struggle TOO much to find the p2500 a month rent, and we ate all of our meals in the local canteen for about 25 pesos a meal, it seemed we might be able to splash out on some day trips to 'interesting' places that neither of us had visited before. First trip was Baguio.

The Baguio bus stops in San Jacinto, as it happens, and the fare is less than p100 each way, for what is only an inch on the map, but actually takes several hours through some interesting terrain, and seemed more like 50 miles. Free aircon. Free wi-fi (if you catch the right bus). Good value !

After all that, neither of us were impressed with Baguio. :icon_lol: We got off the bus there and had a quick meal in the bus station snack bar, then up the hill (it's ALL hills...bit like Sheffield) to SM Mall, where there were a few good views and some some decent toilets. After that, having seen enough...back on the bus. :smile:

Here's some pictures:

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014031_zps322be4b7.jpg~original
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[Michael Parnham]

Now, one characteristic that Mercedes and I share is extreme 'kuripotism'. How lucky is that for a Yorkshireman ? :biggrin:

So, as we didn't have to struggle TOO much to find the p2500 a month rent, and we ate all of our meals in the local canteen for about 25 pesos a meal, it seemed we might be able to splash out on some day trips to 'interesting' places that neither of us had visited before. First trip was Baguio.

The Baguio bus stops in San Jacinto, as it happens, and the fare is less than p100 each way, for what is only an inch on the map, but actually takes several hours through some interesting terrain, and seemed more like 50 miles. Free aircon. Free wi-fi (if you catch the right bus). Good value !

After all that, neither of us were impressed with Baguio. :icon_lol: We got off the bus there and had a quick meal in the bus station snack bar, then up the hill (it's ALL hills...bit like Sheffield) to SM Mall, where there were a few good views and some some decent toilets. After that, having seen enough...back on the bus. :smile:

Here's some pictures:

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014044_zps75fe3b02.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014043_zps71cd8eeb.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014038_zps9e62ece4.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014033_zps4bf208f4.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014031_zps322be4b7.jpg~original
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I like your style Graham!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

:smile: Smashing photos on BOTH pages, Graham ... and a marvellous running commentary to accompany them. Great too, that you were able to spend quality time with Mercedes' relatives in the course of your travels.

Thanks for sharing these experiences and :welcomex: back to Blighty.

[stevewool]

Great pictures Graham, something tells me you will be going back sooner then later

[grahamw48]

Yes, I'll be going back before the end of this year.

More pics to come...more cheap trips out...and pictures of beds ! :biggrin:

Thanks Arthur !

[grahamw48]

Time for a a few hours at the local beach (San Fabian, Pangasinan), with family members.

M's brother (Paulie) was to be our transport, as usual. His kids wanted to come along, plus one or two nieces. I think there were about 8 of us on the trike in the end, plus bags so we were a cosy little party on what was probably a 20 mile round trip, as the 'short-cut' bridge was closed for repairs. :smile:

We had pre-booked a beach cottage (which they rather amusingly, but accurately call 'SHEDS' :icon_lol: ). Naturally the fee included the obligatory KARAOKE machine. :biggrin:

I have withheld all videos of myself singing, in the interests of good taste, but I'll post again the one of Mercedes and her sweet warblings. :Cuckoo:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ruobdrfu70

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Oops...forgot our cycling video: :smile:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-37V2w8feI

[stevewool]

So all 8 of you were on that trike and if so where were you sitting and I want to see a picture of that too

[Espie]

Graham, I'm jealous of you! Great photos :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Michael Parnham]

Very nice photo's Graham!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[SimonH]

Good reading and pics Graham :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Must admit I wasn't exactly impressed with Baguio when I was there last year :cwm25:

[jake]

Nice pictures :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Just got back from a few days holiday in Ilocos. We made a quick detour to meet a client in Baguio yesterday morning and it was a right pea-souper!

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/megansco/GEDC3021_zps6c7c5fe3.jpg

[Tish]

Thanks for sharing your pics Graham :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Tish

[grahamw48]

Walang anuman. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

More to come. :smile:

[grahamw48]

So all 8 of you were on that trike and if so where were you sitting and I want to see a picture of that too

There were at least 8. I was inside with the girls.

No pic....but this is near enough. :biggrin:

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http://imageshack.com/a/img361/5830/fulltrikepb2.jpg

[grahamw48]

I suppose I'd better post the rest now. :Erm:

[grahamw48]

Ah yes...we decided to have another day out. This time to '100 Islands'...another bus riding adventure. :smile:

Again, the bus conviently passed through near the end of our road, and the trip cost peanuts, so why not have a nice cheap day out (to Alaminos).

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En route...part of a large fish farm:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014062_zps4b3e54e6.jpg~original
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Rice Paddies:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014063_zpsd1dae38e.jpg~original
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100 Islands ! Shame the trike driver took us on a world tour which ended up at this mucky little beach. :NoNo:
Nevermind...back to a nice Carendaria for some tasty local food, and then a pleasant ride home. :smile:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014067_zps1c9c958d.jpg~original
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On the way home....lots of clean-looking rivers and fish farms:
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http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag281/merlysalinas5/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/2014-05-20%2009.32.34_zpsm7s1itfs.jpg
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[Dedworth]

Great pics Graham - I like shots of the unspoilt "local" beach at San Fabian, Pangasinan. What a contrast to spoilt, overhyped and overpriced Boracay :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

True. :smile:

I have no desire whatsoever to go to Boracay. Blinkin tourists.:biggrin:

[grahamw48]

After spending a very pleasant 15 days in M's home town, it was time to have a change of scene, We left the stuff we'd bought for the apartment for the family, and decided to have a few days at Subic, just relaxing and sunning ourselves on the beach, amazing the crowds at the Karaoke bar, etc. :smile:

It came as a shock to the system having to pay for a hotel again, but the room was rather nice, and literally 10 yards back from the beach.
Here's a 'bed picture' for Steve W.

Warning...be careful which beans you chuck down the bath plug hole. :cwm25:
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http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag281/merlysalinas5/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/2014-05-28%2013.51.52_zpsbmsp8c2v.jpg

[Dedworth]

True. :smile:

I have no desire whatsoever to go to Boracay. Blinkin tourists.:biggrin:

Ghastly place, on my never return list

[grahamw48]

Same room:

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag281/merlysalinas5/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/2014-05-28%2013.52.32_zpsudacxwwl.jpg
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Mercedes, with 'MiniMe' Graham on her shoulder: :Erm:
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http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag281/merlysalinas5/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/2014-05-29%2012.49.53_zpsqdbxq8ue.jpg

[grahamw48]

Me, helpfully pointing to the sea...in case you missed it: :smile:

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http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag281/merlysalinas5/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/2014-05-29%2012.54.12_zpsrpyig57i.jpg

[grahamw48]

Beach at the front of the hotel...with those water motorbike things for brave people. :smile:
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http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag281/merlysalinas5/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/2014-05-29%2012.54.32_zpsfgx87404.jpg

[grahamw48]

My sweetheart, with her nephew: :heartshape1:

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http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag281/merlysalinas5/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/2014-03-24%2017.42.15_zps5oxfjggo.jpg

[Michael Parnham]

The Photo's get better Graham. With ref to the amount of people that ride pedicabs (tricycles) reminds me of one route they run in Dumaguete, including driver thirteen people two 1cwt sacks of rice and a pig, all in one journey the reason being is because it's a difficult route and takes a long time so the driver won't set off until he is really full, the bike is only 125cc!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Beach at the front of the hotel...with those water motorbike things for brave people. :smile:
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http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag281/merlysalinas5/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/2014-05-29%2012.54.32_zpsfgx87404.jpg

I had a go of a mates jet ski the other day...Bloody great IMO!!
Didnt you have a go Graham?

[SimonH]

Great pics Graham :xxgrinning--00xx3: What was the hotel and where, looks really nice :smile:

[Longweekend]

Thanks Graham, great pictures and story, brings back memories as we lived on Baloy Beach for a year while we sorted out our place further up the coast towards San Antonio....

[grahamw48]

I had a go of a mates jet ski the other day...Bloody great IMO!!
Didnt you have a go Graham?

No mate, to be honest I have friends in York who've had them for years...from back in the days when I had my own boat and used to go water ski-ing, so I've been on them before. I just wasn't prepared to pay the silly prices being asked at Subic. :NoNo: I let my son have a ride on one when we were in Subic back in 2007 though. :smile:

[grahamw48]

Great pics Graham :xxgrinning--00xx3: What was the hotel and where, looks really nice :smile:

The hotel is Kokomo's, Baloy beach, Subic. I've stayed there a couple of times before.

I only go to Subic because I know one or two people there, to be honest.
If you're looking for a nice beach resort, you can do a lot better. :wink:

[grahamw48]

Thanks Graham, great pictures and story, brings back memories as we lived on Baloy Beach for a year while we sorted out our place further up the coast towards San Antonio....

Oh really ? :smile:

I've been going there since the 90s, as it was handy for when I used to live in Angeles ('sin city' :biggrin: ) and ran a dating agency.

[grahamw48]

After a few days in Subic...back to Manila:

More pics to come.:smile:

[Doc Alan]

I've enjoyed all your pictures so far Graham, thanks again for taking the time to upload :xxgrinning--00xx3:



Look forward to your next pictures :xxgrinning--00xx3:.

[Longweekend]

Oh really ? :smile:

I've been going there since the 90s, as it was handy for when I used to live in Angeles ('sin city' :biggrin: ) and ran a dating agency.

We were neighbours of the 'Midnight Rambler' guys when they bought some land to develop in Pundaquit, great place and memories.....:smile:

[Rosie1958]

Fab photos Graham and a great account so far of your holiday! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

Thanks Rosie. :xxgrinning--00xx3: (Oh, and for the rep' :wink:).

A few more to post. :smile:

[Rory]

Some good pictures there Graham, I am waiting for a few more now. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

Thanks Rory.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Oops....better round off my trip report. :smile:

In a nice little restaurant in Subic ...yes, Spaghetti really does grow on trees ? :Erm:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/2014-05-29182147_zps8bc85e29.jpg~original

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I went into my hotel room and found this pretty young lady occupying my bed ! :cwm24:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014087_zps9af41c01.jpg~original

After a few days in Subic we decided to return to Manila and sample a bit of nightlife in the big city.

We stayed in a hotel in Malate, where we'd had a very pleasant time earlier in the year.
It's called the 'Adriatico Arms Hotel', and I can thoroughly recommend it as a peaceful, clean and quiet place, with very friendly staff, and amazingly cheap considering its location (a few hundred yards from Robinsons Mall). Wi-fi in the rooms, but as we discovered, you need to be near the router. In fact we changed rooms after the first day, so we could have a strong signal, but it was no problem, other than.....:cwm25:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/10348627_676769162370300_4417603144077692453_n_zpsab4b8c2b.jpg~original

Aaah, thinks me...I could sleep without being 'interfered with'....but you know how clingy those Filipinas are. :biggrin:

There are other rooms near to the router by the way...just that they were occupied when we had to decide. :smile:

There is so much to do in Manila. A great selection of eating places (many suitable for a Yorkshireman's budget), WINDOW-shopping places, live entertainment, etc, etc.

We decided to visit Calle 5 on Mabini again, a favourite live venue of ours, and had the usual good night out watching a succession of really talented live bands, all for about 400 pesos for the two of us. Within walking distance too.

Next I had the bright idea of visiting Manila Zoo...also just down the road. Last time I went it was 6 pesos, so I was shocked to find that it was going to cost 100 pesos each to gain entry. Anyway, I dug deep and in we went.

Here's a few pics:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/IMG_20140602_145346_zps267ed474.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/peacock_zpsbeea6b5b.jpg~original
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Blimey...another Spaghetti tree ! They grow everywhere ! :cwm24:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/IMG_20140602_143851_zps94e014bc.jpg~original
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M' with Elephant growing out of her head: :cwm25:
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/IMG_20140602_153209_zps9064f1a5.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/IMG_20140602_153144_zpscab7183e.jpg~original
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Spot the Crocodile (they did have some huge ones actually...15 footers).
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/May%202014%20Hudl%20pics/IMG_20140602_143524_zps1ecaa307.jpg~original
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Suddenly it was time to return home. :bigcry:

[jake]

Enjoyed reading your holiday report :xxgrinning--00xx3:
You had better go back very soon and start another thread!

[tiger31]

Now, one characteristic that Mercedes and I share is extreme 'kuripotism'. How lucky is that for a Yorkshireman ? :biggrin:

So, as we didn't have to struggle TOO much to find the p2500 a month rent, and we ate all of our meals in the local canteen for about 25 pesos a meal, it seemed we might be able to splash out on some day trips to 'interesting' places that neither of us had visited before. First trip was Baguio.

The Baguio bus stops in San Jacinto, as it happens, and the fare is less than p100 each way, for what is only an inch on the map, but actually takes several hours through some interesting terrain, and seemed more like 50 miles. Free aircon. Free wi-fi (if you catch the right bus). Good value !

After all that, neither of us were impressed with Baguio. :icon_lol: We got off the bus there and had a quick meal in the bus station snack bar, then up the hill (it's ALL hills...bit like Sheffield) to SM Mall, where there were a few good views and some some decent toilets. After that, having seen enough...back on the bus. :smile:

Here's some pictures:

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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014044_zps75fe3b02.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014043_zps71cd8eeb.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014042_zps4e301b01.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014041_zps6398bbf4.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014038_zps9e62ece4.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014033_zps4bf208f4.jpg~original
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http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/grahamw48/Phils%20May%202014/PhilsMay2014031_zps322be4b7.jpg~original
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That blue house looks rather lop sided and ready to fall down

[Michael Parnham]

Fantastic photo's Graham, so pleased that you have found a very nice young lady to spend your future life with, you seem very happy together, all the best to both of you!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

Thanks. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'll be going again later this year. :smile:

[stevewool]

No stopping you now Graham. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

It must be love. :heartshape1: :biggrin: