PART ONE:

Well, what can I say? This trip was a big departure from my normal modus-operandi. I stayed with only one girl from start to finish. Some of you have met her personally and some have only seen her picture. This is not a trip report about numbers or conquests – it’s my journal of my on-going relationship with a beautiful Filipina bargirl. Let me premise this story with a little background history of myself. I’m not a young naive man who got swept away by the charms of these lovely ladies we met in Angeles. I’m a well-educated person. For many years now I have traveled the globe – for business and pleasure. I’m not a lonely guy who sits alone at his computer terminal day in and day out. I have a wonderful, busy, life here in America’s finest city (San Diego). This relationship has built up slowly over a period of one year. I have no elusions of what this girl did for a living – hell I was her customer once! I also know the odds of this relationship succeeding are stacked against me.

My journey began on Wednesday night (May 28). After 10 LONG hours at work I jumped into my suburban and drove north to my mother’s house. From there my youngest brother and his friends gave me a lift to LAX. About 15 miles from the airport the car began over-heating. Right away I assumed this was going to be an omen and that I should just turn around and go home. My brother quickly assured me this was typical of his car. He pulled out 3 containers of water, filled the radiator, then we were on our way again. Arrived at LAX in plenty time. There was no one in line for China Airlines check-in counter. I was told the flight was only 40% full because of the SARS scare. Thank goodness for deadly diseases. I had three coach seats to myself and was able to stretch out a bit after takeoff. My flight to Taipei, and the connecting flight to Manila, was very smooth and uneventful.

It was now Friday morning (May 30). The flight touched down at MNL at 10:00am – 20 minutes early. After a very brief stop to get my temperature checked I proceeded through immigration, baggage pickup then customs. I exchanged a couple hundred USD there at the airport then grabbed a cab to my hotel in Ermita. I booked one night’s stay at the City State Hotel. I reserved a standard room but I would recommend others to book a superior room if they plan to stay two or more days. My honeyko was standing outside, waiting for me when I pulled up. The look on her face was incredible. She looked so small and sweet. The smile on her face was from ear to ear. I dropped my bags and gave her a hug. She wouldn’t let go. It was as if she had not seen me in year (I was only gone 3 months). After paying the cabbie we quickly checked into the room. After a quick shower we reacquainted ourselves. Later that day we strolled over to the Robinson’s Mall and bought her a few things for our trip to Puerto Galera. We then had an early dinner nearby then went back to the hotel. I had missed her birthday and promised to bring her presents when I returned. She first opened the card – tears poured from her eyes as she read the note I had written. Then she opened up the first gift – 2 picture books of California and San Diego. Finally, she opened the big gift. I had bought her a very nice bracelet (gold & diamonds). She thanked me for the gifts then asked where the chocolates were that I had promised her. Crap! I knew I would forget something. She tried to smile and told me it was okay but I knew she was really looking forward to some chocolate. In hindsight I now realized I should have just brought her a card and a box of Mrs. See’s candy – it would have been a whole lot cheaper and more rewarding… Lesson learned! After another session of getting reacquainted we dozed off the sleep…

...(prog)