RH BILL or REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL summary of provision

Yes, there are many people who are AGAINST RH BILL because of plain IGNORANCE. I will not explain RH BILL like what you see in other blogs. But I will try my best to simplify & summarize the RH BILL for everyone to simply understand it.

What is RH Bill?

1. SEX EDUCATION is required from grade five to fourth year high school.

Anti-RH BILL supporters say- It is the parents’ responsibility to teach their children about sex education.

I SAY- How can parents teach their children about SEX if they themselves are uneducated. Would you rather be taught about sex by your parents or a professional teacher? In a CLASS D & E society, would you trust the irresponsible parents to teach their children about sex? They can’t even teach them proper hygiene so how would they teach SEX in a very responsible way?

Even if the RH Bill was passed, the parents still have the right to decide whether to allow their child to take Sex Education. At least the government is giving them access to sex education.

2. CONTRACEPTIVES (PILLS , CONDOMS and IUDs)

Anti-RH say – Natural Family Planning is the only acceptable method in God’s Eyes.

I say- Religion is something debatable. Not all Filipinos are Catholic. Educate the people and let them be the one to decide which is moral or not.The Government through Barangays will not only educate the people but the Government will make sure the Contraceptives are available especially to the poor areas.

3. Although abortion is recognized as illegal and punishable by law, the bill states that, “the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner.”

Anti- RH say – RH Bill promotes abortion.

I Say- the “right” use of Contraceptives will PREVENT abortion. “Sinners” , as how the church would call them, should not be condemned. They should be educated and helped so they wouldn’t repeat their mistake.

What pisses me the most is that Anti-RH insists the RH Bill promotes sex. Such hypocrites! Sex exists everywhere! That’s why we need to educate the youth about it. I receive lots of emails about girls being lied to by their boyfriends. Saying that condoms are not cool, not effective and not as fun and can even trigger AIDS/HIV just so they can have unprotected sex! One girl told me that she and her bf are doing the withdrawal method. The guy pulls out his penis from the vagina when he’s about to come. The problem is guys can ejaculate without them even knowing it. Pre-cum or pre-ejaculate is a clear fluid that comes out of male’s penis before they ejaculate. Although it is a small amount the girl can still get pregnant and contract STD’s (sexually transmitted disease) from it. That’s why the withdrawal method is NOT effective. Proper use of CONDOM can prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy.

Lastly, we should all be alarmed by the increasing incidence of AIDS/HIV in our country. Research say there’s an estimated 11,000 undocumented and unreported HIV and AIDS cases in the country since 2008. The incidence of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines is hidden and growing. Now that’s pretty scary. Did you know that AIDS/HIV symptoms take years (even 10 years!) before they appear? So, if you had unprotected sex 9 years ago, it is still possible for you to have HIV/AIDS now. That’s why I encourage everyone to practice safe sex. Use condom! These facts can only be learned thru Sex Education and not through our parents alone. Only Sex Education experts can provide us with this kind of information. This is what I am fighting for- BE EDUCATED and LIVE FREE!

As I have said, there are more explanations regarding the scope of RH BILL. I don’t claim to be an expert on this. I want you to understand and embrace the RH BILL. Do some research and study the RH BIll. Don’t just believe the PRIESTS. RH Bill not solely the answer to POVERTY in our country. But this one helps a lot. So whether you are a celebrity, an Executive or an ordinary Citizen – it’s time to stand against what the Catholic Church is saying.

Where to stay in Balibago, Angeles City

ANGELES BEACH CLUB HOTEL

ABC Hotel is gaining world fame for its one-of-a-kind amenities and accommodations that has given it the reputation as one of the finest and most unique luxury hotels in the Philippines.
No other hotel has a better combination of luxury, comfort, and a cheerful, kinetic atmosphere that has earned its reputation for being “The Party Hotel.” This unique luxury boutique hotel provides all the ingredients for the best and wildest kinds of parties any pleasure-seeker could ask for. Each room is decorated fit for royalty, with in-room amenities including among others: saunas, steam baths, party Jacuzzi, and party-size beds. Complimentary wifi internet access in all rooms assure guests that they can stay in touch with the real World. You won't have to chase down some quality R&R time when it's already in the building: with ABC Hotel's wellness spa, top-notch Angeles Beach Café international restaurant, open-air tiki gym, artificial beach pool oasis, and the best bar under the heavens: the SkyBar. The complimentary 24/7 private shuttle service can take you to the hottest sizzling nightlife scenes around town. And if you’re after that one-of-a-kind fantastical experience, ABC Hotel guarantees you the best seat in the house: a cushy chair on board its own helicopter as you are picked up from the airport.

Although all rooms are suites, nowhere else will you find accommodations at such a value.

We recommend booking well in advance to make sure that you get to experience living in the grandest, most luxurious rooms in all of Angeles City. In the entire country, there's no better hotel where you can live up to the motto, "You only live once."

Tel (63)(45) 892-2222.
E-mail: info@angelesbeachclubhotel.com.
Click here for Reservations

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FIELDS PLAZA SUITES CONDO-HOTEL

The Fields Plaza Suites is the premier condo-hotel of Angeles City offering the finest 21 serviced rooms for individual guests, couples and even large groups. In addition to the comforts of a luxury hotel room, each suite is outfitted with spacious living and dining areas, fully-equipped modern kitchens and beautiful balconies. Some suites also have indoor or outdoor party Jacuzzis, or spacious gardens with gazebos and outdoor dining furniture—all the better to appreciate the perfect view of the Angeles cityscape that can only be seen from the condo-hotel.

For Room Reservations, call (63)(45) 892-2222
E-mail: info@fieldsplazasuites.com
Click here for Reservations

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WILD ORCHID RESORT HOTEL
53 rooms off A. Santos Street priced from $80 to $100.
This popular resort has been open since July 1, 2005.
Tel (63)(45) 625-6335.
e-mail: info@wildorchidresort.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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HOLIDAY INN RESORT CLARK FIELD
This is the nation's only Holiday Inn Resort. Deluxe rooms from about $60/night on up. This is by far the largest hotel in the Angeles area, having over 300 rooms, suites and villas. It is located on the Mimosa Leisure Estate, which has the best golf course in the region. This is a business-class convention hotel for Clark. It is unlikely you would spot any Balibago tourists in the lobby. No problem bringing in a guest (or two). Rooms are small and beds are double size. Smoking and non-smoking rooms. Government rate is generally the lowest available. This location within the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) is miles away from the entertainment district. They are situated far from the entertainment zone of angeles city and the rooms are showing wear and tear. Taxi service available 24/7 P150 to the bar area. Tel (63)(2) 845-1888 or (63)(45) 599-8000. e-mail: hircf@comclark.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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HOTEL ROYAL AMSTERDAM
648 Field Ave. One of the newest hotels in town. Built from the ground up.
Room rates range from $20 to $150. Reserve online at the hotel web site.
Tel (63)(45) 892-3392.
e-mail: info@hotelroyalamsterdam.com or reservations@theville.com.

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SWISS CHALET HOTEL
24 spacious rooms located on A. Santos Street at the site of the former Lollipop bar. This is a new hotel built from the ground up. Rooms are priced from P1480 to P2950. Best value in town. No swimming pool. Excellent restaurant. Proprietor: Hans Hoffman. You should reserve well in advance if you want to stay here. Tel (63)(45) 888-2618. e-mail: info@swisschaletph.com.

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CLARKTON HOTEL
93 rooms located at 620 Don Juico Avenue in Clarkview, Malabanias. This is a German-managed hotel. Large suites are available on the 3rd floor. Excellent restaurant and 24-hour room service. Large, clean pool. The pool area is a popular gathering place. On-site go-go bar. 24-hour Checkmark business center. High-security safe deposit boxes for your valuables. Telephones in rooms. The hotel has a generator and hot and cold running water. Friendly staff. See their business card. Reserve online at the hotel web site. Single deluxe room P1650. A suite is P2500 or P2800. From the U.S.A. call toll-free: (866) 978-4962. Tel (63)(45) 322-3424. e-mail: info@clarkton.com.

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DOLLHOUSE HOTEL
Another new hotel on lower Field Avenue.
The daily rates for a room are $90, $100 and $110.
Tel (63)(45) 892-2720. e-mail: reservations@dollhousehotel.com.

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ORANGE LION HOTEL
Another new hotel on lower Field Avenue.
A room is $40.
Tel (63)(45) 892-0998. e-mail: info@orangelionhotel.com.

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PACIFIC BREEZE HOTEL
Offers the most complete set of services and one of the better facilities in Angeles. With the completion of the Oahu Wing, they have also added a large conference rooms that may be rented for meetings, parties or other social functions. If you need something, please let the receptionist know and they will do our best to get it for you and/or to add it for your next visit. A warm, friendly face is always on hand to assist. Here is a brief list of some of the amenities that await you.
- 56 Guest Room Main Building with Elevator Access to the Roof Top
- 50 Guest Room Oahu Wing Annex
- Large Rooftop Conference Room for Meetings or other Social Functions

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ORCHID INN RESORT HOTEL
84 rooms in the heart of the Balibago entertainment area. Very popular. The resort has three buildings: the 24-room original inn, a 27-room extension, and a third building, a 33-room annex completed in November 2001 called the Jasmine Wing. Most rooms are newer or fully refurbished. The family superior deluxe rooms (located in the extension) are huge. Each room in the extension and refurbished room in the old building has a remote controlled aircon, ceiling fan, large 7 cubic foot well stocked mini bar and remote control 20" television with all the cable channels. The only downside is that the aircon in the rooms is the type of unit which requires your room key to operate. You can't run the aircon while you're out. On a hot day (not rare in Angeles) when returning to your room you may feel like you're walking into a sauna. Also, these rooms see a lot of use and are already starting to show signs of wear. The telephone system gives all 84 rooms outside access. A large tropical garden of lawn and shrubs surrounds the new 50' x 25' swimming pool. 24-hour room service is available from the hotel restaurant. Safe deposit box access is available 24 hours. The safe deposit boxes are the normal hotel type, dual key with the guest getting one key and reception having a key. Reception cannot open the box without your key. In the event you lose your key Orchid has to get a locksmith to open the box. Like most hotels, there's a guard at the main door. Expatriate owned and managed. Reserve online at the hotel web site. Orchid rooms are priced from US $32 - $66. Tel (63)(45) 322-0370. e-mail: info@orchid-inn.com, orchid@datelnet.net or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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CENTRAL PARK HOTEL
48 rooms at 261 Real Street in the heart of Balibago nightlife. Central Park rooms were extensively renovated late 2003. All new aircon, TV, mini bar. Internet connection, in-room safe. Rooms are kept quiet by double-pane windows. The hotel's location can't be beat. If you're interested in taking a swim or sitting around a pool, it's a short walk to Kokomo's. A standard room is $25, standard plus $33 and premiere $35. This hotel used to be named Park Chicago. See their business card. Tel (63)(45) 892-0256. Contact Guy Breckenridge or his wife, Roselle. e-mail: reserve@centralpark-ac.com.

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BLUE NILE EXECUTIVE HOTEL
On Balibago go-go bar strip at 151 Field Ave., 16 rooms and 4 suites across the street from Blue Nile and Nero's bars. Extensive renovation in 2003. This was formerly the Tropicana. Rooms/suites have aircon and cable TV. The hotel has a large swimming pool with 24-hour pool-side bar. Rooms are $42 and suites are $63. Tel (63)(45) 332-1821. e-mail: reservations@theville.com.

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OASIS HOTEL
126 rooms off Don Juico Avenue in Clarkview. Once a favorite of visiting air force officers, this quiet, respectable hotel is located within a secure residential compound. The hotel has all the services you will need including 24-hour room service, 24-hour foreign currency exchange, 24-hour high security and dual-key safe deposit boxes, laundry service, business center with internet access, gift shop, etc. Beautiful swimming pool. The hotel restaurant, Maranao Grill, is open 24 hours and there is an English pub. Standard and deluxe rooms are offered, but if you're going to stay here, take a P2750 junior suite (ask for a discount). The suites are among the largest rooms in Angeles and a good option if you like to have two or more girls for the night. Each suite is available with one king or two queen-size beds and has a large, clean bathroom (in the Philippines called a "CR"). This is a place where you can bring your wife and kids if you aren't able to leave them at home. Tel (63)(45) 322-3301. e-mail: reserve@oasishotel.com.ph or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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MARLIM MANSION HOTEL
100 rooms located on MacArthur Highway near Field Avenue. There is a casino across the street. Written hotel policy is no guests in the rooms after 10 PM, but what this means is they don't want you to bring your bar hopping buddies up to your room after 10 PM for drinking and playing cards. Bringing a girl or two up to your room for the night is okay. Tel (63)(45) 322-2730. e-mail: marlim@digitelone.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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HOTEL HANA
35 renovated rooms in Malabanias with cable TV and, in the deluxe rooms, a mini bar. There are three classes of rooms: standard is P995, deluxe is P1295 and family is P2300. 24-hour aircon restaurant and swimming pool. The hotel offers airport pick-up and drop-off service with new vans for P1800. Business center with Internet access. Japanese owner. Contact Mayette. Tel (63)(45) 892-6666. e-mail: reservation@hotel-hana-ph.com.

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KOKOMOS
10 rooms on Santos Street over the pool. All rooms have: queen size bed, hot water shower, marble floors, refrigerator, cable TV, and an Internet connection to the Kokomo's 512/512 non-shared network complete with a computer in case you don't want to haul your notebook. Rooms facing Santos Street have been insulated to reduce noise. Introductory rate is P1,250/night including an American breakfast which is 3 eggs, your choice of bacon, sausage or ham, toast, potato and coffee or tea. Tel (63)(45) 892-0511. e-mail: mos_trvl@yahoo.com.

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PERIMETER HOTEL
10 rooms at 464 Don Juico Avenue in Clarkview. Open in 2005. King size bed in all rooms.
Standard room P1050. Deluxe P1250. Jacuzzi P2600.
Tel (63)(45) 892-3010. e-mail: rooms@perimeter-hotel.com.

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AMERICA HOTEL
68 rooms just west of the strip with telephone, new aircon, loaded frig, mirrors in the right places. Large VIP rooms are available if you like to party with several girls at once. Rooms facing the street are noisy. Room service. Swimming pool. Chinese owned. Tel (63)(45) 332-1023. Major credit cards. Rooms start at P1000. e-mail: amehotel@comclark.com or reservations@theville.com.

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MONTEVISTA HOTEL
Renovated former USAF officer housing in the Mimosa Leisure Estate. Good place for a long-term stay if you have a car. Tel (045) 599-3333 / (02) 845-2493; Fax (045) 599-2531; Manila Office: 6F, Mondragon House, 324 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila; Tel (632) 893-9984 / 818-1506 to 09 loc 241 / 443; Fax (632) 893-9993; e-mail: mgahotel@portalinc.com.

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PHOENIX HOTEL
33 carpeted rooms in Malabanias with telephone (no charge for local calls), cable TV and mini-bar. There are three classes of rooms. Standard is US $30, deluxe is $35 and VIP is $40. 24-hour aircon restaurant (with bar and pool table) and swimming pool. The restaurant has decent food. You can reserve online. e-mail: phoenixh@mozcom.com.

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SWAGMAN NARRA HOTEL
49 rooms located east of the strip area on S. L. Orosa Street, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago. The hotel operates a 24-hour bar and restaurant and offers Thursday night happy hour (with prizes that include free nights in the hotels, etc) and daily lunch specials. Alongside the bar and restaurant is the swimming pool. Swagman Travel (IATA accredited) is located within the hotel and offers airline reservations and ticketing, aircraft sightseeing tours, numerous overland sightseeing tours, yacht charters and visa services for visitors and expatriates alike. Rooms from P1300 to P2500. Tel (63)(45) 322-5133. e-mail: bookings@angelescity.info.

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NIAGARA LODGE
12 rooms on Santos Street. Basic accommodation near the small specialty bars for P600.
e-mail: reservations@theville.com.

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MARQUIS HOTEL
Former Lord Hotel. 46 rooms in Malabanias. Steel safe deposit boxes. 24-hour room service. Cable TV. Swimming pool. All major credit cards accepted (8% surcharge). P750 - P1300. Tel (63)(45) 322-4714. e-mail: manager@hotelmarquis.net.

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MAHARAJAH HOTEL
130 rooms located on Texas Street just off Don Juico Avenue (Perimeter Road). Impressive lobby and pool area. "My favourite hotel is the Maharajah. This hotel has great rooms but a lousy location. It also has terrible food, non existent service, terrible TV reception, very average swimming pool and considering what you get compared to other hotels within the same price range, it is not value for the money. But I love it." M. J. Ibbo. VIP rooms are P1000 per day, regular rooms P800. Tel (63)(45) 322-2371. Contact Annabelle Sanchez. e-mail: mahatel@mozcom.com.

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CENTURY RESORT HOTEL
Located across the street from Marlim Mansions on MacArthur Highway. The Casino Filipino Angeles is here. Tel (63)(45) 322-7454. e-mail: century@comclark.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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WOODLAND PARK RESORT HOTEL
60 rooms located at 6420 Lizares Street in Dau, Mabalacat, not too far from the Balibago go-go bars. All rooms have aircon, cable TV and telephone. The hotel has the largest swimming pool in the Angeles area. Rooms start at P850 during high season. Tel (63)(45) 892-1002. e-mail: woodland@mozcom.com.

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PREMIERE HOTEL
31 rooms on Malabanias Road. Telephones in rooms. 24-hour restaurant and bar. Swimming pool. P920. Tel (63)(45) 888-2755. e-mail: premierh@mozcom.com.

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SUNSET GARDEN INN
42 rooms on Malabanias Road. Telephones in rooms. 24-hour restaurant and bar. Swimming pool. P920. Tel (63)(45) 888-2312. e-mail: sunsetg@mozcom.com.

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PATIO INN
16 rooms and 6 apartments located at 4410 S. L. Orosa St., Diamond Subd., Balibago. One bedroom apartment fully furnished P20,000 per month. Tel (63)(45) 322-4272. e-mail: billlyon@datelnet.net or patioinn@datelnet.net.

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MARBLE INN
22 rooms located on S. L. Orosa St., Diamond Subd., Balibago. Rooms have mini-bar, 20" cable TV. The inn offers laundry service. Contact Henrik Degler. Tel (63)(45) 892-0901. e-mail: marbleinn@netasia-angeles.net.

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BLUEFIELDS HOTEL
65 rooms just off Malabanias Road in Clarkview, corner of Plaridel and Bonifacio (near the Petron Gas Station and Sunset Garden). Deluxe room P700. Tel (63)(45) 322-4522 or (63)(45) 892-7290.

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DM RESIDENTE
40 rooms on Federico Street, just past Norma's (money changer) in Sta. Maria I, Balibago, priced at P900 - P1050. No security deposit boxes. They ask for payment in advance. Photos. Tel (63)(45) 323-6177 or 6178. email: valencia@datelnet.net or dmresidente@hotmail.com.

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PONDEROSA HOTEL
Budget hotel located at 1734 San Pablo St., Mt. View, Balibago, on the other side of MacArthur Hwy. It's sort of down the street that would be the continuation of Field Ave if it went straight across. It's no further than the America Hotel, but a little harder to find. They have a great pool area and the food is better than average. The furnishings are fairly old and they need to add a modern phone system, but it's well run, clean, safe and VERY PRIVATE. Standard aircon room P680, deluxe P790, VIP P1200. e-mail: ponder@datelnet.net or beeline@beelinetravel.com or reservations@theville.com.

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EUROPHIL HOTEL
70 rooms on Don Juico Avenue near the America Hotel. Rates from P800. Major credit cards. Tel (63)(45) 322-2470. e-mail: europhil@mozcom.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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L TINIO'S HOTEL
8 rooms, located on Field Avenue behind Insomnia Bar. There's a party suite with the largest whirlpool bath in town. Under renovation. Deluxe room P990. e-mail: info@insomniagroup.com.

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LA CASA HOTEL
6 rooms in Clarkview at 511 Tamarind Street. P510 Air-con. P350 Fan. Tel (63) 919-560-5472. e-mail: lacasa@harrythehorse.com or beeline@beelinetravel.com.

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ANCHORAGE INN
20 rooms at 280 Real Street across from Orchid Inn. The rooms are dreadful, but the location is great. Convenient if you need a room in a hurry. Rates: standard P545, deluxe P575, super deluxe P675. Telefax (63)(45) 322-4363. e-mail: info@actiontravelac.com.

Prostitution in the Philippines

Prostitution is  illegal. Women working in the bars have to be registered and are required to undergo frequent health checks. Recently, the government has announced measures to battle the country's child prostitution and sex tourist image.

Bar girls have to be at least 18, are issued ID tags as GRO’s (Guest Relations Officers – how creative!). They are required to have weekly health checkups for STDs and monthly be tested for HIV. Many of the bargirls/dancers wear their ID tags around their necks. A nice women cab driver in Manila, who used to live in Angeles, confirmed the health check requirements are both in Angeles and Manila.

Local cities enforce GRO laws differently and within a city payoffs may be common. One story claims Vixens in Pasay was closed after the 1998 elections when they refused to pay the new mayor P3million to stay open. They closed and a new owner reopened it as Axions. These political payoffs are just part of doing business as I later discuss based on newspaper articles I read while in Manila.

Barfines are technically illegal. Instead a bar may charge you 10 ladies drinks to compensate the bar for taking the girl for the evening. I was charged lady drink prices that ranged from about P125 ($US 3.29) to P265 ($US 6.99) depending on location. Often I had the company of an attractive young lady for an hour or more on one lady drink. The prices were the cheapest in Angeles with Makati being the most expensive.

The term barfine was used in the bars however when I was there in April 1999. In Angeles City I paid barfines of about P950 ($US25) and only bought one lady drink for the women I took out for the night. Some Angeles bars have much lower barfines.

The women in the bars can decide whether or not to be barfined by a customer. A barfine is a fine you pay to the bar for lost lady drink fees to allow the girl to leave the club early and spend the rest of the evening with you. Barfining a girl is for companionship and is not a payment for sex. Consenting adults certainly can share sexually, but that is not what the barfine is for.

Typically a small tip for her companionship the next morning is given to the girl as she leaves your room. The Angeles bargirl also gets about 50% of the barfine and 25-30% of lady drinks. In Manila the girl doesn’t get any of the barfine and you negotiate a separate companion fee, which typically ranges from about P1000 ($26) in Pasay to a high P3000 ($US 79) in Makati.

The popular Cotton Club in the EDSA Entertainment Complex in Pasay had a sign hung on the door "Closed by the mayor" From girls I talked to they said it was because they were caught charging barfines. But all the other clubs in the Complex do also. It was suggested perhaps Cotton Club didn’t pay off the officials enough.

In April 1997 there was a big crackdown by closing numerous nightclubs by the police. The crackdown was stimulated by numerous articles in the national newspapers about Internet Websites promoting Angeles City as a "Sex Capital" and some sites actually promoting "sex tours" to Angeles.

Local clubs in downtown Angeles that did not cater to foreign tourists were raided and closed in 1997. This was a maze of houses and brothels where young women, often under the required age 18, were often kept against their will.

As Kabayo in the asfo private E-mail list said: "This area is called 'The Area', and is only a bit cheaper than Santos Street, full of marginal girls of all ages, many young enough to put you away. They do not get health checkups, are unlicensed (so you cannot protest your arrest by saying that the gov't had approved their proof of age), and it is said to be unsafe for foreigners. I think it is all back to business as usual, except when the newspapers are on a crusade."

In the tourist area, such as along Fields Avenue, they shut down clubs found to be conducting lewd shows (nudity or sexual exposure), employing underage girls, or employing unlicensed Guest Relations Officers. The clubs now are careful not to expose those dirty sexy body parts that seems so offensive to certain people. Small bikinis were common.


The city Mayor, Edgardo Pamintuan, takes a realistic approach to cleaning up the image of Angeles City. He said the problem of sexual exploitation of women and children in Angeles City "must be taken within social and economic contexts, and to some degree, political. The lack of opportunities in other depressed areas in the country leads women to seek greener pastures in other urban areas such as Angeles." Pamintuan said. "Many of these opportunity seekers, for want of any other option, end up in the flesh trade."

As long as the nightclubs operate in compliance with the rules established by the Angeles City Mayor's Office and the ordinances of the Angeles City Council there has been no problem as far as I’ve been able to research.

SUGGESTED READINGS

• Apagmaragul mu bang Kapampangan ka?
• Bakit ganito sa Pilipinas?
• Combating Corruption in the Philippines
• Congressman Manny Pacquiao
• EDSA - Ang huling habilin
• Gusto kong maging Senador ng Pilipinas
• Hinanakit ng sang ordinaryong office worker na ayaw nang magbayad ng tax…ever!
• Kapampangan Kontra Recount
• Manny Pacquiao for President
• Treseng Hudas, mga balimbing sa Pilipinas!

The Disney Land for Men

Angeles City is a medium sized city located on a plain about a two to three hour drive North of the Capital City Manila. For the most part this city has very little to boast about in the way of land marks or historical value unless you count in the former Clark AB once run by the United States Air Force. But if you make your way to the area just outside of the old air base you will find a hustling, bustling hive of drunkenness and debauchery!

Most of the decadent activity is located along the areas of Perimeter Road and Fields Avenue. These two roads are lined with numerous gentlemens clubs, karaoke lounges, pubs and discos. On these streets a person of either sex and in some cases of either sexual orientation can find gratification. The beer flows like water. Prices for a beer can range as cheap as 50 cents to $1.50. I don't know about ya'll but there are not too many places you can go to in the U.S. and get a beer that cheap while watching beautiful women dance in seductive outfits.

Gentlemens Clubs
There are a great number to choose from of varying quality and style. Most of them have their Guest Relations Officers (GRO) or Tour Guides(TG) wear similar outfits while they are dancing on the stage. Most of the outfits are somewhat revealing without being outright trashy. Back in the days when the GI's were present most of the girls just wore swim suits.

When you go to one of these places a girl will have a seat with you and within a few minutes of conversation will ask for a ladies drink. Most of the ladies drinks usually run from 2-3 dollars. They are either soft drinks or juice and the girl usually gets half of the price as take home pay.

If the girl likes you and you like her then it is fairly easy to come to an agreement as to how much it will cost to pay the bar to get her to leave work early for the night. Technically it is considered prostitution but this is a way for the bar to recoup any loss that might be incurred as a result of the lady no longer dancing for the customers. Most Bar Fines run from $16 to $25 dollars a night.

Many of these girls are here because they have no other way of getting money for their families. Good paying jobs are a scarcity in this country and I have met a handful of girls who were college educated. Many times we hear the laments of Non Governmental Organizations NGO's that many of the girls were forced into prostitution here. That could not be further from the truth. Yes, there are a handful that have some pretty horrific stories about how they ended up working in Sin City but they are the exception and not the rule.

My last visit a year ago I found that the Tahitian Queen was my favorite. There are others called Cleopatra's, Lollipops, Private Dancer and La Bamba. I would say at last count their were about 30 of these bars scattered about. If you decide that you really like one of the girls and absolutely most take her out for the evening, wear a condom!!!

Pubs
Not a whole lot of these in the town yet but there are a great deal of British and Australian tourists here and one of their favorite hangouts and mine is Woody's. This is where a lot of the guys just hang out and pass the time without having to worry about GRO's bugging them for a ladies drink or date. The food here is good and the atmosphere is relaxing.

Discos
There are a couple of decent discos in the area but my favorite two are Sky Trax and Music Box. Sky Trax is located right on Fields Avenue and had a tail of the space shuttle in the front as it's sign. During the week it is not incredibly busy but on the weekends this place gets jam packed with the locals looking to unwind after a hard week of work. It is basically a sausage fest in here so if you are looking to meet women this is not the place.

If you want to have a good time with your lady or meet a lady who is not necessarily working in a club then this is the place to go. Quite a bit roomier and with a touch more class this is my favorite of the discos. It is located off of Fields Avenue. Just ask anyone around and they can point you in the right direction.

Karaoke Lounges
There are a few of these located along perimeter road. Not really frequented by the western tourists, these cater more to the locals and visiting Asian businessmen. I have not been to any of these in Angeles but I hear they are pretty classy and judging from their exteriors I would have to agree in most cases.

Restaurants
Most of the places to eat in this town are outstanding. My favorites are Kokomo's and Margarita Station both located on Fields Avenue. They have dishes that range from American to Philippine to Thai. There are also the old standby's like Mcdonalds if you miss the taste of home.

Real Tourism
Aside from the bar scene there are still a few things you can do for entertainment here. I personally use Angeles City as a jumping off point to visit other parts of the Philippines such as 100 islands, San Antonio, Baguio, Olongapo etc. I will go to a small town called Dau just North of Angeles City and catch a bus to whatever part of the Philippines I want to go to at the terminal here.

If you are not into traveling around the countryside and want to stick in the Angeles city area then you can go onto the old airbase and play at one of what they say are FIVE world class golf courses. There is "duty free" shopping for everyone in a number of places on the old base and some sights you can see. There are planes, ultralights, and skydiving that can be done on the base as well.

Conclusion
There are many things to do for all kinds of people here but if you are married this is one place you may want to skip if you cherish your vows! Now, at this point, some of you are probably asking why a married guy like me comes here. I have got a good excuse, I have a house and family there. Oh ya, the wet T-shirt contests. The ones that I have seen should be re-named the wet naked wriggling body contests. There is a hotel called Swagmans that has a fairly famous one each year where men from around the world come to see but there are many other smaller ones that are held throughout the year.

If you would like to get an idea of what this place is all about then I would suggest you go to the following websites:

Japan Person Finder 2011 Earthquake

 

Climbing Mount Pinatubo

Who would have thought that Mount Pinatubo, which disrupted the lives and destroyed the livelihood of so many people, would be the same volcano that would help rebuild dreams from the rubble?

The 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption—touted as the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century—devastated Central Luzon. Twenty years later, the majestic volcano served as an awe-inspiring experience to travelers and a source of income to locals.

The sun had not yet risen when the Lakbay Norte group headed to Barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas, Tarlac, where the 4 x4 jeeps were waiting.  The adventure began with the 4 x4 ride on the lahar passageway. It felt like we were in an Indiana Jones movie, searching for treasure.

 

Crazy ride

When we were on our way to their so-called “skyway,” we were literally all shook up as we passed the rough and rocky sloping road. But when we reached the top, we were welcomed by the cool breeze and the breathtaking view of the Zambales ranges. The 4x4 jeeps then parked at the drop-off point. The group began trekking.

Along the way, I saw red boulders on top of the sulfuric soil, which were remnants of the volcanic eruption.  The walk seemed to take an eternity. Thank God for the streams that cooled our tired feet.

 

We then saw a sign that told us that we were approaching our destination.  It was the old drop-off point. The latter leg of the trek began there. According to the signage, young people can reach the destination in 15 minutes while the middle aged and senior citizens can finish the trek in 18 and 20 minutes, respectively. 

After an hour and half, I saw the miracle of the deadly eruption—the turquoise lake waters surrounded by the majestic crater of Mt. Pinatubo.

 

The other world

To fully appreciate the grandeur of Mt. Pinatubo, we rented one of the six boats, which took eight of us to the other side of the crater. I thought we were in the Lord of the Rings’ Middle Earth as we approached the other side. It seemed otherworldly. 

As the boat docked at the rocky shore, I saw smoke rising from the water. It signified that the water was hot. Naturally, I didn’t even try dipping in it. Since the depth of the water was unknown, swimming was discouraged. But some of my companions took a chance.

Our boatman willingly shared how grateful they were to the influx of travelers in the area. It was their source of income. Most of the foreign visitors were Koreans.

After twenty minutes, we headed back to the other side. We were hungry. Chocolate cup cake and water reenergized us.

 

We bade Pinatubo goodbye with a wacky jump shot at the view deck.  The Pinatubo experience did not end with seeing its beauty.  We even felt its volcanic ash.

Pampered by nature

The Pinatubo Spa Town in  Brgy. Sta. Juliana in Capas gave us the chance to be “buried alive” through the volcanic ash spa.

At first, I was hesitant to be buried. But I lay down anyway and was quickly covered with hot ash from the neck down. I felt the heat emitted by the pugon, my back perspired and felt relaxed. It was a natural sauna. After a twenty-minute nap in the ash, I rose from the pit and was ushered to the mud pool.

At the mud pool, we were treated to a natural facial, composed of sulfur mud.  The sulfur mudpack was cool on the face. After 15 minutes, the mud hardened. We then washed it off and gave a tightened and smooth skin. It was rejuvenating.

We capped off our experience with an hour of Thai and Shiatsu massage that relaxed our exhausted muscles. The therapists then gave each of us a glass of green tea after the session.

Climbing Mount Pinatubo was definitely worth the sweat. It’s proof that even catastrophes can be blessings in disguise.

By: Izah Morales, Yahoo! Southeast Asia

16th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Join the adventure and excitement of the 16th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta on February 10 to 13, 2011 at Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City. The Hot Air Balloon...

February 10, THURSDAY, 2011 FIRST FIESTA DAY

Hot Air Balloon Flights 5:30-7:00AM

Paragliding Exhibition 6:30-7:30AM

Ultralight Aircraft Formation Flying 7:40-8:15AM

Ultralight Bomb Dropping Audience Participation 8:15-9:00AM

Aerobatic Flight Display 9:00-9:40AM

Kite Flying Exhibition 9:40-10:00AM

AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition 10:00-10:45AM

Sky Diving Exhibition 10:45-11:30AM

R/C Demonstration Flying 11:30-12:00PM

Open 12:00-1:00PM

Sky Diving Exhibition 1:00-2:00PM

AOPA Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting 2:00-2:45PM

Aerobatic Flight Display 3:45-4:30PM

Rocketry Demonstration 4:30-5:00PM

Ultralight Formation Flying 5:00-5:20PM

Hot Air Balloon Fly-In 5:20-6:00PM

February 11,  FRIDAY, 2011 SECOND FIESTA DAY

Hot Air Balloon Flights 5:30-7:00AM

Paragliding Exhibition 6:30-7:30AM

Ultralight Aircraft Flyby & Flour Bombing 7:40-8:30AM

Aerobatic Air Show 8:30-9:15AM

R/C Helicopter Show 9:30-9:50AM

AOPA Aircraft Flyby 9:50-10:30AM

AOPA Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition 10:30-11:15AM

Skydiving Exhibition 11:15-12:00PM

Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition 12:30-1:30PM

Fire Fighting Exhibition 1:30-2:15PM

Skydiving Exhibition 2:15-3:00PM

Wings Over Asia Aviators Gathering Seminar 3:00-6:00PM

Rocketry Demonstration 3:00-3:45PM

Aerobatic Flight Display 4:00-4:30PM

Paragliding Exhibition 4:30-5:15PM

Hot Air Balloon Flights 5:30-6:00PM

February 12, SATURDAY, 2011 THIRD FIESTA DAY

Hot Air Balloon Flight 5:30-7:00AM

Paragliding Exhibition 6:30-7:30AM

Ultralight Aircraft Flyby 7:40-8:30AM

Krukspec Airsoft Speedball Competition 8:30-5:00PM

Aerobatic Flight Display 8:30-9:15AM

Search and Rescue Flying Exhibition 9:15-10:00AM

AOPA-P, Wings Over Asia, Thai Flying Club Flyby 10:00-10:45AM

Skydiving Exhibition 10:45-11:15AM

AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition 11:15-12:00PM

Kite Flying Exhibition 12:00-12:45PM

open 12:45-1:15PM

Piper Turboprop bly by of Ed/Citation Mustang fly-by 1:15-1:45PM

Skydiving Exhibition 1:45-2:15PM

AOPA Light Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition 2:15-3:00PM

Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition 3:00-3:45PM

Aerobatic Flight Display 3:45-4:30PM

Rocketry Demonstration 4:30-5:00PM

Ultralight Flyby 5:00-5:30PM

RC Airplane Flying Demonstration 5:30-5:45PM

Hot Air Balloon Flight 5:45-6:15PM

Hot Air Balloon Night Glow 6:45-7:30PM

Aviators Ball 7:00PM-onwards

February 13, SUNDAY, 2011 FOURTH FIESTA DAY

Hot Air Balloon Flights 5:30-7:00AM

Paragliding Exhibition 6:30-7:30AM

Ultralight Aircraft Flyby & Flour Bombing 7:30-8:30AM

Krukspec Airsoft Speedball Competition 8:00-5:00PM

AOPA-P, Wings Over Asia, Thai Flying club Fly-by 8:30-9:30AM

R/C Helicopter Show 9:30-10:00AM

Helicopter Flying Exhibition 10:00-10:30AM

Skydiving Exhibition 10:30-11:00AM

AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition 11:00-12:00PM

Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition 12:30-1:15PM

Ultralight Flying Display 1:15-2:00PM

RC Airplane Flying Demonstration 2:00-2:30PM

AOPA Light Airplane Ballon Bursting Finals 2:30-3:30PM

Aerobatic Exhibition 3:30-4:15PM

Rocketry Demonstration 4:15-4:45PM

Microlight & Ultralight Flyby 4:45-5:30PM

Hot Air Balloon Night Glow 5:30-6:45PM

Crew and Awards Night Party 7:30PM