A Tragedy That Demands Reform — The nine-story Building Collapse and the Urgent Need for Updated Building Standards

The collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga, before dawn on Sunday, May 24, 2026, stands as a stark reminder of the critical importance of structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and disaster preparedness in the Philippines’ rapidly urbanizing environment. The incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m., trapped dozens of individuals beneath rubble and triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple government agencies. 

Initial reports confirmed that of the 47 individuals believed to be inside the construction site, 26 were successfully rescued, while at least four fatalities were recorded. Rescue teams continued to operate under hazardous conditions, driven by hope after detecting possible signs of life beneath the debris—an indication that the tragedy could have been far worse without immediate emergency response. 

This incident reveals several critical issues surrounding construction practices in the country. First, it highlights the inherent risks in large-scale construction projects, particularly high-rise structures that demand precise engineering, proper material use, and strict adherence to building codes. The sudden collapse of a nine-story structure suggests potential weaknesses in planning, structural design, material quality, or site supervision—factors that are typically governed by existing building regulations. While investigations are ongoing, the scale of the collapse indicates systemic vulnerabilities that go beyond a single project failure.

Second, the tragedy underscores the complexity of emergency response in urban construction accidents. Rescue operations required coordination among the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), police authorities, and local government units, all operating under dangerous and unstable conditions. The presence of heavy concrete debris and unstable structures significantly slowed rescue efforts, illustrating how building collapses not only endanger lives but also complicate recovery operations. 

More importantly, the collapse of a nine-story building under construction reinforces a long-standing concern: the Philippines continues to rely on a building code framework that traces its roots to laws enacted decades ago. The current National Building Code (Presidential Decree No. 1096), established in 1977, has been widely recognized as outdated in the context of modern engineering practices, rapid urban development, and increasing exposure to natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and typhoons.

In today’s environment—where infrastructure must withstand both natural and human-induced risks—older regulatory standards may no longer be sufficient. Advances in construction technology, evolving safety protocols, and the growing complexity of high-rise developments require a more adaptive and comprehensive legal framework. The Angeles City incident serves as a real-world manifestation of the risks associated with regulatory lag, where gaps between practice and policy can result in catastrophic consequences.

This tragic event also emphasizes the need for stronger accountability across the construction sector. Developers, engineers, contractors, and inspectors share responsibility in ensuring that construction projects meet safety standards. Without consistent enforcement, transparent inspection systems, and updated guidelines, compliance becomes uneven—potentially placing workers and future occupants at significant risk.

Ultimately, the collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City is not just an isolated accident; it is a warning signal. It calls for urgent reforms in how buildings are designed, constructed, and regulated in the Philippines. As urbanization accelerates and vertical construction becomes more common, the margin for error narrows. Ensuring public safety must remain the highest priority, and this requires a modern, responsive, and enforceable building regulatory system.

Sex at Disco, Bars and Massage Parlor

There is not a lot to offer, but that doesnt matter, cause I'm confident the Show Places and GoGo's will keep you busy.

1. Disco's for Sex with Hookers :

Sky Trax disco on Friday and Sat nights popular. Modest entrance fee = your first drink free. Mix of regular girls ,some with boyfriend , and hookers. Be careful , do not hit on some Filipino guys girl friend. Location : Walking along left hand side of Fields Ave , towards Perimeter Rd (and eg Clarkton Hotel) , you start to leave behind the big show places , and bars become scattered. Before Margarita Station , you'll find Sky Trax , on same side. Its about a 3/5 min walk from big show place Atlantis. Ask any hooker standing outside any bar , if your not sure. Everyone knows it.

I've often been going to enter Sky Trax but never have. Reports of mostly regular girls and significant number in the company of filipino males , does not inspire me. Hookers are there too. Maybe difficult for a newbie to discern between one and the other. Filipino guys do not like foreigners approaching their sister/niece or girlfriend. Cause Sky Trax is right in the middle of prostitute joints. Big problem if filipino guy thinks you have approached his companion/s as a prostitute. Take care.

Doubt if I will ever check the joint out. Very old guys like me have trouble scoring at young disco joints , plus we dont like the loud music : )

2. A. Santos Street (Blow Row) for Blow Jobs :

This street is noted for its Blow Job Bars. Maybe 3/5 or so low cost bars close to each other , nowadays. A small number of girls in each place , say 5/7 girls , some less. P700/800 , 1/2 hrs (flexible) , BJ and full sex. Average looking girls , no beauty queens working in A Santos St. You can sex them in your Hotel , if you like , 2hrs P700/800. LT/All night , hotel , is possible too , enquire with mama-san , think its only P1200 all night. Suggest at night time you do not proceed beyond the bars in A. Santos St. Can get a bit dicey down there at night. Be wary of transvestites patrolling this street too. They are inclined to scam you , given the chance : )

Location (of Blow Row) : Exiting Kokomo's on the corner of Fields; A.Santos Sts , turn left into A.Santos St (Blow Row). BJ Bars located say 40mtrs down on right hand side. Names : Black Pearl , Gobblers , Heaven.

Street Hookers : Some plying their trade in this street too. They will offer a discount price , to undercut bar/s. discount price Be wary of these 'unknowns' (street hookers) ... theft / STD's always a possibility. Never take an underage looking one , you could be set up for a P100,000 Police bribe. Beware of transvestite/lady boy types too , they are interested in robbing foreigners.

3. Sex Massage with Young providers :

Following info might be outdated by now. Massage is not an interest of mine. Angeles is not a place for massage sex.

Pal of mine advises me there is one called "Underwater Karaoke & Massage Parlour" in Fields Avenue, P300 for one and a half hours (no sex). Don't expect anything like Thailand though : ) Others I have heard about : Palace Massage in Don Juico Avenue , and You & I Massage on First Avenue. There is another one called Roman Massage for P1000-1500 (includes sex). Do not expect much of a massage scene in Angeles (or anywhere else in Phils for that matter). Go to Thailand for that : ) Ask Trike Drivers to take you to Massage joints , they will know all of them , and unfortunately inflate the price , cause MP might have to give them a commission.

4. Margarita Station and Kokomo's for Hooker pick ups :

Update (Margarita's) : Forget this place for Freelancers. Extremely limited potential.

"This place is known to be a Freelance (FL) hooker spot and a place where you can meet other 'practitioners' (whoremongers) , including those resident in Angeles. However the Freelancers who hang around playing pool etc in this place are usually older than the Go-Go/Show girls. And from personal observation there are not many of them.

Kokomo's Restaurant has some FL's , mostly walking past on Fields Avenue. At Koko's you can sit at a 15 metre long strip bar overlooking Fields drinking beer and "psst psst" one that you fancy. Note : Unfortunately not all the pretty girls passing by are hookers : )

If you see a nice one , smile , if she smiles back , continue smiling and wave her in. You never know your luck. A hooker will come in instantly , non hooker will think about it. You might have to get up off your arse and go talk to her , if she is a good girl , and smiling at you. Pass your cellphone number and see what happens further on down the track : )

All of this is Copyright info belonging to whorist.com

5. Freelancer Hookers for hot sex ? :

I am now talking about the ones who roam up and down the streets :

Note , it is not advisable to take these girls nowadays. Some are working scams in cahoots with the Police which will cost you a lot of money to get out of. Not worth the risk of being locked up in a prison for soliciting an under age girl , whatever. If the girl is bad and in cahoots with Police , they will come up with any story necessary to extract money from you , eg rape/attempted rape. Rare , but possible.

Curious , like playing with fire ? ..... The FL's I am talking about are located in ..... Raymond Street ; Real Street ; and Fields Ave. The least of your problems with these girls ... STD's and the likelihood of theft from your room increases when you are dealing with these ladies. One of FL's pluses - budget rates , viz no bar fines or Ladies Drinks : ST (Short Time) P300/500/700. Lowest price pretty ugly : ) (pretty terrible girl : ) .LT (Long Time) : 500/700/1000. Normally they are not attractive , and can be older etc. Budget sex at its best/worst , provided you don't catch something (STD , or worse , HIV) and your valuables are not left lying around in your room. And in some cases eg P300 , you might have to throw a blanket over her face : ) Note - The one of your choice might not be allowed into your Hotel if 1. They have no ID 2. They are known to be 'trouble'.

Be wary of scams usually involving underage freelance girls , as indicated in info before. Stick with the bars/show places. Avoid unusually looking young girls ex the street/s and don't let any in your room , if they come knocking. It could be a set up. Whilst they are outside your room all is well. Although nothing is certain , girl and police might claim she was inside your room , nude etc. Telling lies is one of the filipinos fortes. Also being sexy too : )

6. Filipino (guys) places :

Be wary of entering Filipino/pinoy (male) populated night spots. At places where the local boys have the numbers on their side, and are drunk you could be at risk. Leave them to themselves, as they normally do us. They do not willingly encroach on our relatively expensive sex venues , so best not to enroach on their cheapy venues. Do not be freaked out about this , just be aware of it. Also its mostly a waste of time entering the small number of Korean style bars. Management instructs the girls to concentrate on the big spending koreans.

Other Info :

Vitamin .V. ... Viagra , Cialis etc. I dont use the stuff , following info second hand :

Some say ones bought on street (P200 box of 4 tabs ?) can be duds. If that is the case , that means they could be a danger to your health.

If I was buying the stuff I would purchase from legit Pharmacies , eg Mansons supposedly sells without prescription. Some will sell without script , some not. Try a few till ya get the right one. Most probably pay a little more , but hey , your playing with your heart/health w' street stuff. Might be full of the vendors saliva for all you know : )

Fields Avenue, GoGo Bars/Show Places = Sexy Young Ladies

Evening bars (Perimeter bars , mentioned down below for early afternoon/evening bars).

This (Fields Ave) is where prices can be a little higher , and you have a better chance of finding 'lookers'. A lot of them open till the early hours of the morning (3/4 am) , later than Thailand for example. A small number are open 24/7. I can not imagine a Looker working early hours of morning , hungry not so popular girls will work those hours , but no need for a Looker. Suggest if your hunting for Lookers , dont arrive too early or too late. Lets say 8pm to 10pm would be good time for full choice. Exceptions always prevail. I know a place where Lookers start work 4/6pm and go home (barfine or not) 12 midnight : )

Average Prices - Your Drink P80/100 normally (can be less at some places , happy hours etc) ; Ladies Drink P150 and up (can be less or more at some places , eg P250 or even more at the big bars/show places). Make sure girl is ordering a "single" drink and not a 'double' (= double price ... San Mig Light beer is considered a double , at some places : ) ; Bar Fine .. Field Avenue area : Nowadays its P1500/1800 bar fine on average. Some places P2000/2500. Never going down : ) Small number of bars/show places exceed this , especially if one of their special girls (Spotlight girl) is involved. Spotlight girl can command P3000 , or more , bar fine. The Bar Fine is an all inclusive cost for the girl. Girl gets half of the bar fine when she returns to the bar next day. Show places usually cost more than non show places. They've got a hundred or more girls to pay , hence higher overheads = higher prices. Plus , they are more likely to employ Lookers (subjective : )

Even though the barfine is an all inclusive price, and the girls get half of it , the girls appreciate a tip the next morning of course. But only if she made a sincere effort to make you happy , otherwise no tip .. its not obligatory , its always "up to you" and based on whether you had a good night with the girl or not. P200 or P3/500 tip is customary. She keeps all of the tip. Dont forget she also gets around one third from the ladies drinks you bought for her. Do not tip starfish/robots , but you wont find many of them anyway , especially when your dealing with the naturally sexy Phil girls : ) If the girl is not showing much interest during 'Ladies Drink' interview do not bar fine , cause she will most likely turn out unsatisfactory and maybe even do a runner (leave your room) after only one pop. Nothing much you can do about that , and of course the girl knows it. However , if no sex , then you can return to her place of employment and ask for full refund.

Angeles has a significant number of Cherry Girls/Virgins on stage. Make sure your not pumping a lot of Ladies Drinks into a youngun who has no intention of being barfined , or if barfined is going to tell you back at the room she is a virgin. Confirm before paying barfine that the girl is not a cherry/virgin. Drunk as you may be , do not force the issue in the room , with cherry girls. The odd foreigner is spending many years in jail following a complaint of rape. Yes hookers who complain of rape have just as good a chance of winning the court case as any other girl. It's highly unlikely a Phil (or Thai for that matter) girl will lose a rape case.

Usual precautions with the girls, as explained in Thai notes and Manila notes. Note - Philippine girls, escorts and hookers, do not insist on condoms. Consequently STD's are rife in Angeles and elsewhere. Use condoms , so you can ride again another day. I am no Doctor , but guys tell me 2000 mg of Zithromax, in one hit , will do the trick. I would take it after a meal. Check : cdc.gov ....... for professional advice. On return home from trip get Doctor to conduct test , to ensure nothing unpleasant is swimming around inside of you. Make sure your not allergic to anitibiotics before taking same. Readily available at any Angeles Pharmacy without prescription. Not necessarily so in other cities , where you might need a prescription (doubtful). Google it for directions , side effects etc. Better .... just use condoms.

Popular Places - If you asked five guys to list the top five bars , each list would most probably be different from the other. New places pop up and knock out the established top ones for a while and then might even disappear. Established popular ones might have a change of Management, and business dives. It's a plus for the Philippines. No two trips of yours will be the same. Girls move on , disappear within a 6/12months time frame , normally. Replaced by fresh talent. Always exceptions , especially with the fugly ones (who have got nowhere to go) ... "Oh its you again" says the fugly as you step in the door : )

Personally, I think currently , the following are good value big show places , not in any order, and all in Fields Ave , convenient to my recommended accommodation:

• 1. Dollhouse, popular , but drinks service might be slow;
• 2. Golden Nile , 2nd floor (USA) .. Blue Nile Executive Club , 3rd floor .. Golden Nile Bar;
• 3. Forbidden City.
• 4. Crystal Palace There are a number of others too. Plus a hundred or more gogo bars (Fields and Perimeter Rds combined). 

Popularity changes , just pop your head inside a show place/bar, and if you like what you see , enter have one drink , exit if not for you, onto the next interesting place. Big places ( employing 100 or more girls) sometimes have bigger prices , especially the Show Bars (four listed above) where the girls put on a titillating show of sorts. You will know a show bar when you poke your head in the door. Anyway , one drink will not break you.

If you want to barfine a Spotlight girl at a Show Place, they will most probably cost double the normal bar fine that is, P3000 or more, to take away from the bar. Even if she promises long time LT, she might do a runner, and head back to the bar to see if she can secure another P3000 bar fine. As she climbs off you she says "It's Show Time", and out the door she goes : ) Word has it, these girls make enough out of their higher salary and ladies drinks commissions, that they are fussy with who they go with. And they expect a tip , P300/500 should suffice. Back at show place, and before paying bar fine , watch for attitude, some of them think they should be pandered and treated like a movie star : ) Tell waitress which girl on stage you are interested in, ask if she is Spotlight, or not ... she will laser beam her, girl comes off stage, order a P150 Ladies Drink to test run her (beware of other drinks P300/P450). If the vibes/karma is not there , thank her for her time, and try again with another. If she is not nice to you inside the bar/show place, she will be less nice outside it (your hotel) , you can be sure of that. Most of them are a girl friendly experience though.

YOU decide if she is special/spotlight. Waitresses in the same places are sometimes bar fineable , eg Forbidden City. It's always a possibility you can meet any of the girls next day and shag her before she starts work for P1000 all up, no need for tip on top of that. Your cellphone number is handy in this regard. Preferably do not let mama -san see you slip your phone number to girl of your choice. And do not let a mama-san or waitress decide who is going to be your companion. Chances are person recommending (waitress/mamasan) gets a commission from girl she recommended. Or is a close friend, relation, whatever.

Remember, the negatives I have just described are the exception, not the norm. Once you are aware of the negatives you can relax and enjoy the hot pussy and girl friend experience (not Thailand, Philippines, yes), these sexy young girls and hookers can offer you.

Where to have fun in Angeles City?

Good question very easy to answer .. look at the map - then click on the map to see the full size of Fields Avenue - that is the street where fun is at home ... think logic - later you may be tired - hence instead of starting right out the door of our hotel - go to one end of fields Avenue and start house by house on one side - and when you reach the end of Fields Avenue switch sides and return on the other side.

Before you start to enjoy fun - of course you need a place to put your bag, suitcase or whatever ... and later while having fun you need the very same place again to enjoy fun and refuel your energy for even more fun next day ... Hotel Swiss Chalet is your choice - because Hotel Swiss Chalet is in the heart of Ageles city Fun - just steps away from Fields Avenue and all colorful fun places ... fun smiles, fun here in the Philippines has legs - sexy legs and smiling eyes ... unless you are OLD and just waiting for your funeral to arrive - may be you first think to START to live and start to have fun and enjoy love life in Angeles.

Some places open around 10 AM and many close at 02 AM to 04 AM - others however have 24 hrs open. hence fun never starts nor ends - fun is when you have it and enjoy it - any time any place in Angeles city.

Most likely you never reach the end of Fields avenue but end up in the arms of a sweet Asian beauty ... i remember my VERY first visit in a bar - in another country in Asia and thus another city ... and I was VERY young - many decades ago.
the VERY first girl I met in the very first bar i married weeks later...

Beware of girls making you lose your head and heart ... sweetness of Asian girls may be more powerful than a bottle of Rum to a pirate. But while a bottle of Rum may last only a few minutes or hours for a real pirate - a fun girl may last eternally or at least an entire life time on earth.

Be prepared for your fun tour in the Philippines - read some or better all the secrets of love to keep your one heart in one peace strong enough to have fun all life.

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

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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:

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