Utter Nonsense

Comment from a reader on the post The US should stay away: 

The comments by this individual are utter nonsense. While some of what he says is true, about Filipinos wanting to meet American Sailors... most of them simply want to find a husband and a better life. His comment about 50% of dod forces in the region being non citizen Filipinos is total BS. One only has to look at the make up of the people on the visiting ships to see that only a fraction of a percent may be Asian or Filipino decent. This so called "brotherhood" of Filipino military who persecute others is laughable. The Philippines is a great liberty port.. one that has been enjoyed by our men in uniform for well over a hundred years. I would feel safer here than in Baltimore or DC or Memphis. 

False accusations

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

While I don't have any memory of criminal cases and trials involving U.S. servicemen in the PI before 1991 or if the seemingly unique decision to detain a suspect or convicted felon in the U.S. Embassy was ever done before, in the 2005 case of Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, it could have been that the U.S. military and embassy powers-that-were looked into his eyes and believed his vehement claims that he was innocent (= reasonable doubt about it being rape). And knowing he'd get railroaded in a "she said, he said" trial in a coconut republic, they did what they could to lessen the effects of his initial confinement and the unjust punishment of a 40-year term.

The fact that Smith's accuser recanted her testimony following the trial and conviction is disgusting. Making false statements or providing false information on visa applications is cause to deny the visa and bar entry to the U.S. How about the much more serious and heinous action of falsely accusing someone of rape?

The US should stay away

Comment from a reader on the Pemberton case:

So end the agreement with the Philippines, its not going to hinder the success of the US military in the pacific region. If anything it will save the DOD and the service members money. In addition it will protect service members health from disease.

The majority of people reading this article will feel bad for the Filipino nation because one of their people was murdered. But what they don't realize is what happens when US military sets up in PI or when one the Navy's ships pull in. Filipino prostitutes and scam artists flock from all corners of PI to get their piece of the militarys money, and to con your sons and daughters out of their paycheck. They even set up fake face book profiles, pretending to be girls that want a date, and then try to take advantage of soldiers and sailors and charge them before the date begins.

They will complain now, but when shit hits the fan, they will call for US military aid.

Many people also don't realize that about 50 % of DOD forces in the Pacific region are made up of Filipino nationals, who were able to join the US Military as non-us citizens. They group together in a brotherhood at their command, and persecute anyone who is not in their group.

PI is bad news. The US should stay as far away as possible.

Sicko

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

It takes a sick man to kill because his victim was a trans woman. Hang him high.

No anti-American sentiment here in the Philippines

Comment from a reader on the return of US bases to the Philippines and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

For the Americans I say to

you don't believe about this Anti-American sentiment here in the Philippines

because they are just a fraction of people (leftist, communist American-haters,

etc.) waiting of a reasons to rally outside American embassy in Manila just to

down American influence here in our country but in fact Majority or 90% of the

Filipino approve American influence positively.

He snapped

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

He's a Marine. They are of a different mind set. He was young and he obviously snapped. I'm sure it crossed his mind that when his Marine buddies found out, he'd be tortured endlessly.

Don't throw good money after bad

Comment from a reader on the return of US bases to the Philippines and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

The start of another money pit.....base building to begin.....billions we can ill afford to defend not our shores but others......who most likely will also charge us for the pleasure of basing in their countries and defending them and their interests.

Why so insecure?

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender 

The ladyboy definitely should have been upfront, but yes, it has everything to do with insecurity. If you get that threatened or worked up about something so relatively unimportant, you have issues. When men get this upset, I immediately think closet case.

Filipinos want the US bases back in their country

Comment from a reader on the return of US bases to the Philippines and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

Only the noisy left are protesting. Recent surveys indicate that more than 80% of Filipinos view the US favorably. We're one of the few countries who would gladly welcome a US presence. Don't listen to a few misguided communists.

Don't be stupid

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

I think pretty much if you pick up a chick in a bar in the Philippines you got a 50/50 chance she is a dude!!!! So this guy basically murdered her because he is stupid?????

I would love to see Uncle Sam back in the Philippines.

Comment on the return of US bases to the Philippines and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

I was stationed at Clark. The best base of my career. Never a dull moment. In all honesty, then, as now, it seems many Filipinos would not mind being the 51st State of The United States Of America. I know that comment will get feedback. However, the Filipinos that I met with and worked with on active duty and I meet as a retiree like and "Respect" the United States. What most Americans didn't realize back in "The U.S. Bases" protest days. First, Clark and Subic were Filipino bases with US Forces. Second, some people in Manila had their "Own Agenda" and would pay two sacks of rice and 100 pesos to a "Protester" to catch the bus to Angeles City to protest Clark. In the 1980s, 2 sacks of rice and 100 pesos would feed a family two weeks to a month at least. Thanks to the long presence of US Troops from World War II until Mount Pinatubo, there are numerous Filipino family members in the United States and Filipino-Americans should be one of the largest minorities in the US. The international news media has more of a problem with the Philippines having been "an American colony" than most Filipinos. Americans usually known more about The Spanish-American War, than, Filipinos know about "The Filipino-American War" -- same War, different name. Older Filipinos remember World War II and the Americans and the Allies who suffered alongside them in the POW camps. President Aquino had a woman friend in South Korea and The Media loved to ignite sparks, which "Paid" off in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda because the Republic of South Korea military forces responded quickly to help out wherever they could. The United States also responded, but America's "Politically Correct" politicians were afraid to have too many "boots on the ground" for too long because, even if the response was "Humanitarian" they might be "Criticized" at home or abroad. If the United States is looking for a location in the Pacific to be able to relate to and do business in Asia, then, the Philippines is the logical choice because Filipinos not only speak English they usually understand the meaning. Many places in Asia do "The English as a Second Language Classes", but they never really grasp an understanding or pick up on the cliches. Many Filipinos have been to "The States" and understand the culture, the ideology and "Democracy." One advantage that Filipinos have over many Americans born in the United States -- Filipinos don't take America for granted. Many Filipinos have had difficult, hard, impoverished lives in the different provinces on the islands, so if they "Go To The States" -- they always make the best of their time in "The States" and they almost always find a financial way to help out their families back on the Philippine Islands. Americans complain their "Dollars" get "Wasted", well, when those US Dollars sail for the Philippines those dollars "Work Hard" and help the Philippines' economy. One of the dumbest mistakes of United States Foreign Policy happened after The Treaty Of Paris in 1898 when Americans didn't take the opportunity to "Work" through the "Colony" issue and admit the Philippines as American States or, at least, a United States trust territory. I have, no doubt, many Filipinos would love to see the US return. I have, no doubt, many Americans would love to see the US. As an American retiree living in the Philippines, you bet your collar brass I would love to see Uncle Sam back in the Philippines.

It was a routine murder

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

Not to be callous, but how is this more brutal than any other murder, that it sent "shockwaves" around the world? Other than the fact that the alleged perpetrator and victim live halfway around the world from each other, I suppose political correctness makes the victim more "special" than most others.

Mystery Solved: Pemberton Knew Laude Was Trangender and the Two Had Sex Before the Murder

What US experts discovered in Laude slay

ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 06/22/2015 8:30 PM | Updated as of 06/23/2015 1:39 PM

MANILA - Three US experts on Monday testified in the trial of US Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is accused of killing Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude.

Jessica LeCroy, latent print examiner of the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL), told the Olongapo City trial court that a "suitable latent fingerprint " of Pemberton was found in the condom wrapper recovered in the bathroom where Laude was found dead.

Derek Dorrien, a forensic lubricant expert also of the USACIL, testified that the lubricant found in the condom wrapper is the same lubricant found in the penis and body of Pemberton.

He said the same lubricant was also found in Laude's anus.

Dr. George Jackson, a toxicologist of the US Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES), meanwhile said Laude's blood tested negative for either toxins or illegal drugs.

His testimony debunked earlier allegations that Laude was a drug-user.

All of the three are internationally recognized experts and it's their first time to testify in a trial in the Philippines. - with reports from ANC, The Philippine Star

The US military should stay out of the Philippines

Comment from a reader on the return of US bases to the Philippines and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

They did not want the US military to stay in their country before, so we should not go back. Let them take care of their own problems.

An explosive situation

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

I think it stems from ego. The ladyboys want to prove to themselves how well they look like a real woman. Never anticipating the revulsion a straight person would feel upon discovering the woman he has been making out with is in fact a man .The Marine is half lit and excited, then to find out he has been deceived, explosive!

What is the contribution of the Philippines to Philippine defense?

Comment from a reader on: Enough US involvement in the Philippines: So let me get this straight... you want USA money, and USA armed forces to protect you against China, Isis and other threats, but you don't want to allow those troops to operate from your shores? You expect USA to just handle your national defense issues without any Philippine involvement such as pay back, thanks, or even a place to store food and weapons and conduct R & R for the troops that are putting their lives on the line for you? I think not. 

Get off the bar stool

Comment from a reader on the post Pemberton knew he was with a ladyboy: It's wrong for you to stereotype. If you don't like Yanks, just come out and say so. Maybe your circle of friends and acquaintances needs to expand beyond the stools in the girlie bars. You may learn something

Enough US involvement in the Philippines

Comment from a reader on the return of US bases to the Philippines and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

Whatever we send there, must return from there. I say NO to PI bases. Their time has come and gone. I wish them luck in their future but it should not concern US.

Pemberton knew he was with a ladyboy

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

If you think this guy did not know ladyboy then you are as dumb as he clearly is...Amanda Knox all over again, thick yanks who think the world owes them and anything they do abroad is just dandy without consequence.

Return of US military benefits American retirees in the Philippines

Comment from a reader on the return of US bases to the Philippines and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

The one community that will benefit tremendously will the retirees. The Philippines is the ONLY foreign country that has a VA medical center and who has a list of preferred Dr.s. The retirement community evolves around the areas around the bases, so when the bases return, the retirees will demand full access to the commissaries and post exchanges.

Of course, this is gonna boost the local economy, especially around the areas where bases were being proposed.

They should, the Koreans and the Japanese are always complaining about everything from the roar of air force jets and rotary helicopters to the raunchy behavior on the weekend.

Sure, the Filipinos did too, but they also know the consequences of when the military moves out.

Filipino Senators will be going into overdrive in their efforts to promote their area as ideal for a base location.

I can tell you the places where you won't see bases will be in areas controlled by either the Muslim or Communist guerrillas. And let's not forget that although Abu Sayyaf has scaled back on their activities, they are not defeated. Also, keep in mind that although piracy off the coast of Somalia has abated some, piracy in southeast Asia has picked up. Also Abu Sayyaf works alongside militants from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. There is a big risk of increased terrorism activity once the US makes their presence known in the Philippines. However, I do know that the those Filipinos who see the US military as a boost to their local economy would protect their invest by working with them closely.

Yeah, the US has been out of the Philippines for about 23 years, but it was enough time for the Filipinos to know that they will benefits a lot from the return of the US.

Also, it can be a signal to the Koreans and Japanese to let them know they have more options than they thought of and they might feel the consequences of what it would be like if and when the US leaves.

The victim isn't the criminal

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

Yes, presuming it's deception, that would be crime of misrepresentation or something like that, for which the punishment would not be death. The killer here is the criminal.

The US military helps the Philippine economy

Comment from a reader on the return of US bases to the Philippines and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

The removal of troops in the Philippines, though popular when it was announced, drastically hurt the Filipino economy A friend of mine who married a retiree told me that economic growth happened in spurts and were vulnerable to things like natural disasters because it would sap the money out of the government's hand.

Though the Filipino economy is gradually getting stronger, the infusion on troops, contractors and others will bring the much needed money that could improve the economy by leaps and bounds.

The sticking point for all those involved is the legal status of troops and others working on base. There have been several high profile incidents that had the potential to derail any bilateral agreement.

I would suggest that both the US and the Philippines create a committee to review laws on both sides and how to best solve problems as they do arrive.

But in all, it will be a tremendous boost for the local economy.

Why murder?

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

This happened to me in Subic and I laughed it off after i found out. Seems that murder might have been a little bit of an over reaction.

Don't try to fool people about your gender

Comment on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender:

That's sad... The Philippines is a great place to meet nice girls not like American women. But I don't understand why these "ladyboy's" try to deceive people sometimes. If someone wants a ladyboy then fine, let them know you're one. Don't try to fool someone looking for a real Pinay.

Good for the US military to get back to the Philippines

Comment from a reader on The First US Navy Job to Return to Subic: It is good that we are building back up there. my wife is Filipino and we have property there, I am a vehicle and heavy equipment mechanic, for the last 10 + years I have been with military Contractors.

My visit to Pamulaklakin trail in Subic bay

My visit to Pamulaklakin trail in Subic bay

Hi everyone,

For those interested in nature and a good trail, here is one trek that you should not miss. I made an unplanned trip to SBMA Subic and had a morning to spare. Tried the Pamulaklakin forest trek which I had heard so much from my students of - highly recommended for nature lovers.

I have posted all the relevant details in this post. If you wish to see more details and photos, please visit my bloghttp://expattraveller.blogspot.com

The trail / nature trek –

Lasts 3 hours. You can also do a overnight stay in the forest – In both of these , there is a personal Aeta guide who stays with you throughout. Aetas are the original tribal inhabitants of Philippines, and I was impressed by the knowledge of these guides.

Cost –

Pamulaklakin has 4 tours -

• Sightseeing = 50 pesos - self guided, where you go just upto the river

• A mini jungle tour - also 50 pesos - in which a native guide takes you around for 30 minutes

• 3 hour detailed Ecology tour - 250 pesos - which is what we took - where an Aeta guide takes you into the forest, and shows you lots of interesting things.

• An overnight jungle tour (500 pesos) wherein a local Aeta guide takes you deep into the forest, and you camp overnight!

What does the trek consist of –

Walking through dense rain forest. Initially there is a proper mud path. Then, it gets narrow. In some parts, the guide cuts off bamboo / branches on your way and makes a path!

Important - Dress code -

Remember to dress in cottons, and cover your body fully – shorts and t-shirts are a bad idea. Wear walking shoes and preferably long socks. Bring a hat / cap and sun glasses. And you will enjoy this trek.

Difficult? Easy?

It is not very difficult to do this trek for a normally healthy person. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being a walk on the beach and 5 being difficult, I would rank this as 2.5. The guide can go slowly if you ask him to. (I did!)

What you will see and hear –

Lots of birds, monkeys, butterflies, trees with medicinal and survival value. The Pamulaklakin river flows by and you can take a dip in it’s chilly waters / drink from it’s crystal clear stream. Photos of the river here - http://tinyurl.com/bz6k4t5

We also met the local tribal chief – dressed in traditional clothes.

Interesting activities –

The guide showed us how branches and twigs could be used as sources of water (photo of us “drinking” from a branch of okpoy here - http://tinyurl.com/bz6k4t5), how to find food in the jungle (pugahan shoots), local medicinal plants like the Dereta tree which is used by the tribals for treating malaria, another whose bark is used as shampoo (yep – he showed us later!), rubber tree (we smelt it’s aromatic sap), balete tree, useful plants like Kupang, kamagoong, etc. He also showed us how they make fire out of bamboo! There was loads more – I have posted their details on my blog here -http://expattraveller.blogspot.com

Birds and sounds -

Here is a list of the birds we heard.... I am sure there are lots more,but I don't know much about birds, though I like them.

(Note : These are local names that Aetas use, as told to us by our guide. Do tell me if you know the official names of these birds)

• Kingfisher (we saw this too)

• Batu batu bird

• Jungle pigeon

• Carpenter bird

• Sabokot - this big black bird was patiently perched on a branch, and preened itself for a long time while we watched it from a distance

• Not really a bird, but we heard the "Toku Toku" often! For those wondering what toku toku is,it is a lizard, called so because of the sound it makes... tokku tokku...!

I am NOT an avid birder, so if you feel I must be corrected, please go ahead and let me know.

I used this birding 2 asia website to update my own information - it is also a good place to listen to bird calls of Subic forests.

How to reach Pamulaklakin trail?

Pamulaklakin is located in Subic bay, marked here on google maps -http://goo.gl/maps/rffUy

From Manila....

Take a Victory liner or Saulog transit bus to Olongapo. (3-4 hours, 250 pesos air con) If coming via SCTEX you can disembark at "Ayala Harbor point mall" in SBMA - and take a taxi to Pamulaklakin from there

Once at Olongapo/ SBMA, take a taxi to "Pamulaklakin trail - Binictican" - It takes just 10-15 minutes, and the drive is enjoyable - through lush green forests with predominantly acacia trees (you will see some monkeys en route). Cost = 300 pesos (Yes - your 3 hour bus trip from Manila to Olongapo is cheaper than this 15 minute taxi drive!)

Winstar taxi -

• 047 - 252-7490 / 047 - 252 - 7409

Mega Taxi -

• 0919 384 5156 / 0922 894 2764

Alternatively, you can take a winstar shuttle bus from Park and Shop (10 pesos). Park n Shop is a popular point in SBMA where shuttle and other buses leave.

From Baguio –

Take a Victory liner air conditioned bus from Baguio Victory liner bus terminus (450 pesos, 8 hours). There is a bus every hour. Last bus leaves at 4:45 pm, hence it is a better idea to leave Baguio in the morning, reach Subic bay in the evening, stay overnight, and go for the trek next morning.

From Angeles / Dau –

Take a Saulog Transit or Victory liner bus. One hour if going through SC Tex, 2-3 hours if not going through SC Tex. (SCTEX is the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway – the buses do not have any halts en route)

How to return –

• Returning from Pamulaklakin is also easy. You can either take a shuttle bus (van - but read the cautionary note) or taxi.

1) Wait for a Winstar shuttle bus (but be wary - they have a poor frequency of between 30 minutes to one hour)

2) Call for a taxi, to take you to your destination. (The trail authorities will call the taxi for you. Else here are the telephone numbers for taxi companies in SBMA - Subic bay metropolitan authority (the name given to the former Subic navy base, and commonly called Subic bay many people – though actually, Subic is a non touristy village 30 minutes away)

Final opinion -

After 3 hours, I came out with a new respect for the Aetas, and found them far more advanced than so called modern civilised people. They have found fantastic use of the forest for their day to day needs, as well as to cure illnesses. I think we could learn a lesson or two from them

Further reading on Pamulaklakin Forest -

http://expattraveller.blogspot.com

I have also posted links to other blogs and websites that I found useful for treks in Philippines

Give the Philippines to China

Comment from a reader: As an American I say that U.S. worries about Communist China's recent expansionist moves should come first. With that in mind, why not offer up the Philippines to Beijing as a Trojan Horse? Whatever it is they have been breathing, eating and/or peddling down there for all these years in the PI-----it won't take long for that strain to infect Communist China and turn it into an economic basket case incapable of funding or sustaining any type of expansionist policy. And if it's the sparking of economic hopes the PI is actually aiming at, there are more than half a billion Chinese men whose wallets can be completely sucked dry at the grass roots level. Win-Win for both the U.S. and the PI.

From the Bugle: You are the reason we have anti-American protests in the Philippines. 

Pillow party for Pemberton

Comment from a reader on: Witness Says Suspect U.S. Marine Didn’t Know Murdered Filipina Was Transgender

I'm guessing there are a bunch of sailors and marines, restricted to ship that would like a few moments with PFC Pemberton, a pillowcase and some oranges.

Investors should leave our country

Comment from a reader on the post: Fire SBMA Employees Before Punishing Investors!:

If you do not like on how we run our country.... please leave our country..

From the Bugle: Is this the new investment slogan for the Philippines? Lighten up and learn to attract and keep investors and not get lost in jingoism.