Regular readers of Philippines Plus know that I excel at doing as little as possible. I’ve perfected my slothfulness to a fine art after almost six years of living in the Philippines. But retirement in this archipelago comes with a price: notoriety. Thus, many of my stalwart subscribers, especially those that have visited or who reside in the PH, will not be surprised by the title of this post: “I’m Adored as a Rock Star by Pretty Pinays at Manggahan 2015.”
“Relish the ambiance of rural life in Mango Country during its Manggahan Festival” is the tagline of this year’s annual mango mash. And honestly, it doesn’t get much more “rural” than Guimaras, located in Western Visayas between the islands of Panay and Negros. Long-time supporters from my first blog, “The Rooster Crows at 4am!,” however, could be surprised to learn that the “muddy, cow-poop laden subdivision road” we used to live on has been graded.
The road has not been paved but has remarkably been covered with a few inches of dirt to fill in some of the road’s potholes but rest assured, plenty of cow manure still litters the landscape.
And speaking of cow manure and B.S. in general, how can a 63-year-old crusty expat from Central Illinois claim to be revered as a “rock star” by cute Filipinas still in high school.
Ahhh, if you doubt this braggadocios claim, O True Believer, you have evidently never visited the Philippines. I have written in times past of the attention I have received since my retirement here. You expats out there know what I’m talking about.
While I have never been whistled at by scores of adoring Filipinas like Tom Ramberg over in GenSan, I have been chased by pretty pinays as I rode in the back of jeepneys and tricycles on our island province.
So when a bevy of beauties passed by me during the start of the OFFICIAL Manggahan Festival this past Monday morning, I took their photo, seen above, and waved at them.
The ladies on board erupted in an simultaneous explosion of delighted squeals and giggles and behaved as if Elvis himself had beckoned to them.
Now I would be the biggest of liars if I did not admit I was flattered by this reaction. I am in my twilight years and would never had gotten a reaction like that back in the States. Hell, I would have probably been arrested as a pedophile if I had even waved at a young girl in her teens.
So as my lovely asawa stayed at home cooking pork and jack fruit in our dirty kitchen, I snapped the following photographs from the Street Dance Competition which only started an hour late.
As this group of pretty pinays passed by, I remarked to a Filipino standing nearby, who looked to be part of the dancers’ entourage, that this group of ladies was prettier than the group that had just passed by. He relayed this information to the young ladies and I was rewarded with a ton of smiles and a bunch of “Thank you, sir’s!” I’m not as dumb as I look.
I close with my one of my favorite group of street performers, the chicken dancers. More adventures from Manggahan 2015 are coming up, some with a surprise or two. Stayed tuned for more details.
looks like a real fun festival. now with all that rock star status next it will be pictures with them so they can put you on a advertisement poster. what better way to promote the festival for tourism.
Nice looking ladies. Wish we could have made it for the festival, but just too close to us back from the States. We really enjoyed it last year, especially the concerts and talent contest.
Hi Dave looks a great festival a few cold beers and lots of entertainment what more could you want, we are still busy
Here renovating our bungalow probably be finished in 2 weeks time more work than expected, I know what you
Mean about rock star treatment I was in China town sat on one of the those Chinese Rick shaw bikes a group of
Pretty girls asked if they could take my picture lol I’m no oil painting it’s more fun in the Philippines.
Derek in sunny pasig
Have never been there at the time any kind of festival was going on, look forward to attending them though, just have to get there first though.
The colors with your new camera seem so vivid and bright, or maybe its just the costumes, but they sure look good weather it be camera , costumes or both.
I did notice this while I was in Manila. Unfortunately for me I was just a rare sighting for the pretty pinays. As most never expected to see a Mexican in Manila. Also,I had a tiger pinay by my side who was protective and would poke eyes out if she sensed any thing,hahahaha… Hopefully next year We can make it down your way Dave and experience the festival first hand..