From the Midwest redneck author of "The Rooster Crows at 4am!," "Lizard Poop!," and "The Philippines Expat Advisor"
Return of a Legend! American Expat Brother Tom is Back in the Philippines!
American expat, Brother Tom, pictured on the far left, is back. My favorite oblate from the Trappist Monastery in Guimaras has returned after an eight month absence from the Philippines. His personal business in the States now cared for, he arrived a week ago this Friday after a lonnnngggggg 15-hour United Airlines flight. 
I don't know if he kissed the ground upon his arrival at the NAIA in Manila, but I can assure you that he is happy to be back. And we're glad he's returned. I can honestly tell you that I've never met such a unique character as my expat friend. He's truly an original.
Accompanying my favorite oblate was Frank, an old buddy from Florida. They's been friends since the 70's. Frank is an avid animal lover, and is especially fond of a baby goat that lives near Tom's farm. However, as you can see by the following photo, Frank, second from the right, does not mind the company of a cute Filipina, either. 
Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention Brother Tom's beautiful girlfriend, LenLen (seen sitting next to Tom in the first picture), one of my asawa's many relatives living on the mango paradise of Guimaras.
Tom, LenLen and Frank visited SM City in Iloilo this past Monday, just two jeepney rides from our home. We went to Langfords, located behind the Western Union office next to the mall, to have some lunch and a "few" bottles of San Miguel Pale Pilsen. I thought it would be good to have some bonding time with The Brother and his visitor from America who would be staying with his amigo at "The Farm" in Guimaras for six weeks.
I ordered a plate of chips and was impressed by the generous serving. Tom, whose only fault I can see is that he is a vegetarian, wanted to order a dish of vegetables and rice. After being first advised by our waiter that this dish is not available, he later returned to tell Tom that the cook would be able to prepare his order. Considering that the establishment was not packed with customers and that they did serve separate side orders of rice and veggies, Tom's request, albeit a strange one to me, would be honored.
My asawa, the official staff photographer for "PhilippinesPlus," took the photos you see on this post before LenLen decided to go with my spouse to the Ricky Reyes' Salon in SM City to have her locks trimmed by Bambi, my wife's favorite stylist there. That afforded the guys some additional "bonding time" with even more chilled buckets of Pilsen.
After a couple of buckets, we decided to move to the smoking area since Frank wanted to buy a cigarette and have a smoke. He only was able to purchase a ten pack for 30 pesos (70¢), and we managed to get a table located next to the trio seen in the second photo.
My asawa and LenLen came back from Ricky's, and we decided to go back to SM City since I needed to pick up a few groceries. Still had three bottles of San Miguel in our last bucket, but I suggested to Frank that he pass the remainders to the aforementioned trio who were drinking Red Horse.
After some persuasion we managed to get the group to finish off the brewskies for us, and we headed back to the mall after I paid the tab for everyone. I was in one of my rare generous moods. Only 1300 pesos (30 US Dollars) for three buckets of San Miguel Pale Pilsen and lunch for our five-person crew. 
We said our goodbyes to Tom, LenLen and Frank. But it wouldn't be long until we would see them again. In an inconceivable moment of spontaneity, the next day I suggested to my asawa that we take the pump boat to Guimaras to visit Tom and company. More on that adventure coming up along with photos of my first taste of balut. Now that was a culinary experience I will never forget!
Scott h had left a comment on this story, but I had to re-publish it and lost Scott’s remark. My apologies, Scott. My Webmaster Supreme Rich is switching my website over to a new server. The transfer may take 24-48 hours if you happen to see some funkier than usual things on this site. Thanks much, Rich, and thanks to everyone for their patience during the switch. The new site should load even faster which is always a good thing, even for a guy like me on “Filipino Time.”
Dave,
Glad to see Brother Tom back. Was wondering what happened, first new article in a week. I know the Brother is glad to get back to his beautiful Filipina. He really looks happy. Dave what is going on. You taking care of the bill. Are you sure you didn’t have one too many pilsens lol. I know this is off topic, but My G/F Mitzi is having her Grand Opening for her restaurant called “Piggylicious” today. She’s giving away free roast lechon. The pork is lower in fat than normal lechon. It’s on West Avenue in the San Francisco Del Monte part of Quezon City. Looks really nice. She has really invested alot of money and gone through alot of red tape to finally get it open. She will be having a website and will be on f/b in the future. So if anyone is in the area give it a try. Thanks so much Dave. When i come down to visit you, you won’t have to worry about picking up the tab, i’ll be more than happy to to do it lol. Take care my friend
Good to hear from you PapaDuck. Just haven’t been in the mood to write lately, PD. Have been out of my groove. I’ll be doing more updates. I’m writing this comment at 4:30 am on a Saturday. Been up since 3:30am. Once that air con goes off, I can’t sleep anymore. It’s summer, and it was a hot and humid one yesterday. Upper 80′s for the high, upper 70′s for the lows.
Good news about your G/F Mitzi’s restaurant. I love that name! Be sure to give me a link to her website, and I’ll post it here. Next time we visit the relatives in QC, we’ll stop by. Good luck to her. Take care.
Hi Dave,
Nice story but I have 1 question for you and Brother Tom. Is San Miguel a vegetable?
Jack, maybe Brother Tom considers the “hops” in the beer to be a veggie.
Fearless Florida Frank says ” You Can Not Beat The Prices In The Philippines !!”
If you can not have FUN here you will not be able to have FUN anywhere !
Dave, I had a Mommie Goat and a Baby Goat.
And Please Remember ” NO PLASTIC ”
Another one of those insiders Sayings
Amen, Frank, it IS more fun in the Philippines. If you can’t have fun here, you must be dead.
I wonder how your goats are taking your departure.