American in Davao

Today again I was frustrated while trying to do something at the house.

I guess first I need to explain how most houses are constructed here in the Philippines.
The exterior and interior walls are made from a 4 inch thick masonry block. They are made with a low quality concrete and are not used as a structural element. There are formed and poured concrete columns and beams for structure and then the 4 inch block is more of just a fill.

If you watch the construction, the mortar joints are very uneven and there sometimes not full and smooth.
After the wall is up they use a concrete plaster to cover the exterior and interior walls like a stucco finish. This is their way of covering all mistakes. Unfortunately over time the plaster cracks.

If you ever want to add electrical or plumbing, you need to chip out the wall and then re-concrete it closed.

Back to my frustration;

Here for clothesline we use a thick gage steel wire. To attach it in the past to the wall I got plastic expansion anchors that you drill a hole and the screw expands the anchor. Well over time the concrete crumbles under the weight of wet cloths and fell out. I next got Sleeve Anchors but 2 of them failed too. Today using a bigger anchor the wall kept crumbling. I had to break out more of the hole, mix some concrete to fill it solid and as soon as it sets I will then try again.

Think how easy it is in the States where you have studs and drywall. Any time you want to hang a picture, you just use the thin nail and a picture hook. Here you need to get some item to attach to concrete.

I have to accept it since I have no choice but in the future, if I am able to build a house, all interior walls will be metal studs with either concrete board or regular drywall.

Here in Davao there are many roadside car wash businesses.

I went to Junbac’s Car Wash on Mamay Road just off of Diversion road. I remember a few months ago seeing it built. If it is morning they even offer a free cup of coffee.
The whole car wash is covered with seats in the waiting area. They offer a newspaper to read while waiting too.

I was surprised when I first used one. I had thought it was a bunch of people with buckets of soapy water and rags. Not so. They have air compressors, power washers and foam soap machines and a lot of personel.

When you first drive in, someone takes out your floor mats and vacuums and even beats the dust out of them. Then they vacuum the whole inside of the car and even the inside of the trunk.

Then the car is hosed down and pre-washed. With a power washer they hose the car and even in the wheel wells. They rub their hands over all they spray to feel for any missed debris. They even open the doors and with an expert practiced aim spray the areas of the door and door frame that is not accessable until opened.
After the pre-wash they cover the car with a foam wash and the car is washed again.
Every area is washed, inspected and washed again. They also use wheel black on the tires to make them look new.

The whole process takes 30 minutes or longer depending on how dirty the car is.

The first time I was there I asked if they do full detailing inside and out and if they do waxing. They said no. I mentioned so far I have only known of one place downtown and gave them a flyer I had in the car.

The other week I went back to get my car washed and even met the owner. I told him about the flyer I had given their old manager and he told me he took my advice and now do waxing too.

I do not remember their prices for waxing but for a car wash it is only 50 pesos for a small economy size car, 60 for mid size and 70 for large. They also give discounts for taxis, jeepneys and motorcabs,