Its been awhile since I purchased anything stove related. I have been on a hiatus on purchasing stoves when recently( last night) a friend of mine informed me of a stove that was for sale of which he thinks looks similar to my stoves. I checked it online and viola! looks like an unfired optimus 199. got this locally and it is very ironic for a country that is far from where the majority of camp stove were available, would be hiding some gem of a stoves. All of my "rare" collections where unexpectedly purchased locally and my more common stoves purchased overseas. The good thing about it is the price, I only paid around $30 for it.
Kamusta ikaw. What an awesome find anywhere, but so far from the expected locale. I was in Manila in 1973 or 74. I stayed a few days on leave while stationed at Subic Bay. I think I stayed at Hotel Otani near the port and Rizal Park. I really loved the PI. Ken in NC
Outstanding find! I'd be buying your buddy a few beers, If I was you...! Ah, Subic... '69,'70','71,77'78.... Good times!
Sometimes it pays to see local sources and places where you don't expect to find anything interesting. I think that I have couple of spare burners for that stove. Burners are like in 111T but tube that connects burner to the stove is very short.
thank you everyone for the kind comments. I actually found this stove in Bataan near Subic Bay. Might it be possible that it was brought here by some US army personnel during the 80's?
Ken, I see you still remember some phrases in Tagalog and to answer your question "mabuti naman"-I'm fine
Subic bay ... In the 70's I only remember a Navy base and Naval air station. But, I don't know what changes in US military presence there was in the 80's. Yes, I learned Tagalog quite well while I was there. I could understand nearly anything said to me. I was less able to reply, but able to communicate, in Tagalog. I found so few American servicemen thought it worthwhile to learn the local language and I got such great response from Filipinos when they found I did. I did surprise a cousin of a friend. She was talking about me to her cousin, in Tagalog, and I replied. My friend said "Ken speaks good Tagalog, and understands so much more". I have forgotten so much, but still remember some. I do remember with all the young street venders trying to sell things while walking down the street, near the base, the first Tagalog words I learned were "Walang Pera" (No Money). I have to say some of my fondest memories in the Navy are the days I spent in the PI. The nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to spend time with. Salamat Po!!! (Thank You). Mamaya (Later), Ken in NC
