Noy’s last stops: Guns, burgers and jazz

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino chose to finish his visit to the United States with burgers, guns and jazz.

On his final day in San Francisco last Thursday, the President’s motorcade stopped traffic when he decided to pause for lunch at a local McDonald’s.

His entourage of San Francisco police officers, motorcycles and security SUVs almost blocked the street when they pulled over for lunch at the Haight branch of McDonald’s.

The President also spent some time shopping for gun accessories at a gun store in San Bruno.

Aquino is a gun enthusiast, and once told The STAR that he owned more than 20 guns.

He did not add any guns to his collection in San Francisco, however, choosing instead to buy some gun accessories from Peninsula Guns.

In a Facebook post, Jeff Downs, a worker at Peninsula Guns, posted a photo of President Aquino with the caption: “The randomness of gun sales. The president of the Philippines decided to stop by and buy some stuff. Really nice man!”

In an interview with ANC, Downs said Aquino “spent a decent amount of money.”

“He was really interested in the EO tech optics for rifles. I guess it’s really hard to get them in the Philippines so he was able to get them here. Members of his entourage were able to pick up some stuff too,” he said.

Aquino bought gun optics, a range bag, eye and ear protection gear, and a safe, according to the ANC report.

The President gave Downs, whose wife is Filipina, a custom iPhone 5 cover with the slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

“He’s a very nice guy. He sat here and talked to us for about an hour. Took some pictures with us. He was very pleasant and very mild-mannered. A big enthusiast of firearms, you can tell by his knowledge. It was fun,” he said.

President Aquino also browsed jazz CDs at Amoeba Music. He was in the US as part of a five-day tour.