Que horror! Red light district on a Good Friday?!

This is part of my Semana Santa series where I feature rituals and traditions observed in certain places during this solemn week in the Catholic calendar. Click on the image at the right to check the rest of the articles.

The GRO’s (euphemistically, Guest Relations Officers) were entertaining a largely mature white Caucasian male crowd, dressed in their white sleeveless blouse and skimpy red skirts. Some were drinking with their guests, others, hand holding and intimate while others were on the dance floor.  We were at a table near the corner.

We were at Angeles City’s red light district, near the infamous Fields Avenue and it was Good Friday. If my grandmother was alive, she would have screamed: Que horror!

Kidding.

My Angeles City hosts, Archie, Tintin and Wyatt were going around looking for dinner other than fastfood. Unfortunately, the supposedly delicious fried chicken at a Korean joint was closed. We went instead to the delicious shawarma at Walk Street in Fields Avenue. After finishing, we headed for some TexMex food at Tequila Reef Cantina.

Of course, the food was just great coupled with the different and imported condiments bordering on the hot side. The nachos were hot freshly made paired with the delicious salsa. Chicken wings? Something to ponder about and contemplate. I like the ambiance too. Wholesome (in the red light district?) and comfy. Large windows that I think, better during late afternoons. Unfortunately, the light was just bad for photography that the attempts I made were failures.

But as we were about to leave, the owner, approached us and invited us, especially Tintin to sing at the Suave’s Music Lounge, located just above the diner. A friend of the city government, Archie, didn’t refuse. Thus, we were taking the flight of stairs while Tintin was a bit hesitant.

The music lounge was mainly lit with red. The stage at the center was bright with spotlights, mirrored and two Pinoy males were singing. Ringing the stage were several tables and high chairs. It was the first time for me to be in such a place that caters mostly to expats and white tourists but the atmosphere was jovial, light and fun.

I hope the heavens will forgive me.

My gratitude to Mayor Ed Pamintuan and First Lady Herminia de Guzman-Pamintuan of Angeles City, Archie Reyes, Angeles City Information Officer as well as foodies and food bloggers Christine Nunag and Wyatt Belmonte for inviting, accommodating and touring me around their city and the province of Pampanga.