Extract of a brochure from the Irish Consulate
by Mr. John Ferris
 PHILIPPINE HONORARY CONSUL |
ARRAN CHAMBERS, 6 ARRAN QUAY, DUBLIN 7, IRELAND. 872 1455 (STANDBY) FAX: 872 1091 |
ANGELES CITY
Formerly the hub of America's biggest airbase outside the USA. Its again the boom town rising phoenix-like from the ashes of Mt Pinatubo which erupted 30miles away in 1991 and covered the place in three feet of sand. I visited it in March '94 and there is no sign it was ever a disaster area. Its about two hours north of Manila. All buses pass by on their way north. However, for comfort get the mini bus for 20 pesos from Swagman Hotel; also another minibus from the birdwatchers and another Australian goes from the Sundowner Hotel; about three or four Australian mini bus outfits are in competition and will drop you wherever you like in Angeles. I don't like Angeles as its too far inland with no sea breezes to keep you cool; lots of ash dust still blowing in the street, diesel fumes prevalent.
I mention it for the benefit of those who may want to find out what it was like when the Americans were here because the Australians have revived the red light district. They run half of the 120 bars. Others are run by Americans who once served as servicemen and cannot bear to leave. Half the tourists are Australians, for them Angeles has "What no resort in Australia could ever offer". According to Jim 69, a retired shipping clerk from Sydney "In Australia an old fella like me would end up in a home. Here I can pull a bird young enough to be my granddaughter who smiles at me and calls me sexy. Where's the harm in that? "You would get stared at in Australia, but here no one thinks twice about an old bloke going about with a girl. A pension stretches a long way here. By common consent no one runs girlie bars in Angeles better than the Australians who, more than any other nationality are helping Angeles recover its former reputation. The bars began to multiply when Mayor Lim of Manila decided to close down the red light district, there and now Manila to Ermita is a ghost town. They all simply moved to Angeles. For the City of Angeles authorities attempting to combat 20% unemployment after the U.S pullout, the arrival of the Australians is something of a mixed blessing. Local councillor Tamie said "We're happy about the (illegible) business they bring. As long as they don't bring drugs or peadophiles to Angeles we are prepared to tolerate them." The hope for Angeles real recovery lies not with nightclubs but with attracting new industry; its now designated a development zone. Club owners are gloomy about the prospect of an international airport there because it means they will be moved on.
Among those keen to see the clubs disappear are local religious leaders who had hoped the departure of the Americans would signal a new start. According to the pastor of Angeles Assemblies of God, AIDS, drug abuse and moral depravity is the price the city is paying for the tourism dollar. The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo was a judgement. There is much worse to come unless the people return to the Lord. But bar owner Greg dismisses claims of organized crime under corruption. In Angeles, he says what you see is what you get, a working class sex resort with no pretensions. The businessmen or the crowd from Hong Kong will always find what they want in Manila and will be able to pay Manila prices, he said. But for the working man who has saved all year to come, or the retired bloke on a pension, you get more for your money up here. Angeles Swagman Hotel is 500 pesos a night; They have houses next door for 200 pesos fan room; can also use their swimming pool. Bonanza Hotel is also very worthwhile. Much cheaper to rest in Angeles than Manila, and up to three times cheaper; always has been.
