Magsaysay
Street, Olonagpo City, Philippines: It doesn't look like
much, but prior to the closing of Subic Bay Naval Base in the
early 1990s, this was the very favorite street in the entire
world for many Marines and Sailors. As one Sailor put it: "I've
been on Mediterranean cruises, Caribbean cruises, and more, I've
been around the world with the U.S. Navy, but there's no place
like Olongapo." Indeed, this street was like no other, with
countless bars and clubs teeming with beautiful women. A Sailor
or Marine could usually walk into any club and be mobbed by four or more
women offering companionship. Feeling like Rock stars, Sailors
and Marines would swig San Miguel, Red Horse and Mojo (a mixed
drink) while playing pool, listening to live bands, and
negotiating bar fines. (A bar fine was a fee paid to a bar or
club for the time a hostess would spend away from the bar or
club, so that the serviceman could enjoy the woman's company,
usually at a hotel.) It was a convenient way around having the
experience classified as prostitution, which suited both the
Philippine and U.S. authorities. Image above: Up the street to
the right is the Sierra Club. Across the street is the Florida
Club.
Inside
the Sierra Club: Heavy metal could be found at the Sierra
Club. Many clubs featured music by AC/DC, Ozzy, Skid Row, and,
for slow music, the Bangles and Richard Marx. But music of all
kinds could be found in Olongapo, including Country and Western.
It was funny to see Filipino bands dressed in Western wear
playing perfectly-rendered versions of favorite country tunes.
Image left:
Subic Bay Naval Base as seen from an LHA (1989).
Image below left: The Spanish Gate is an old Spanish
fortification. The base recreation center next to the gate was
also called the Spanish Gate. Inside, Marines could order pizza,
burgers, and shakes. Also at Subic Bay Naval Base: A movie
theater, bowling alley, miniature golf, go-carts, skeet
shooting, a McDonalds and much more!
Inside
the State Rock Club (image right): Marines, Sailors, and
even entire units had their favorite clubs in Olongapo City.
Perhaps the most well known club was T's Tavern. Other clubs
included AC/DC, Cal Jam, Florida, Jack Daniels, Radio City, Rock
Trax and Sierra. Popular eating places included Sam's
Pizza and the Hard Rock Cafe.
MEUSOC
Inside
the Sierra Club: Heavy metal could be found at the Sierra
Club. Many clubs featured music by AC/DC, Ozzy, Skid Row, and,
for slow music, the Bangles and Richard Marx. But music of all
kinds could be found in Olongapo, including Country and Western.
It was funny to see Filipino bands dressed in Western wear
playing perfectly-rendered versions of favorite country tunes.
Inside
the State Rock Club (image right): Marines, Sailors, and
even entire units had their favorite clubs in Olongapo City.
Perhaps the most well known club was T's Tavern. Other clubs
included AC/DC, Cal Jam, Florida, Jack Daniels, Radio City, Rock
Trax and Sierra. Popular eating places included Sam's
Pizza and the Hard Rock Cafe.