Night out in Iloilo City? It has been a very long time since
I had that. Despite not having that much money I agreed when a friend sent me a
message if I’m free either Friday or Saturday night. The place we were supposed
to be is Smallville, a popular nightspot here in Iloilo City.
About 30 minutes before the appointed time I sent a message
asking where exactly are we supposed to meet. Smallville is such a busy place
with a lot of bars, restos and the likes. I was told that we will be in Rock
Box. Okay, Rock Box. Now, where the heck is it? I mean I heard about it for the
first time. When I
asked my friend for any landmark, I found out that we were
in the same predicament. She also does not where it is exactly. Then another
message came in saying that it’s in Red Square. Hhmm. I still don’t know where it is. Good
thing she sent me another one telling me that they’re already there and they’ll
just wait for me in a certain corner. Good. That one, I am more familiar with.
Red Square is a specific area of Smallville Complex where
there is a number of restos/bar. There were rows of tables in front of it where
those who would like to enjoy the night out in the open. On our way in, I saw
people drinking, eating and just chatting the night away. There was a glass door on the right side with
the signage, Rock Box.
We went in and it was different. I am not exactly sure but I
think there were five or six individual boxes (rooms). The lobby though caught
my attention. There were youngsters playing some games. A novel concept. While
the adults enjoy their time outside Rock Box, the kids can play inside. It is a
family place. Actually, it reminded me of Happy Days, a sitcom that I used to
watch when I was still very young. I was expecting the Fonz to come out.
The room that we occupied was just before the kitchen. How I
knew that I’ll tell you later. It wasn’t so big. It was cozy. Just enough
for 5-7 people. There faux electric
guitars on the walls and some kind of a drum. I guess one can use it, the drums
thingy, while the others belt out the songs. The selections of songs were quite
good. Oldies and goodies were available but there were also the more
contemporary ones. Another plus for me was that the video didn’t show any women
prancing in tiny bikinis. We were offered stuffed toys to cuddle if we want to
but of course we demurred. Hey, we’re too old for it. If we had kids with us,
we might have considered it. As I said earlier I like the concept very much.
The down side though is the food. Most of the ones that we
chose were not available. It also took them a long time to serve it one at a
time. I mean, we were supposed to have it for dinner but then they served the rice
a bit late. The taste was just so-so. I think they don’t have enough personnel
in the kitchen and to act as waiters. There is also a need to improve the sound
proofing of the rooms because I can hear the kitchen people chop whatever they
were supposed to chop. We can also hear the singing and cheers from the next
room.
I guess, the place is quite new and there are still some
areas to improve. It is affordable though. The room that we got was a thousand
pesos for 2 hours (consumable) so that’s a plus. What more, you can bring along your kids.
Will I go there again? Maybe.
