I worked for a government-controlled corporation as an operations auditor some time ago. We conduct audits of offices and contractors under its jurisdiction, and every time we visit for an audit, we are pampered like kings. The finest food is served to us, much like a feast, and we are driven around in SUVs and luxury vehicles. It has become the norm that male auditors are brought to girly karaoke bars and offered other forms of debauchery. I was averse to it, but I have to get along with the culture or be ostracized.
One time, we were brought to a high-class karaoke bar in a well-known Philippine city. With hostesses around in skimpy clothing to serve us, the guys started singing. It was my turn, and the only thing I could think of was to make the moment different and transformative. I chose a Christian song that happened to be on their music machine and started belting “The Lord Reigneth and Blessed Be the God, and let the Lord of our Salvation be exalted.” Silence came afterwards, and everyone just had blank stares.
After two years in government service, I resigned because I felt I was being swallowed slowly by the system. I am still contemplating on starting a karaoke bar with just Christian songs.