In which I become a law abiding responsible citizen by breaking the law

A few months back, I made a vow, never to talk my way out or name drop when apprehended for a traffic violation that I am guilty of. In a eureka moment, I decided not to help propagate corruption. How can I  raise a child properly if I don't know how to be responsible for my actions? If one does not see anything wrong and can justify name dropping, bribing in trying to get away with a simple traffic violation then one has to really seriously rethink values.


I was caught for violating the color coding scheme. Actually, I did leave early, however, there was an accident so I got waylaid for 20 minutes. As per my my traffic ticket, I was apprehended at 7:20, but my watch said 7:05. Regardless, I was still violating the coding scheme. It says that I can redeem after 24 hours and within 5 days. Failure to do so will get me into more trouble.

The last time I redeemed my licensce I noted that it was quite a breeze and hoped then and there that I had documented it. Here is my second chance.





9:00AM License redemption is in the old Makati High School in Malugay St right across The Collective, on the same Street and a few blocks before Central. Parking along the street doesn't look so bad.








9:02AM - First in, last out? Ticket is dropped in Window 2. I think this is inefficient because you literally drop your license in a wide basket. If ten people start dropping their tickets, there is a big chance that the order will get mixed up.









9:03AM - The in-house convenience store.






9:05AM - Some Extra Joss promo going on. I don't take this type of upper but the guy told me that it was free and could do with it as I wanted. So wanting to help him finish his stock earlier and go home early, I got some.







9:06AM - Name is called in between Window 3 and 4, didn't know how to position myself but was entertained in Window 4 where I was ordered to pay. Change for inexact payment will follow a few moments later. Was scolded a bit and told to hurry up. Problem is not that I was taking long, it was because I could not hear her weak voice since she was screaming in between windows ( and I remember a sound system before) and because people were crowding around the windows, while I waited in the proper waiting area.

9:17AM - My name is called and I'm given back my license and a receipt, again the screaming was in between windows and again it was not clear which window they were going to stick their hands out of but ended up in Window 3. I wonder what all the other windows are for.

9:18AM - I saw how employees were giving me looks. I think it was about taking photos. Was sort of chased by a group of 3 traffic enforcers on my way out. They were polite enough, though there was a mini commotion as they escorted me to meet their boss.

9:19AM - Was informed by OIC that I should ask for permission in taking photos. Told them that I assumed it would be ok because it was a government office and that I was outside anyway. We had a 2 minute civilized discussion and it was kewl. What do they have to hide? Or was it a power trip? Methinks it was the latter. Honestly, I'm quite certain they would not have allowed me if I asked :)

The whole ordeal did not take more than 20 minutes and cost me 300 pesos. It was a bit of a hassle, but its the law.

In which I bring my iPhone for within warranty service

 Against my better judgment, I let my guard down and let my iPhone become part of my life. And after 3 months of ebook reading bliss (I finish at least 1 novel a week) and tower defense hair pulling among others, I was devastated when I realized that my iPhone's ear piece was not working. After trying all the known internet fixes I was really upset. The only consolation I had was that I had a warranty - I had smartly purchased a phone from Globe, any other phone from any other source could only have its warranty fulfilled by its country of origin.

Like any other smart tech savvy foresight gifted individual, I decided to do background research on Applei.ph and Philmug before I headed off to Globe. What I saw online was not so encouraging. Knowing very well how inconsistent Globe service can be, I decided to go to the Globe flagship store assuming that it would get better service.

 When I got to the store I had a smug look and assuming that I would be in and out quick. But boy was I in for a surprise. The Globe flagship store, the symbol of Globe's undying dedication to customer service kept me for one hour, and it was during lunch break, on a Monday. Any idiot would know that this is the time when there isn't much people. It gives me shivers imagining the place on a weekend. It did not help that my customer number, the slip of paper given out before lining up was totally bypassed. Their numbering system is totally messed up! I approached a number of the customer reps to ask some things and after the 2nd, I realized that they all have the same "I have better things to do than to answer your stupid questions" attitude.  The customer people are bordering on snooty with a twist of rudeness. Any Mang Inasal branch would have better customer service.

I also have to mention that the lady kinda almost "tricked" me into signing an Out of Warranty agreement, even if my phone is not out of warranty. She insisted that it was an Apple requirement and I told her that I would not sign it unless she crossed out some parts, and she did just that. Doesn't she know that all that tampering voids a document, so why bother with it? In the corporate world, a document with crossed out parts despite a signature has the same importance as tissue. I don't think it was anything malicious though, more of ignorance and negligence.


I was devastated to find out that it would take Globe two to three weeks to get back to me. One of the main reasons for my getting an iPhone is their famous warranty and I got a Globe issued iPhone to ensure that I would be getting that global standard warranty. However, the Globe fulfilled warranty is an exercise in patience. It reeks of inefficiency. From the long line to the questionably trained people and excessive turnaround time, it is a wonder how Apple can invest so much in their reputation only to have it besmirched by Globe.

Im not writing this for Globe to see. Neither is this some idealistic pipe dream to call out on Globe management to improve service. (I know enough of realities to know that to address this, Globe will need a major overhaul in their manpower and this requires precious time, money and effort that  would be better put on advertising.) This is about the value of having a Globe warranty for an iPhone. Prior to this incident, I would tell everyone to buy their phones from Globe despite the premium, however, after this incident, I'm not so sure anymore.

In which imminent death absolves an unforgivable sin

I am absolutely irritated by all the resources and attention wasted on the 3 guilty as hell Filipino drug traffickers caught in China. Thanks to them we have another red herring circus to take media attention away from important issues. Not to mention the dangerous message it sends out to our countrymen and the consequences on our country's slow development.

Take a look at our Vice President, because of his selfish need to feel good (not to mention grandstand) he used up good will from China to delay justice for 3 guilty drug traffickers. Our good VP says though that China has put the execution on hold asking for nothing, I would still like to give our VP enough credit to assume that he would know from experience that the most costly of favors are those that are freely given. And for who again? For 3 guilty drug mules.

It was reported on news that one of the children of the convicted drug smugglers wanted to become a lawyer so she (or was it a he) could defend her guilty mother. Here we see the twisted values this imparts on innocent minds. A child, driven by personal need, wants to interfere with the wheels of justice to save a person who has destroyed peoples lives by bringing in highly addictive heroin. Here we see how a guilty person who should be condemned has been spun into a victim and possibly even a martyr. We have enough politicians who put their needs above the greater good and common values like this today, do we want more in the future?

Whats also so stupid is the call for prayers. Again, prayers for who? For repeat offenders who have no regard for law, and who don't see anything wrong in destroying lives to earn a living. We have already wasted favors from China, do we still need to waste favors from the Creator? And for who again? The Christian God has a special place for people like this and its called Hell.  


We should stop wasting our resources trying to save the lives of guilty people. We should let justice play its part. We should not put the needs of guilty people and their kin above the rest of the country's needs. According to an informal survey of ABS-CBN, around 70% percent of respondents feel that the guilty Filipinos deserve what they are getting, and in a democracy the voice of the people (or majority) is the voice of God.