I'm Not Usually This Vocal But...

Representatives from Prudential Life Plans have been calling me for 3-4 months now. They have told me to pick up the "free" insurance plan that they would give me in their office. Because I don't usually go (and don't feel like going) to Makati, I wasn't able to drop by their office. Until a few days ago, a representative told me that the insurance plan was in Ortigas already. Feeling quite bad about not getting it-- you know, I felt that I should at least be grateful that I'd be given an insurance plan for free, I decided to go and get it.

When I entered their office, there were lots of people "claiming" their "free" insurance plan. There were also noises coming from the other rooms where people were talking. Because of that, I felt anxious about the whole thing. Did I make the right choice? A guy (whom I forgot the name) came to me and said that he would be assisting me. Assist me with what?! Can I just get the insurance and leave?

So I was taken in a room where three other groups were talking. From the moment I sat on the chair, the guy began explaining about their saving/pension plan. Uh-oh, I told myself! I think I knew what was about to happen. He talked about savings, death, emergency, and the works! The usual speech of someone selling an "insurance". I listened to him attentively yet not really absorbing what he is saying. At the back of my mind, I felt that I was about to get duped.

After all the talk, he mentioned about my credit card being the one responsible for the payment of my so-called savings. That was the time when I knew that I had to speak up. He asked me for my credit card but I refused. I asked him, "So it would mean that I have to pay for this savings along with my purchases? E de lalaki ang gastusin ko niyan imbes na makatipid?" Of course, he then proceeded with his recorded speech.

"Sir, savings nga po ito. At least may makukuha kayo 'pag nangailangan kayo..." His words are to that effect.

"Oo nga. Still, kailangan ko ring bayaran yan. Sa'n naman ako kukuha ng pambayad niyan? Poproblemahin ko pa yan!"

"Pwede n'yo naman po i-terminate. Saka kung ano lang ang kaya ng budget nyo."

"Ayoko pa rin..."

"Try lang po natin. Tutal for approval pa lang ito. At least na-try n'yo. Ngayon lang po namin ito ino-offer..."

"E kapag na-approve, ano na gagawin ko?"

"E sir..."

This time, I felt that I need to stand my ground. "Look, I appreciate and understand your explanation. The thing is, wala akong ipambabayad diyan. Wala nga akong trabaho, e. Iintindihin ko muna 'yung gastos ko sa ngayon kaysa sa susunod pa."

He again talked about having financial problems in the future. I know that my reasoning about not thinking about the future is wrong but hey, I have to get my point across to this man! So I further added, "Ganito kasi 'yun. I went here cuz you have been calling me several times. I felt that I should be at least be grateful to what you're giving me. But I was told that it was free..."

"Free nga po itong insurance. Pero kasama po kasi sa package 'yung savings plan..."

"E de ganun din? Hindi pa rin free! Isa pa, you're telling me that you are offering this today." Actually, may sinabi pa siyang 1 minute lang ang ibibigay sa 'kin. After that, the offer is no longer available, parang ganun. "You are not giving me enough time to think. You are putting me on the spot. At hindi tama 'yun! To add to that, you're pressuring me..."

"Sir, kailangan po kasi ng pressure dahil nagyon lang 'to..."

"'Yun nga 'yung ayoko, e! I don't want to be pressured with these kind of stuffs!"

Medyo natahimik na siya. "Okay, sir. Pirmahan n'yo na lang po itong free insurance plan."

"And then what?"

"Wala po. Free 'yan. No obligations."

So I did. Afterwards, I fill out the raffle coupon. Then I left...

Before I left, though, I heard the agent saying to his co-agents, "Di ako nagwagi." Pasensya ka! Ako napunta sa 'yo, e!

I don't usually talk like that to "strangers". But I felt that I was deceived and I didn't like it. Ako pa ang lolokohin nila? I know how their speech works! I was trained in a computer-selling company for a week after I graduate. I was also deceived then. I thought that I was getting a job, 'yun pala pagbebentahin ako along with some other duped people. (Ang siste, they would tell that if you buy the computer on that day, free printer will be given! Only for that day kasi last day. So the customers are forced to make a decision. When in reality, you are paying for the printer, as well! Kasama sa presyo 'yun! Because I don't like pressuring people to buy stuffs from me, I left the so-called job as soon as the training was over.) Aside from that, I know how the pressure tactics work! I won't be put in agreeing with a situation that I would regret afterwards! I'm not that stupid!

Here my other thoughts re what happened. How could I buy from an agent who is younger than me? How could he made me believe that he was already saving for his future? Yeah, right! Aside from that, how could I be convinced by someone who spells "transfer" as "transper" and "lump sum" as "lumsum"?!

If the insurance was really "free" from anything, why couldn't they send it at home directly? At least, they wouldn't be hassled to call us every now and then. Palibhasa may hidden agenda! They want to bring people in their territory and pressure them from giving what they want!

Isa pa, how would I know the offer was legit? May magagawa pa ba ako kung hindi?!

The moment I felt anxious, I thought of "Family First" immediately! My advice, never ever receive free movie tickets from "Family First" representatives! Because once you do, they'd ask you for your name and number. They'd call you and ask you to come to their office. Before you know it, sinisipsip na ng mga linta ang dugo mo!

Credit card companies should be reported to the proper authorities! They shouldn't be giving names and contact numbers of their account holders. This is definitely an act of violation! Savings nga pero talong-talo ka naman sa interest na babayaran mo! Iisahan n'yo pa kami! Utot nyo!

There is nothing wrong about insurance plans as long as you get them from legitimate sources or referrals from people you know. Maybe PLP is legit but the way they do their business is wrong!

Lastly, I guess, there is really no such thing as "free" in this world!

Surprise, Suprise? Not!

Mark Feehily of Westlife finally came out of the closet and admitted that he is gay! He has this to say:

I want people to know the truth. I am gay and I'm very proud of who I am. I'm not asking for sympathy, or to be a role model for someone else. I simply felt it was the right time to tell the truth. In the past I haven't felt the need to say anything about my sexuality. But I want people to know I'm very comfortable with who I am. I'm not worried about how people react because I'm happy being who I am. I'm still the same person the day I was before. I'm sure Westlife fans will be pleased I'm happy. I don't think it changes anything. All the lads in Westlife have settled down and are in relationships, so why can't I be?

Good for him! After all, it is quite obvious. (Is it or it is just me who noticed?) I knew it all along. I have sensed him a mile away the way I did with Stephen Gately of Boyzone. The difference, though, is that I had a crush on Stephen and I loathe Mark! What is so obviouse about Mark's gayness? Oh, c'mon! Whose self-respecting straight man would have Mariah Carey's poster mounted on the wall of his room? Unless it shows a naked Mariah in it with all her two tons of breats in full glory! Aside from that, does a straight man singer belts out a tune everytime ala Mariah?!

I can relate, though, to why decided to come out. He is in love (with another member of a boy band just like Stephen)! Who wouldn't want to express to the world the feeling you have for your special someone? Even I decided to tell my close friends about myself when I first had a relationship. (Not the first time I fell in love. That's a different story!)

But let me comment on the words "What A Waste" at the bottom of the front page. I hope that it is referring to another topic and not Mark's sexuality. Because saying that wouldn't be so appropriate at all! I've heard several "homophobes" or "not learned" ones utter the word "sayang" when they learn that a certain guy they know turned out to be gay. How could being gay be "sayang"? Would you be less of a person if you are gay? Would you turn out to be embarrassing to belong to the human race? I don't think so! There are gay people who are better than their straight counterparts! Who would want an egotistic and self-righteous straight man beside them more than a responsible and caring gay guy?

Courtesy & Jealousy

We have met lots of customers. Of all ages and personalities. Of course, there's nothing irritating like a customer who would bombard you with text messages re their orders or your whereabouts during pick-up/delivery. Some people would also act as if you owe them something and want their stuffs be done right at the time they made the order or payment. Of course, no matter what their quirks are, we still try to deal with them pleasantly. But there are times that they go overboard. The times when they be so demanding to the point that they disrespect us. Treating us as if we are their slaves and we are at their beck and call. When that happens, we talk to them about it and not receive any orders from them. No matter how large their bill is. It is not the amount that matters to us. It is the service we provide them and the fact that we are able to work hand in hand. If they start to act like we are their slaves and they are our master, then good bye! So long!

One other type of customers that I find irritating, too, are the ones that treat us like "call boys." These people are the type who are quite embarrassed with their purchase that during deliveries. They tend to pay and leave immediately. No small talks. No smiling. Not even a "Hi". As if saying, "Let's get this over and done with! Pronto! Then I don't ever want to deal with you again." Why? Because mostly, these guys are the closeted ones! Okay. Fine! Stay in the closet! But again, at least be nice to us! We are not your servants!

Speaking of "servants (kuno!)", when I am in a mall and a guard or salesperson greet me, I greet them back. Or I nod my head to acknowledge their greeting. Why? Because it is not just the polite thing to do but the right one! How could you ignore a person who had greeted you? They have made an effort to greet you so would at least smile back at them or acknowledge them as a person?

In line with that is when people hand out your fare to the driver, common courtesy would tell you to at least say "Thank you" to the one who helped you. Is it really such a hard thing to do these days? Sobra na bang bastos ang mga Pinoy sa kapwa Pinoy?!

Anyway, in another story, I met this guy tonight. For "security" (for myself!) reasons, let's just not name him here. Hehehe. We just talk for a few seconds while doing "business" with each other. Biboy was waiting then. When I came back to him, he instantly guessed that I have a crush on the said guy! Of course, I can't deny it. I'm no good in lying. Besides, according to him, it was written all over my face! Like a "schoolgirl" with a crush! May pahimas-himas pa nga raw ako! Which for me wasn't consciously done. I was just making a gesture like a hand shake.

So ayun, he was kinda jealous about him. But I tried to appease him. It was just a crush. Besides, he's "straight". What can I do about that, eh? Still, he was jealous. However, after a while, he said, "Come to think of it, though, he's kinda cute!" From then on, he also developed a crush on him! Pagsaluhan na lang daw namin! Hahaha! :-p

Not a Bogus SMS After All

Two to three days ago, I received an SMS from my friend Ne-an saying that she'd be leaving soon and that she'd already applied for roaming activation of her SIM card. I read it while I wasn't that fully awake yet and took it as a joke. I thought that the punch line was it was her SIM card who'd be roaming around the world. Something like that.

Today, Wheng called to asked me if Ne-an had left the country already. I said no and that the message was a joke. She told me that there wasn't any punch lines in the messages esp. with the last one she received from her. The message said that she's already in the airport. Wheng even called her in the office and was told that Ne-an already resigned. "Mag-aabroad ata," was the reply she got when she asked whether they know why she resigned.

I still couldn't believe it because it was so sudden. I just had spoken to her a week ago re the magazine and she didn't say a word. I told Wheng to call her house and ask. She did and it was confirmed! She left for Germany as a delegate for the coming "World Youth Day" and would go to Italy afterwards. Sa Italy, dun na siya "magtatago".

I feel so bad because amongst my college friends, we three are the only ones that are in constant communication. Nabawasan pa. Not only that, the thought of her going "TNT" is quite bothersome for me. I fear for her life. I know that she's one tough woman but still, I am scared for her. I also feel bad that I didn't respond to her message. If I did so, I would've known that she was truly leaving the country. I could've said good bye and good luck at least.

I know that she has plans of going abroad but I didn't expect that she would leave without a warning or at least good byes. I guess she felt embarrased with what she is about to do. But I'm not ashamed of her. I salute her for her guts and determination to have a better life.

I'm hoping the best for her.

***

Speaking of SMS, I went through Biboy's messages earlier. I don't really do it but I just felt like doing it earlier. There was a message there from so-called Chika Babe. The message says: "Good night. Good luck tomorrow. Sa-rang-he."

As soon as he woke up, I asked him who that was. He told me that it was me. I said that I don't remember texting such message. Then, he search for the number and as it turned out, it was my Chikka account number!
Hahaha! So silly of me! I swear, I don't remember sending that message!

The Invasion of the Foreign Bodies

For someone who is "sobrang malikot" as Angel, it is quite unbelievable that she hasn't been in some sort of a "major" accident like hurting her fingers in an electric fan or something like that. Once, she tried plugging the t.v. onto the socket in the kitchen. Good thing that I was able to stop her because the plug isn't that secure enough. "Wag mo na uulitin yan," I told her. "Makukuryente ka! Alam mo kung ano ang mangyayari pag nakuryente ka? Mamamatay ka!"

Then, when we were back inside the house, Angel said, "Da, di ko na uulitin 'yun, a?"

"Bakit," I asked.

"Kasi mamamatay ako pag inulit ko 'yun. Ayoko pang mamatay," she added.

It's amazing that she already understood the concept of death even at the age of 3. Maybe not its whole definition but at least she gets to understand a little.

Anyway, her not being in a "major" accident is too good to be true. Before 12 AM tonight, Ginger noticed a styrofoam ball inside her nose! It is really small and could fit well inside a nose. It is the one being used in bean bags. Who knows how long it has been there?

Afraid that I might push it further while taking it out, we decided to bring her to the hospital. It was a simple procedure really. It didn't take 5 minutes to take it out. Dad told me that I should have just taken it out myself. It cost him PhP1150.00 as damage kasi. Such a big amount for something so fast and easy. However, it is better to be sure than sorry. I don't wanna take any chances.

As it turned out, the nurses said that she was the sixth child who came in the emergency room with the same situation. "Uso yan," one of the them said. Children seemed to be putting stuff inside their noses lately.

I still hope, though, that no major accident would happen to Angel other than that. I don't think that I would be able to handle if she gets hurt really bad...

Stupid Ka!

The Correspondents featured the topic of "Child Pornography" tonight. What struck me the most was the 9-yr. old girl who took off her clothes while she was being photographed and video taped. It really broke my heart as the bugaw instructs her on what to do. "Put on your panty," she would say. "Take them out slowly." I can't help but imagine Angel in that situation. I would really kill the person who do such thing to her!

"Child Pornorgraphy" and "Pedophilia" are always related. According to the report, it started here in the Philippines during the 80's. Some of Apocalypse Now's film crews who happened to be pedophile's dated children in Laguna and gave their families money. Learning how easy it is to do it here, other foreigners started going here to seduced young boys and girls into having sex with them. Even though the authorities had seized some of those foreigners, till now, the crime is going on.

I remember suddenly this comment that Rosch, Biboy's co-worker, made re Michael Jackson and the kids that he supposedly abused. He said, "Hindi naman totoo 'yun, e! Gusto rin ng mga bata 'yun!" I swear, if he had said that in front of me, I could slap his face! How dare him to say such things! He doesn't know a single thing about children and abuse. Ang tanga-tanga mo! People who are as dumb as you should rot in hell along with the pedophiles! Mas masahol ka pa nga sa mga pedophiles!