So I'm on the way to the Paranaque Central Post Office to pick up my latest book purchase (and first ever online). I'm hugely surprised at how quick it was delivered - it arrived last October 29, although I was not expecting it to set foot upon Philippine soil until November 18.
Nearing the post office, I suddenly realize that I forgot the notification slip that was sent to me (containing some code to help find my parcel). My mind fills with dread as I imagine all the excuses they'll give me for delaying the pickup (it was noon - lunch break), or adding extra charges - hey, this is the government we're talking about. When I actually arrive there and explain the situation to the friendly-faced men at customs, however, my dread quickly vanishes at the exceptional treatment given to me:
First of all, they were actually working during what was supposed to be their lunch break (honestly, when have you ever seen someone from the government work during lunch?).
Secondly, they pored through books upon books of records with me, searching each line intently for my name with nary a complaint.
Third, when I actually remembered that my book was supposed to be picked up at the second floor (they were at the first floor), I heard no grumble as they gently pointed me in the right direction.
Fourth, when I got to the second floor, all the employees up to the mailman level were there (even the mailman that worked my street). They paused their eating for a few minutes to retrieve my book for me. My mailman even knew exactly what I was looking for at the mere mention of the street where I lived.
Lastly, no hints of a tip. Ever. Not the slightest one (although I do plan to leave a bit for the mailman during his annual Christmas envelope).
This has been one of the rare displays of exceptional service shown to me by government employees. In my whole life, I've only been witness to a few dedicated individuals whom I saw truly were passionate about their jobs working for the government - Pisay employees (teachers and staff), and a few of the jail guards over at Las Pinas City Jail being the others. Call me shallow, say that it's expected of them, but things like this really make me feel good.
To the three guys who work at Window 1 (Customs), and the mailman servicing my street, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not just for the book - that was trivial (and part of your job anyway).
All Saints'
Today was a day for the dead as we trooped to the cemeteries with the rest of the populace to pay our respects to our dearly departed. There were two destinations today - St. James the Great Parish in Alabang to visit my grandmother, and Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque to visit my mother, with a side trip to Cory & Ninoy's tomb.
For those of you under a rock (or in another country) who do not know who they are, Cory and Ninoy Aquino are a couple that had great influence on the recent history of the country. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino was a Philippine Senator during the time of the Marcos presidency. He was smart, articulate, and popular - well on his way to the presidency, hastened even more by the declining popularity of then President Marcos. Long story short, he got shot at the airport tarmac in 1986. His death led to a revolution and the eventual election of his housewife Cory to the presidency, who served as a symbol of clean governance and high morals for years to come. Cory died just this year, and with her death came the announcement by her son, Senator Ninoy Junior, that he wanted a shot at the presidency, but I digress.
Upon arrival at the tomb, I was pleasantly surprised to see how simple it was. I was half expecting such opulence to mirror the lifestyles of today's senators and other political lifeforms, but all that met my eyes there was a simple tomb, with 2 pillars and a roof. If not for the teeming throngs of loyalists and curious bystanders (as well as 2 TV network trucks and 2 huge spotlights), I would never have guessed it to contain an ex-president and a senator. I was also surprised to see no campaign material for Noynoy, save one small sticker and one yellow ribbon.
Oh, and guess who sent the biggest flower arrangement?
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