Mental Fragments

Purpose in Life

Our HR manager forwarded an email about life purpose and I took the advantage by sharing something to our officemates.

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We don't have to be involved in the church to serve God.  Everyday is an opportunity to realize our purpose in life. Here in our workplace, we are always dealing with people; whether they may be officemates / bosses / supervisors / clients. Each time that we deal with people and circumstances is an opportunity to grow and realize our purpose. In this industry we can share our talents and skills, and affect the people around us. We can strive to do our best and offer it to the Lord.

Here's a thing that I learned while I was on leave last year:
Material Possessions, Power and Popularity --> all are temporary and we can't bring them with us when we die.
People around us (even our loved ones) --> they can't always be with us; also they can... and will disappoint us one way or another.
Ourselves --> we even fail ourselves at times because we aren't perfect.

"In whatever man does without God, he must fail miserably-or succeed more miserably." [George MacDonald]

Through God alone we can get our purpose in life. He is our creator and he knows us well.

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me"  [John 15:4]

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Yesterday morning, I was on my way to work while waiting for a bus. By the side of the main road, I saw a white butterfly. I thought it was strange to see a butterfly by the roadside since there are no trees and flowers around. But a few meters from the butterfly there was a bougainvillea plant and I said to myself; "If I could only lead that butterfly to where the plant is, it will be safe." But as soon as I thought of that, the butterfly crossed the path of a jeepney. I was trying to see if the butterfly passed safely but I only saw something white on the jeepney's tire. I'm not sure if that was the butterfly, but I think it didn't survive.

I don't know if its a vision... or a premonition...

Malaysia / Singapore Trip - Cancelled (for me at least)

I should be in Kuala Lumpur by this time but I'm unable to join my officemate friends for a holiday at Malaysia and Singapore. I was denied at the check-in counter by the Cebu Pacific ground personnel because my passport will expire within 6 months. They said that it's a procedure even if my scheduled return to the country is well within the expiration date of my passport. I was not aware of this policy because I booked the flights online without the help of a travel agent. But nonetheless, they should have put a reminder to those booking online about this policy. I asked the ground crew if this thing usually happens, and she said yes.

If it’s not the job of the airlines to inform the passengers of the policy; the immigration / DFA should have put this in the passport as a travel guideline. It's a big inconvenience for those travelers who are not aware of this; not to mention the waste of time and money of canceling / rescheduling the trip. I don't know if I can claim from the travel insurance that I got because of this ignorance of the law.

Even though this holiday trip didn't push through for me, I'm surprised that I don't feel that bad about it. My parents also noticed it and they said that it may be a sign of my maturity. I also noticed that the past few days prior to this cancelled trip, I'm not really that excited about it. I'm not sure why... Probably because my mind is preoccupied with other things.

Right now my option is to rebook the flights or cancel it. I don't think that I'll be able to follow my friends because the airfare of the next available flight is expensive. Sorry guys. :(

Anyway, I think God has a purpose why this happened and I think I have an idea of what it is...

Preparing the Fields

Last year when I came back to work after a 3 month leave, I asked my employer for an option to work for only 3 days a week. I felt at that time that life is more than just a 40 hour work-week. I wanted more time so that I can pursue and explore other things. I wanted to do something that I'm really passionate about... something bigger than myself.

At first I didn't think that I will be given the opportunity to work part-time; considering that part-time work in IT is rare. But I prayed about it and thank God He gave it to me. Yes, I should be earning more if I'm still working full-time. But money is not my top priority. There are MORE important things than that. 

I'm so blessed that I have time now to pursue the things that I want to do: drumming, church ministries, small business prospect and more time for myself. But I feel that I'm not maximizing the time that I have. Right now I usually come to work 4 days a week because I don't plan ahead on what to do on my extra days. Also, with so many things that I want to do, I'm not able to allot the proper time for each.

Aside from making the proper use of my time. I feel that I have to sharpen my saw in some areas so that I can be more efficient and my efforts wont go to waste. Here's the list of things that I want to improve:

1. Setting of goals and time frame of accomplishing; I have many plans but I tend to procrastinate

2. Alignment of my schedule based on my priorities

3. My tardiness in office; i'm so used to the old flexi-time scheme of our office that it's really hard for me to be at office on time. Because of it, my sched for the rest of the day is affected.

4. Setting a regular workout time

Improving in these things really needs discipline. I'm listing these here so that this will be a reminder for me. God is giving me a lot of blessings but I have to do my part and put some order in my life.

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For those who put order in their lives and maximizes their talents (blessings), God says:

Matthew 25:21 (NIV)

"...'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' "

For those who don't use their talents (blessings) well, God says:

Matthew 25:28-29 (NIV)

" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. "

Usapang Political with Client Contact

I had this chat conversation with a client contact while doing support. Suddenly our topic turned to the current political situation of our country. We may have different views but we both agree that all of us should do something in order to change the current situation.

[Client Contact]: gud am pre.. thanks yest ha
[Me]: welcome
[Me]: btw: that's 25$
[Client Contact]: :))
[Client Contact]: dollars na rin singil mo
[Me]: oo ano? lugi na nga yan... mababa na kasi palitan. hehe
[Me]: :))
[Client Contact]: uu nga dat means tumataas value ng pera natin kaso marami pa rin ang gutom
[Me]: yep tama ka dyan...
[Me]: pero sana mas bumuti yung lagay...
[Me]: change naman doesn't happen overnight eh.
[Client Contact]: yup kaso ang nkakaramdam lang nun e ung myayaman..
[Client Contact]: ginagawa ni gma na parasite ung mga tao
[Client Contact]: nde sya dapat bigay ng bigay ng pagkain
[Client Contact]: bigyan nya ng pondo para matutong mamuhay
[Me]: tama ka dyan...
[Me]: dapat tama yung paggamit ng pondo...
[Me]: ika nga "teach people how to fish"
[Client Contact]: bka kala mo wlang kurakot sa mga pinamimigay nyang fud sa mahihirap.. meron din un
[Me]: oo isa pa nga yun...
[Me]: well dapat vigilant tayo as citizens para bantayan ang gov't
[Me]: pero at the same time dapat hindi rin puro oppose lang just for the sake of opposing.
[Client Contact]: kaso kung mlalaman mo na me bahid ng corruption ung projects like broadband deal, computerization ng remote schools e talagang mapapailing ka
[Client Contact]: biruin mo sa mga remote areas natin pre ung school wlang bubong puro dingding so pano mo lalagyan ng computer at inet un??
[Client Contact]: napakalaking kalokohan
[Me]: yup sa mga ganoon dapat talaga di pinalalagpas yun
[Me]: about: broadband deal, computerization ng remote schools
[Client Contact]: kaso anong gnawa nila, pinagresign c abalos tapos wla na
[Client Contact]: ganun lang un
[Me]: hmmmm...
[Me]: ano ba pwede gawin natin about dun?
[Me]: as simple citizens kung baga...
[Client Contact]: nde ko rin alam pre.. pero kung mgkakaron ng pipol revolution uli e sasama ako
[Client Contact]: sawa na ko sa nangyayari
[Client Contact]: kawawa ung mga next generations sa dami ng utang ng pinas
[Me]: ako naman wala kasi sa personality ko sumali sa ganoon...
[Me]: siguro tina-try ko na lang to be better citizen...
[Me]: in doing my small part...
[Client Contact]: ako rin pare kaso sobra na kc
[Client Contact]: ginagago nila ung mga tao
[Client Contact]: tau
[Client Contact]: ok rin un
[Me]: alam mo yun?
[Me]: being an example to family, friends, co-workers...
[Me]: hopefully by being a good example eh I can be an influence to the people around me.
[Client Contact]: yup i know
[Client Contact]: kaya nga inoopen ko sa lahat ung mga nangyayari
[Me]: yup tama yan... in a way your doing you part na.
[Me]: kasi dapat nga maging aware yung mga tao.
[Me]: iba kasi iniignore nila...
[Me]: porke siguro wala silang problema or they are living comfortable lives.
[Client Contact]: yup feeling nila porke nde ngrereact ung mga tao e ok lang
[Client Contact]: pre question
[Me]: sige shoot
[Client Contact]: w8 lang redi ko lang ung data

Each one of us should do things for our nation and not just complain. Nothing will happen if we just throw mud at each other. What we can do as mature and educated citizens is to point out what needs to be improved and at the same time, do our part in fixing the problem. We don't have to do big things. Most of us are busy with our own lives.

I do believe that the easiest way to change the society is for each one of us to change ourselves. Who knows how many people we can influence if we can just be examples to our family, friends and co-workers. I also think that words alone are not enough in influencing people. Words should be coupled with action.

The Reason of the Season

When the Christmas season is near what do we usually think about? Christmas parties, shopping gifts, 13th month and Christmas bonus (also nth month pay for the privileged ones), family gatherings / reunions, Christmas rush and heavy traffic... the list just goes on and on...

The Christmas season is so commercialized nowadays that it’s hard to imagine spending it without experiencing these things. With all these during the holidays, sometimes we do forget what Christmas is really all about. It's not bad to be occupied with these things but all of these are just icing to the cake. The reason why we celebrate Christmas is Jesus: the greatest gift of all. Let us take this time to thank Him for the gift of salvation and also prepare out hearts for His Second Coming.

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Matthew 24:36 (NIV) "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Matthew 24:42-44 (NIV) "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Dream Come True!

Yesterday was just... WOW!

Watched the VH concert with my sister some friends. We all had a great time. The band sang 14 songs and the crowd was with them throughout the show. Also had the opportunity to meet and chat with the members of the band after the show! At first I was worried that I may not have the opportunity because this time maybe my only chance. Lo and behold! I was able to get in touch with an MTV Phil person that helped me to get into the after party of the concert! How cool is that?!?!

Meeting the members of the band for me was like connecting the ends of a very long string from Manila to US together. Imagine, there I was chatting with the people whose music has been a big part of my life even if I only hear them on my CD / MP3 player. Sometimes it's amazing how music can connect people. It's like they are just there talking to you and sharing their experiences and at the same time you can relate to them. Somehow I was able to express my appreciation for their music. =)

Links:

Concert Pics

Meet and Greet Pics

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Sometimes it's the simple things / experience in life where God chooses to reveal Himself. We just have to be aware and sensitive of those times that He uses.

This might sound corny to others but because of this, I experienced how powerful and faithful God is. Even if its just watching and meeting my favorite band. I really thank God for this experience. I know this is from Him 'cause VH having a concert here at this time when they don't have a new album out is close to impossible. God knows I might be the person here in the Philippines with the greatest desire to watch them. I also learned that I should put my full trust in Him. That He can and will make a way to grant the desires of our heart if it will be good for us. :)

<A title="Support" href="http://sesantos.com.ph/2007/11/11/add-value/" the ADD VALUE Advocacy?><IMG alt=add-value.JPG src="http://sesantos.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/add-value.JPG"></A>

Wooohooo! VH Live in Manila!

I've been trying to confirm the info that I got for the past 2 weeks that Vertical Horizon will have a concert here in the Philippines. With just barely a month away, I was worried that the concert might not push through. No adds, no local info... just a few websites and info from the fan boards that they will be here on Dec 7 & 8. I've been calling possible venues, ticket distributors and event organizers to get some info. I was afraid that their show will not be open to the public since there were no promotions.

The other day I called MTV Phil. to ask if they are organizing the concert and got a confirmation of the date and the venue; Dec. 7, 2007 at the Araneta Coliseum. Yesterday, I called again TicketNet and was happy to reserve tickets for us! So far, 4 of us will be getting the Patron VIP seats. I'm a little disappointed though that the first 10 rows are reserved for the promoters.

It's really a dream come true! I was resigned to the fact that I have to go to US just to see them. Who would have thought that they will come here at a time that they have no new album out (though they promised that they will release one early 2008).

Vertical Horizon really means so much to me. Their music has been the soundtrack of my life since I became a die hard fan a few years ago. They are MORE than just the pop songs that you hear on the radio. They write and perform earnest music. Their songs talk of a great range of subjects and not just about romantic love like other famous bands. Whether you are a casual listener or a die-hard fan like me, this is a concert that you don't want to miss!

Now, I have to find the venue where they will play their Dec. 8 show...

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For more info you can visit:

TicketNet

VH Multiply Group

God is in the Details

The song you've heard that you can relate to,

He knows what you're going through.

The uplifting text message that you just received,

He can make up your day when you're feeling down.

The mentor who gave you a very good advice,

He knows just what to say when something bothers you.

The professor who was patient with you when you didn't understand the lesson,

He can be patient with you no matter what you do.

When your boss or mentor pats your back,

He's acknowledging you for a job well done.

The holiday that you have off from work,

He's telling you that it's OK to stop and take some rest.

The person that thanked you for the help you extended,

He appreciates what you’re doing for Him.

The time when you survived an accident,

He showed that he can protect you.

The loyal friend who stood by you even if you failed him / her,

His love is unconditional.

Your parents who sacrificed / willing to sacrifice their lives so that you can have a better one,

He already did that when He died on the cross so that you can be free.

God is in the details.

We may not notice it but He's in the goodness that we encounter.

And He's just there, patiently waiting...

Waiting for us to accept His love and start a relationship with Him.

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John 15:13 (New King James Version)

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down ones life for his friends."

Jesus died on the cross to save us and in the process, He also showed how much he loves us. Dying on the cross was His greatest expression of love for us.

Quotes on Greatness (10/16/2007)

Saw these quotes posted on an establishment I visited yesterday. I wasn't able to memorize them but thanks for the help of ThinkExist.com, I looked them up.

"Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character."

[William Arthur Ward]

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

[Martin Luther King, Jr.]

Lyric Insights - How To Save A Life by The Fray

I've been listening to this song for a long time and I really like it. The music which is primarily driven by piano and drums is full of emotions. But it was just recently that the lyrics of this song got me. It was probably my mood last week that I felt like the song is talking to me.

I first interpreted that the song is about a relationship between 2 friends / lovers / couple who each went on their own ways. Then, one person in the relationship would like to give it another chance by talking to the other party. For me, the song captures the feeling of awkwardness (see Verse I) and difficulty (see Verses II and III) of trying to resolve a problem when the 2 parties haven't communicated in a long time. The party who initiated the talk also acknowledges that he / she somehow has a part why the relationship ended (see Chorus).

I checked the web for the writer's influence for the song and found out that it is about trying to reach out to a troubled teen. According to Wikipedia:

"The verses of the song describe an attempt by an adult to confront a troubled teen. In the chorus, the singer laments that he himself was unable to save a friend because he did not know how."

For me, this is simply a great song.

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How To Save A Life by The Fray

Verse I

Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it’s just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came

Chorus

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Verse II

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you’ve told him all along
And pray to God he hears you

Verse III

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you’ve followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he’ll say he’s just not the same
And you’ll begin to wonder why you came

Here you can check out the music video

5 Facts About Me - Tagging: Vince, Yanee, Gary, Sheila P., Dayeen

The 5 facts about yourself, you share 5 things that your readers don't know about you. Then at the end you tag 5 other bloggers to keep the fun going.

[Tagged by Paolo]

THE RULES:

1. Each blogger post these rules first.
2. Each blogger must start with 5 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their 5 things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 5 people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.


THE 5 FACTS:
1. I'm a die hard fan of the band Vertical Horizon. I have all their albums and many of their live and unreleased recordings. I love them because they write great music and lyrics and I can relate to most of their lyrics. They are my primary music influence and inspired me to pursue drumming. I dream is to watch them live and talk to them. If I have enough money, I would go and fly to US just to see them! Can't wait for their next album!

2. When I was in Grade 5, I started listening to The Beatles. While listening, I would play drums along their songs. I used a few Tupperwares and improvised drumsticks with cloth tips so that the Tupperwares would not be damaged. I didn't realize back then that it was the musical instrument that I want to play. Now I'm living my childhood want! :)

3. I usually don't make promises because when I make one, it's 99.9% percent that I will do it. It's not that I don't want to make commitments. For me, promising something is the same as signing a written contract. I don't want people to expect something from me and then failing them for not making it.

4. My mood varies from super hyper to super quiet. I'm hyper when I'm excited or playing sports. I'm quiet when I need to think and analyze things. Sometimes people aren't used to seeing my extremes. Hehe

5. I'm a nocturnal person. I'm not used to sleeping early at night. I don't want to go home from work and just eat, take a bath and sleep. I have to do something like watch TV, read books, write blogs. Sleeping at 12 am is already early for me.

Tagging: Vince, Yanee, Gary, Sheila P., Dayeen

Video Shoot for YAMO Sunday

[Sept 5 3:29 am]

I can't sleep... We had a BLAST doing the video shoot last night for YAMO (Young Adults Ministry for Others) Sunday service at Lighthouse Buencamino! I can't wait to see the final outcome on Sunday! :) The preparation for the YAMO Sunday service started at 7pm but came 11pm, the video shoot wasn't through yet. I wanted to finish it but since I have to go to office today, I had to leave early. But going home early was no use because I'm still thinking about it even if I'm already in bed. So I thought that blogging it would somehow make me feel sleepy. =))

I'm excited since this will be my first Sunday service in a born again Christian church for a long time. I usually attend only the Thursday service since I'm a Catholic (btw: religion is not really important for me... what matters is my relationship to God and fellow believers). My cousin who is a born again Christian and she invited me 3 months ago to attend the Thursday service while I was on leave. I've been attending it regularly since because I really enjoy the service and the company of the people there. It was just recently that I joined the Praise and Worship team so I made a commitment to myself to attend not only the Thursday service but also the Sunday. Finally I can now put my drumming skills to good use! And not only that, I will be using if for the glory of God! :)

By the way, I would like to invite everyone especially the young adults near Alabang to attend the YAMO Sunday service at Lighthouse Buencamino. There will be 8am and 10am services. For those who would like to attend just contact or message me! :)

O yan Lord ha, nag-blog na ako tungkol dito! Patulugin nyo na ako kasi may aayusin pa akong bugs at coding mamaya! :p

On Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (TNIV)

Love

    If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

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As I was reading Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (Chapter 16), I looked up this passage in the bible. The passage really struck me. We can all achieve our goals, be successful in our careers, gain knowledge and even do good deeds but still miss the point of life. If we do these things out of selfishness and vanity; not for God and others, we are NOTHING... we gain NOTHING. What matters is we do things out of Love.

City Sidetrip - Esplanade

This afternoon I picked up the cargo delivery of our merchandise in Remedios. Before going home, I thought of going to SM Mall of Asia to buy some CD-R's for our internet cafe. As I went to MOA, I passed by the Esplanade and saw that most of it is under construction. But there is a part somewhere to the right (if you're facing the sea) that is still accessible to the public. So I thought of making a sidetrip to the Esplanade after going to MOA to have some alone time...again... I feel I have to maximize my leave!!! :))

When we had our Europe trip last year, out of all the places that we visited my favorite was Barcelona. I like Barcelona because it reminded me of Manila; the culture, night-life, city orientation, food, etc... In Barcelona, they have a road by the seawall similar to our Roxas Boulevard. They have a mall beside the sea pretty much like MOA; but MOA is a LOT BIGGER. On thing we don't have now is a clean beach in the city where anyone can swim for free!

My dad used to tell us that when he was still young, they would swim in the beach here in the Las Piñas part of Manila Bay. That beach is now gone... thanks to the Coastal Road. It's sad that our generation wasn't able to enjoy it. I remember a time when I was a child (about 4 yrs old) when we went to the side of Coastal Road to swim. I think that was the first time I went to swim in the sea so I was very excited. The bay was not as polluted compared to now but we only swam there for a few minutes because the dirty water made us itch. We just transferred to a former beach resort that turned to a pool resort (again... thanks to the Coastal Road). I remember I was disappointed that time.

I bet that if Manila is only as organized and as clean as Barcelona, we would attract millions of tourists. Manila would probably be the best destination in Asia. How I wish that there will come a time that Manila Bay will not be polluted anymore. How I wish that we Manileños will be disciplined in keeping the city clean. We were so lucky... we just didn't take care of it. I hope we can bring the beauty of the city back. :(

I made most of my stay there even if the stench of the pollution on the sea and the cockroaches living in the breakwater cannot be ignored. I sat by the seaside for about 45 mins just thinking and listening to music. I observed the surroundings and the people hanging out. There were not much people at the Esplanade; perfect if you want to have some time alone. There were a few families who brought their own chairs and had picnic. There were also a couple of people who flew their big kites. Some were alone like me just enjoying their own solitude. From afar I see the ships and the big cranes in the pier. The monster cranes reminded me of the AT-AT's of Star Wars. There were also black smokes coming from that area and it looked like a war scene from the movie trilogy. The area of the sea to where the sun was about to set had rains and thunderstorms so I wasn't able to see the sunset. I wished I had brought my camera with me. I could have taken a few pictures. I wanted to stay longer but had to go home first and then to Alabang to attend the Young Adults' Ministry to Others (YAMO) at Lighthouse every Thursday.

My First Traffic Violation Ticket

This afternoon, I went to Petron at Blue Wave to buy bar code tags for our product. On my way home from Petron (which is at the corner of the EDSA Ext. and Macapagal Blvd.), I made a partial counter-flow on EDSA Ext. and then turned right to Macapagal. Unluckily, there were a group of MMDA and brown uniform police (local Pasay probably) preying for victims as I made my turn. They saw me do the partial counter-flow and signaled to pull me over.

At first the brown uniform police (now to be called MIB… Man in Brown) approached and told me that what I did was “illegal counter-flow” and is a violation with a fine of P2000. He asked me if I would like to settle it under the table so that it won’t be hassle for me paying P2000 and getting my license somewhere in Cuneta Astrodome. He also said that it would take a month before I can get the license.

I thought that P2000 was a big amount especially now that I’m still on leave without pay. It was tempting to bribe that police but decided not to. I felt that it was only right for me to be issued a traffic violation ticket even if I only counter-flowed not more than 10 meters. When he felt that I wasn’t going to give him a bribe, he went to the MMDA police and I heard him say: “Tsk tsk…Lugi tayo rito…”

Then the MMDA police approached me and again asked me if I would like to settle it under the table. Again I said no. Then he went back of the van and discussed something with the MIB. After a while he went back to me and said that he will be giving me a lighter violation; “reckless driving” which has a fine of P500 (but for me reckless driving sounds worse than illegal counter-flow… hahaha). He again reiterated that it would be a hassle for me to pay for the fine but I then said: “Mabuti nga yun para matuto ako.” I was proud of myself that I was able to say that and stand on my principles. Bribery exists because there are those who are willing to bribe.

Now my dilemma… Should I report this to MMDA or not? Is it worth the time, effort and the risk? The MMDA police officer has my name and address. They can easily track me if they want to get even. Hmmm…