LTO and the Student Permit

This morning, my friend went to the LTO to get a student permit. He called them three times to ensure he gets the necessary documents to bring with him. How sad is he, calling three times? Well, can't blame him. I guess in a country like ours, you need to make sure and make sure and make sure.

So when he got there, the person assisting him said that he needed an ID with a TIN # on it. You cannot just have a passport or an ID with no TIN #. You cannot just have a TIN #. It must be on an ID.

It's really sad to think that people like these are running our government offices. After having called several times, my friend still didn't get the right information. What do the LTO people need an ID with a TIN # on it? Passport and TIN # and Birth Certificate won't suffice. YOU MUST HAVE AN ID WITH TIN # ON IT.

That is what they said. So now he has to go back tomorrow. Waste of time. Waste of cab fare.

The Strength of Catholics in the Philippines

Blasphemous! We've replaced the 12 disciples and Jesus with supermodels. Female disciples? Male Mary? Female Jesus? Think about thinking out of the box.

I forgot where I saw this picture, but I thought it was very interesting because it shakes up the mind. It makes one think and wonder about the possibilities. It really opens your eyes to looking at things from a different perspective.

So about the catholics here in the Philippines? If we are such a strong catholic nation, why is our country described as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. If most citizens are catholics, why is there such pervasive display of non-catholic, unchristian behavior wherever you go. From Pagudpud to Sorsogon (that's the commercial from the movies), you see human tragedy. Greed, power, poverty, hunger, corruption.

Does that mean, then, that most catholics are hypocrites? That they go to church but don't really practice what they learn? Or does that mean that they are not hypocrites, but that the church is teaching them the wrong things?

Someone, please tell me.

I took a picture of this wall frame at one of my client's training rooms. It's a great reminder that despite all the battles, the hardships, the obstacles, the blues, or whatever word you may want to call it, we need to remember that there are still opportunities ahead of us. As long as life has not ended for you, as long as you are breathing, and as long as you will live to see the light of day again, you can make a change.

There are many times when I would just want to quit, and go back home to the US. But I keep telling myself, that this is where I need to be. That I have a purpose here. There are so many people that will try to undermine you. People who will not believe in you. People who could care less about the people. People are people. They are not perfect, and they can be the most cruel ones out there without even knowing it.

So I say, Don't Quit. DO IT. Sounds like Nike, eh? But it's so true. When the going gets rough, the tough gets going. Damn, how many jingles and cliches is this post going to have? To make a long story short, look at it from an optimist's point of view, like this wall frame says: Every difficulty is an opportunity in disguise.

Great Talkers are Little Doers

Today, one of my clients asked me, "What's wrong with the Filipinos?" He's a foreigner from Korea. He said that most Filipinos he meets are fed up about their situation. They always speak of corruption, bad politics, dirty streets, disorganized communities, poverty, poor education, bad government, the kitchen sink, the beeping car, you name it. He asked me, "If the Filipinos are so disappointed about their current situation, why is the country not changing?"

I ask the same thing myself. The only answer I can think of is that we like to talk, complain, whine, or what not, instead of helping to make a change through action. This begs the question, "Why do we not take action?" My honest opinion is that we are afraid. We are afraid that if we take action about the wrongdoings, we may be harmed in the process. Therefore, we would rather shut up and put up. If it inconveniences us, turn a blind eye. How sad that we must behave this way. However, I do understand, for we may only be protecting our own lives.

But there comes a time when you just need to speak out. When is this time?

Government Office Hung up on me

Should I be surprised that an employee in a government office I called today hung up on me? Should I be upset? Should I be disappointed? No, I shouldn't be. I've expected it. If I get all fired up, it would just ruin my day. There are certain things we cannot change, and we should just accept them. Does this mean I'm becoming a wuss? Am I ready to accept and do nothing? Of course not. This is a battle I can not win. Many of us have to complain to this person's manager in order to see a change. And even then, there probably won't be a change.

I called the Bureau of Immigration at about 11am, and this dude answered told me I should call back at 1pm because there is no one else there to answer my inquiries. Why pick up the phone then? And what is he doing there if he cannot answer questions? Is he there to simply pick up the phone and tell people to call back? Are we paying for his salary? Well, he probably doesn't get any salary, so he doesn't care if he helps or not. Thus continues the vicious cycle...

I would recommend to government office managers. Do a phone shop of your own office. Pretend you are a customer yourself. I can guarantee you that you will not like the service that your own people are providing. Is that how you want your office provided? I'm sure you already know that the way your people treat others is a reflection of who you are as a manager. So why allow your people to be rude and worthless. You wouldn't want your sister, mother, brother, grandmother, father to go through a bad experience, do you? Why allow your people to serve us in such a poor manner? Yes, do a phone shop, and you will discover how ineffective your people are. Just a small suggestion.