Exchange Gifts

Braving long lines at infamously inefficient government offices (kinda reminds me of a certain administrative office in Ateneo) is not exactly one of my favorite past-times. Waking up early in the morning to wait in line with hundreds of people in the scorching heat while the time passes by oh-so-excruciatingly slow...I'd rather sleep in on any given day. I wasn't looking forward to this at all. But then again, if I don't do it, who will?

Being the eager beaver that I am, I already went ahead and got some requirements ahead of time. I don't have a clue about the process involved in securing an NBI Clearance or what I need to bring. But most important of them all, I had no idea where to get it! Which is normal. My knowledge of government offices equals zilch and usually I just turn to Google Maps for a quick answer. Nor did my mom. Now that wasn't a good sign at all.

Thank God my dad knew someone who knew someone where they issue these clearances and knows these processes. Aren't connections wonderful? We took the LRT and we were with a couple of policemen in uniform. I didn't know why they had to be in uniform--for maximum shock value, I guess? It was quite an experience. I felt so bad-ass having these "bodyguards" while walking around the crowded streets of the metro. (so that's how it feels) But then again, I also felt weird. If you know me, I was never one to make a splash; I prefer to be noticed by being subtle and not being over-the-top. Yet here I was, walking with two uniformed men with people gawking and staring. Right.

Anyway, the whole process took less than 2 hours, including travel time. Which is really really fast considering that government offices are usually full of people even during the early morning. But the thing that struck me the most was that it was my first time to witness "exchange gifts" not during Christmas season, if you know what I mean.

The office personnel processed my documents in a jiffy-no lines, no waiting. And in return, I think he got a free ride home or something. All throughout the process, personal favors were called in, names were dropped, calls made, and cell phone numbers exchanged! I have never encountered this before and needless to say, I was flabbergasted. Is this how it works in the "real world"?

I hope not! 'Cause if it is, then life would be just a contest of who knows who, who knows the most people, who's the most well-connected rather than life being the way you make it--through hard work, perseverance, and dogged determination. 'Cause if it is, merit just goes straight out the door. The day that life ceases to be a meritocracy will be a sad sad day for us.

Call me idealistic and naive, but I don't think I'll be availing of this "service" anytime soon. But I wonder, will that even make a difference? Will a lone person making a personal choice affect the system that has grown its roots through centuries of practice? Some say that I'm stupid for not using whatever tools are at my disposal. But I beg to differ. A very wise person once said, "Be part of the change you want to see in others; otherwise you're just part of the problem." I'm sure it was somebody famous who said this, but I forgot who it is. I don't want to be accused of plagiarism, now do I? :)

Side note: I wonder how many "favors" and perks some officials enjoy.