The day started with the realization that I was asleep by midnight and awake before seven in the morning. A full six hours of sleep (plus some) which though is recommended by most studies, I have never done when I was in Manila or elsewhere. The only image in my mind was a tick box with a big check! Good job so early in the day, I told myself (I actually literally did!). Breakfast was eaten at 8AM (not at 4AM or 12NN, like in Manila). Tuna, boiled egg and ½ cup rice. Check! For health!
Left at half past 10 to go to the local PhilHealth office. Raining so hard and the one in charge of accreditation wasn’t there. BOO! Not check! Went to BIR and got requirements for TIN card application. People were nice, helpful and I’ve never enjoyed something that has to do with taxes in like a while, more like NEVER!
I was then surprised that a trip to the Notary began with the mention of the lawyer’s first name. Wow! It may be a small city but I was still suprised that people are on a first name basis. Check! For commaraderie! I also didn’t pay him in cash but instead paid him through a prescription. The very first I’ve written in Borongan. Check! For new beginnings. Then it was time to go to the city’s hall to get my Professional Tax Number. Check! For speed and efficiency (something I can’t say for my experience in Manila).
It was also in the City Hall that I was able to meet a cousin of my friend, who apparently was a member of the mayor’s senior staff. As such, she was able to advise me on the good places to visit and must-try local experiences. I even got invited to a seafood lunch on Sunday (if the constant rains won’t kill off the sea creatures)! And to top it off, the first invitation was to a videoke place. Yehey! Check! To new acquaintances!
The next event for me was self-explanatory in its “checkness”. Grilled Tuna (nearly 300 gms of it) – 130 pesos, good for 2-3 persons was the menu entry that made my lunch even healthier than my breakfast. Paired with fish cake and spicy chicken chao fan. Yum, yum, yum. Check! For pure delight!
Post-lunch was back to BIR to retrieve my TIN card and apply for a permit to issue a receipt. Woohoo, I am now a personal tax-payer. Check! For government revenue. Then I realized my nails needed loving and my hair needed hedge-ing. So off to the parlor for some haircut (much needed, I might add) and hand spa with manicure. Apparently utilizing the local people for your personal needs is a good way to advertise ones practice. Check! For livelihood development and good hands and hair.
When I got back to the hospital, PhilHealth delivered the necessary forms for me to fill up. That is, while extending an apology for the in-charge not being there earlier. Check! For good recovery.
As I lie in my room and writing this, I just thought, everything is not as black and white as I thought they were. No, I was lying. What I really am thinking about is an iPhone 4, don’t ask why.
Checkmate!
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