WAITING, WAITING, WAITING

The last few weeks have been laden with third world inefficiencies ranging from delays to being given incorrect/missing information by people supposedly in the know. As I approach my fourth year in Manila, it dawned on me that as impatient as I am today, I actually have become a little bit less impatient. For those who know me, that might be hard to believe. Here are a few anecdotes for your amusement.

My high school girlfriends and I had a short weekend reunion in Cebu from Friday night to Sunday night. We had picked that destination because we have a friend there who can make anyone laugh hysterically to the point of breathlessness and tummy aches. The added bonus to the “I will have you in stitches talent” of this friend is that he’s a GM of a luxury hotel. We decided to cash in on the perks of having a friend in high places. Room upgrades to a Junior Suite plus many others. Enough said.

On the way back to Manila, we got to the Cebu airport with plenty of time before departure. We were immediately told the plane would be delayed, period. An hour later, it was announced that planes were switched and the plane that we were going to use hadn’t left Manila. Some time later, after a second delay was announced, my very sweet world-class traveler girlfriend decided to investigate what the problem really was with the ticket counter. It turned out that the plane still hadn’t left the province of origin to go to Manila. From Manila, the plane would now have to fly to Cebu to unload its passengers and then pick us up. The ticket agent offered my friend a Jollibee Chickenjoy meal for the delay. This just further irritated my friend who wanted to get home, not be fed fried chicken, rice and gravy. Especially after we gorged on unforgettable, brown crispy-skinned, glistening with fat and filled with flavorful meat Cebu lechon Friday night, courtesy of GM.

My sweet girlfriend had every right to complain that the flight was delayed and that the airline didn’t know exactly what was going on. I, on the other hand, have just accepted that it’s one of those things that go with flying – delays. As long as the plane will get me to my destination safely together with my luggage, I will weather the delay without too much fuss. For crying out loud, we're in the Philippines. Whatever happened on time in this country anyway?

The Japanese restaurant in Little Tokyo which I used to love – Seryna - a few weeks ago on a Saturday at lunchtime. Got there right around noon when the place was about a quarter full. Ordered a very simple appetizer (Japanese spring roll) and two entrees (a chirashi sushi and DIY raw steak to be cooked on a stone). Half an hour later, no food. I follow up with the waitress. She tells me the kitchen is just overwhelmed with a barrage of orders but the food will come soon. Fifteen minutes after when I’m already turning into a ravenous monster, I follow up again with the same waitress and she tells me the same thing. Kitchen is really busy. Another fifteen minutes after that (which is already an hour since we ordered), I stand up and speak directly to the Manager. From that time, it took another fifteen minutes to get our order, the appetizer and two entrees together. I relay this story to a friend of mine who dines there frequently and he claims that the restaurant serves Japanese people first regardless of when they arrive. I share this story with my lunchdate that Saturday and he confirms that we were the only Filipinos in the restaurant that day, save for another 2 people.

I am writing this establishment, which is Japanese-owned, a separate letter regarding the “discrimination” in my own country where I am a first-class, tax-paying and law-abiding citizen. Even as a foreigner in the States for 17 years, I did not once experience discrimination of any sort. I don't think I can tolerate this in the country of my birth, in a Japanese-owned restaurant.....

Last week, I was in the process of redeeming an investment from an insurance/financial institution. Since I had lost the policy, I had to show up personally at the office with a notarized affidavit and 2 forms of ID to pick up my check. I had the whole morning planned out after I picked up the check. I got there and the tune had changed yet again. I could not pick up the check that morning the way it was confirmed to me by my sales agent and her assistant because it would take at least a few hours to process the check.

Nobody seems to know the real story in this country yet people will gladly tell you what’s going on even if it’s inaccurate. And does anyone care that this misinformation messed up your day? That’s your problem, not theirs.

I went to check out a space in Makati. The person who was supposed to show it to me was not around but the guard had the key. He radioed upstairs and was told someone would come down right away to show the space. Fifteen minutes later, that someone was still nowhere in sight. I kept telling the guard that I was in a rush and if he was authorized to show the space, he should just go ahead and show it to me himself. I was waiting together with another woman who was also in a hurry. The guard still insisted that someone was coming down shortly and that I should wait. I had another appointment so I left abruptly. They just lost my potential business. And they probably don’t care that they did.

Time is a precious commodity. Out of respect for people, I don’t make them wait for me unless I have told them I am going to be late. I do not appreciate being made to wait unnecessarily either.

Having regaled you with all those shallow stories, I know that patience is a virtue that very few people have. As much as I am impatient by nature, I have come to terms with the fact that much of life is about waiting. I have to learn to wait with more grace and more coolness because it makes my existence a lot more enjoyable.

In my heart of hearts, I do believe that some things are worth waiting for……Not a Japanese lunch, though. Next time, if my food doesn’t arrive in a timely fashion and my blood sugar has already dropped to a point beyond bearable, I will walk out. That’s why fast-food places were invented.

Tina Vitas
Makati City