So What If You Take the Public Commute?

We have heard some local showbiz personalities taking the public transportation (LRT, MRT, jeepney and all the she bangs) recently all because of the unbearable and still unresolved traffic caused by the overabundance of cars and the lack of discipline and respect to the traffic laws that have been poorly enforced to begin with.

While a lot of people admire these artistas for being practical and able to endure the overcrowded train, I don't see anything buzzworthy with it. I mean, yes, they are celebrities, popular, and they can afford private cars but what's the big deal?

I think that the reason masses get gaga screaming (and fainting) whenever they see these stars is that these personalities are inaccessible except in mall shows, fiesta, or free premiere nights. Other than that, people have to spend money to see them personally.

In Hollywood, the likes of Keanu Reeves take the subway regularly and it's a common sight. We don't see it in TMZ. It's not in any headline of a showbiz news, except when their clothes are fashionably unflattering.

The Philippines is such a celebrity-crazy culture and I think that the huge part of who should take the blame is the media. They hype ordinary matters such as this. So what if they take the public commute? Does that mean our "ordinary" commoners have to be extra privileged for being their co-passengers? Do our public transport have to be thankful to them for what they did?

Big deal!

Of Sanitation and Customer Service

My OCD strikes again. Being raised in an environment where money is not allowed on places where food are usually put, McDonald's in Rockwell Business Center Ortigas has got my attention, in a very negative way. The first time their crew member put the utensils on the counter (even on top of tissue paper) for to-go orders, I already got irritated. The image of bacteria crawling toward those utensils disturbs me. Regardless of how clean it appears, it still is a counter. [Some] people place their money on it and it's too unsanitary.

I also remember one time when one of the supervisors accidentally bumped into the coffee section and made those paper cups fall on the floor. She just picked them up and place them back on the rack. It's just funny. Apparently, "wala pang 5 minutes" applies to your store.

I have already told the crew members about this malpractice but they just ignored me.

And so I took the next step - emailing their customer service department. And I was glad I did it. After 24 hours, I got a reply from them.

Last week, I saw the change. They're already using the paper place mat before putting those tissue paper and utensils. That's better. At least I've done those other customers a huge favor - of eating clean food.

I hope all establishments will take customers' comments that positively. And I hope all dissatisfied customers will be proactive in sending their suggestions as well.