How to Deal with DFA Fixers

I've been going back and forth to DFA for the past weeks to process some papers for authentication. And not once in those times have I not witnessed DFA fixers trying to lure victims into their illegal transactions. With the presence of the Barangay Tanods, they have subtle means to get the attention of those who are unaware of their machinations.

Here are some ways on how the fixers at DFA try to victimize people:

1. Fixers would loudly say, "Wala na jan ang DFA."

Don't heed these people saying those lines. Once you stop and ask them where the new office is, they would start confusing you and extract money from you. Fixers use this ploy because the DFA Office is a large compound with confusing entrances and exits for first-timers. Although there were some changes in the entrances and exits, the DFA is still in the same building.

If you really don't know where to go or where to find the DFA, ask the uniformed security guards from the establishments around the area. There are several stores and schools around DFA. Ask the guards. Do not ask the people milling on the sides. Chances are they are fixers waiting for someone to ask them.

2. Some fixers would pretend to ask you where DFA is.

Some fixers would wait for people going to DFA. Then, they would slowly walk up to you to ask if you know where DFA is or if DFA is still opened. Once you answered their question, they would try to strike a conversation. If they learned that it's your first time, then they would try to pretend that someone told them that DFA is somewhere there.

In my case, a man walked up to me and asked where should he authenticate his documents. I pointed to the direction and told him that since I'm also going there. He then told me that he thinks, it's beside a red building. So I looked up to him and said "Fixer ka ba? Pabalik balik na ko dito." (Are you a fixer? I've been here a lot of times.) Then he walked away from me and perhaps waited for another victim.

If somebody ask you for directions or about anything regarding DFA, either share what you know cautiously or tell the person to ask the guards. If you're unaware of what you should do, don't immediately believe the person who talked to you. Again, there are plenty of guards to ask information from.

3. Some fixers would walk with you as a group and try to talk to you.

In Filipino, the term for this action is "kuyug." Three or four fixers would try to surround you subtly by walking with you. They would ask questions or they would try to "help" you. Some would try to say that you need this and that. They can be overwhelming if you're alone.

If this happens to you, just ignore them. Try to walk close to the establishments where other people can see you. If they become threatening, tell them to go away or else you'll shout. Always make sure that you are visible in the sight of other people.

After being aware of these modus operandi, here are some things you can do to avoid falling to the traps of the fixers:

1. Know where you're going. And even if you don't know where you're going, pretend to know. Don't look weak or ignorant about the place. Don't look around. Just walk straight then ask for directions to the uniformed guards.

2. Don't display your documents. Most people coming to DFA have folder or an envelope with them containing documents. As much as possible, bring a bag or a file case. Why? People with documents are red flags for fixers. When you hold your documents, it is easier to assume that it would be your first time or that you really have a business with DFA. You become less of a target when you just have a bag. I can personally vouch for this. The only time that a fixer came up to me was when I was holding a pastic envelope with visible documents. The other times, I have a big bag where I can fit my papers.

3. Don't talk to anyone except to the uniformed guards. Just walk and don't entertain any conversation or questions. If the person approaching you has a question that you don't know, just say you don't know and refer him to the guards (again!). If you know what the person is asking, continue walking even if you're answering his queries. Look like you're in a hurry but not scared.

It's actually sad that people has to be guarded when they're going to going offices like DFA. It seems to illustrate how incompetent the government in protecting its people when they are just so near.

Photo Credits:

http://nugglepurl.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-dfa-main-office-building.html

http://marikinacity.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/anti-fixer-campaign-in-marikina/

Great Online Jobs: Earning Extra

The internet did not only give way to loads of information. It also made working from home so much possible. Home-based online jobs are good news for parents who can't leave their children, for students who are hesitant to do part-time jobs and even for retirees who still want to keep their minds sharp.

Here are some sites that you can visit and see for yourself if you want the jobs they offer.

1. Rarejob

If you want to meet some foreign students and teach English, try to apply at Rarejob. Rarejob Philippines Inc. is an online language school that caters to Japanese students. They are always looking for home-based online English tutors. Unlike other online academies, Rarejob has built a solid reputation. The company was also featured in Japan several times already. You can earn from P90/hour to P150/ hour depending on your qualifications. However, you must a student or a graduate from the University of the Philippines. If not, you must be referred by a tutor from UP.

Web Site: http://www.rarejob.com/professional/

2. Bright Hub

If you're into writing and sharing information, consider Bright Hub. What makes Bright Hub better than other sites are, first, there's just a variety of topics that you can write about- from home decor to business, from education to computers. The website welcomes writers from various fields so everyone has a chance. Second, they're not biased towards US residents unlike other sites. Wherever you are in the world, you are welcome. Lastly, Bright Hub gives upfront payment. This means that if your earnings do not depend on page views. As long as your editor approve your work for publishing, then expect to receive $10 or more or less P500 for a 500-word article. Currently, Bright Hub is implementing some changes and one of them is by increasing their pay to the writers, around $15 for a 600-word article.

Web Site: http://www.brighthub.com/

3. ODesk

You don't like to teach and write but still you want to earn through online jobs, then  browse ODesk. ODesk offers various online works such as encoding, graphic design, blogging, etc. Payment depends on your agreement with the contractor and the nature of work. You can earn $1 or P50 (depending on the exchange rate) to about $10 or more.

Web Site: https://www.odesk.com/

These online jobs are worth your time. (I would know cause I've also tried them.) You just need a stable internet connection and some talent then you can start working! Good luck!

Dining at Tagaytay

I am not a food connoisseur. My cooking abilities are also limited. I see food as a fuel for the body. As long as the food being served to me is not spoiled and doesn't smell (or taste) unusual, I'll definitely eat it. When I eat out, I prefer the ambiance of the place more than the taste of food. With these limitations laid out, this blog entry is just an attempt to describe my gastronomic experience during my recent trip in Tagaytay. 

I don't know how to exactly start this entry. I'll just say that these were the places where we, my boyfriend and I, ate during our recent Tagaytay trip.

1. Alamat Restaurant

Alamat Restaurant can be found inside Picnic Grove. We ate here because this is the only restaurant inside the grounds. You can find it upon walking up the path from the entrance gate. There are indoor and outdoor tables. We ate outside because there were no more spaces inside. Place was relatively clean. However, there were a few flies because our table was situated outside and there were plants around.

Kare-kare at Alamat Restaurant, Tagaytay

Smoked fish (tilapia) at Alamat Restaurant, Tagaytay

Service was slow once they get our orders. We had to wait for about 20 minutes before our food was served. We just ordered 2 dishes and the place was not full with people. My boyfriend had to ask three times for water before it was served.

We ordered kare-kare and inihaw na tilapia or smoked fish. The fish was cooked just right to our taste- crispy on the outside and well-cooked in the inside. But the kare-kare was a different thing, It's just okay. It tasted a bit sweet. The sauce was not thick enough.

For 2 dishes and 3 servings of rice, we paid for around P390.

Recommendation: If it's not a hassle on your part, bring your own food if you're planning to have lunch at Picnic Grove. It's better to pay a picnic shed or table overlooking Taal than dine here. First, the place doesn't overlook the lake. Second, the air is cooler in the picnic area than dining out in Alamat Restaurant.

2. Pamana Restaurant

The only reason why I'd like to eat here was the because of the place's ambiance. It's also nearer where we stayed than the other well-known restaurants in the area. Pamana is located along the road going to Nasugbu. From Tagaytay Rotunda, it's about 5 minutes away and can be seen on the left side. The location of the place is strategic to give you a good view of Taal Lake. The place itself is luxuriously homey. I think the place was a rest house before it was converted into a restaurant. We ate on the second floor. Good thing that there were only a few patrons because the place is cramped. The chairs and tables are antique in style. We would like to be placed in the balcony area but due to mist and drizzle, we were advised to eat inside.

BULALO at Pamana Restaurant, Tagaytay

As for the service, the staff was friendly and as prompt as they can be. They also accommodated us when we requested to see the third floor which was also closed due to the weather.

We just ordered Bulalo, a type of beef stew, a bowl of rice and a pitcher of iced tea. The bulalo was good for 5 to 6. It tasted good enough. I just hoped they put some corn in it. The bowl of rice was good for two people who eats moderately. In short, the rice serving won't really fill you. The iced tea tasted like a Nestea. I had no problems with the taste but for ordinary-tasting food (and drink), I was disappointed to be paying around P950!

Pamana Restaurant facade

Recommendation: Dine here for breakfast, lunch or early dinner so you can see Taal Lake. Don't look at the food prices at face value. The prices listed there were exclusive of VAT. They also have service charge. Don't dine if you're on a budget. Maybe have a drink instead of a full meal. Enjoy the ambiance!

3. Java Jazz

Java Jazz is located near Ina ng Laging Saklolo Church. It is about 5 to 10 minutes away from Tagaytay Rotunda along the road leading to Picnic Grove. Originally, we planned to have a late night drink of hot choco and coffee. But because of the bulalo we ate at Pamana, we reserved eating at this place for our lunch the next day. The place is like an artist's haven. Several paintings are displayed around the  area. We ate on the mat ala Japanese style. There were cute tables and chairs too. The place was soothing and relaxing esp. with the Jazz music being played.

Artworks  at Java Jazz, Tagaytay

Service is quite slow. I wasn't sure why since we were the only customers at that time. We waited for almost half an hour for a plate of spaghetti and a plate of fried bangus, egg and rice. (Yes, their menu is very varied.)
Actually, even when we asked for our tab, we waited for about 10 minutes.

Hot Choco with Marshmallows at Java Jazz, Tagaytay

Tsokolat-Ah! at Java Jazz, Tagaytay

 As  for the food, they were average. Nothing really special. But their hot chocolate were something else. I ordered Tsokolat-Ah! It was a perfect blend of sweetness and bitterness. So far, theirs was the best-tasting hot choco that I have tasted and this is considering that I always try hot chocos and coffee whenever I travel. I also tried hot chocos from various cafes in the metro. My boyfriend ordered hot choco with marshmallows. It was also good but with a candy-like aftertaste because of the marshes.

All in all, we paid P480.

Recommendation: Go here at night. No need to order food but try their hot chocos. The place is good for conversation! 

One thing I have learned when dining in Tagaytay was not to see the food prices at face value. VAT was always not included in their prices. At least, here in the restos that we tried. They also have service charge which I have nothing against of but they should inform their customers about through the menu. It's like they have hidden charges. Also, try these places for the ambiance and experience. No need to expect too much about the food. At least, this is my opinion.