Faves and Peeves

Through the past few months, I have compiled some of my observations as a consumer, motorist, or just plain tax payer me. And below are some personal experiences which make or unmake my day. How about you? Care to share your thoughts?

1. Peeve- At Waltermart Supermarket in Makati, straws are intentionally ripped off and detached from tetra-packed drinks. You will have to remind your bagger boy at the counter to give you straws for your purchased drinks. Or if they ran out of straws from the payout counter, you will have to line up for them at the Customer Service Station!?.. What could be worse than that? I tell you, worse is when you get the wrong straws for the type of drinks that you bought.. (too short, too thick or too thin)... Arrgh... I have stopped shopping at the Waltermart for this reason. It is such a hassle. Why do you suppose the likes of Nestle, Magnolia, Selecta etc. attached those straws to the packages? At Waltermart Supermarket, they just do not seem to get it. (Oct 2006)

2. Fave - I just love the baristas in Starbucks Magallanes. They go the extra mile to get to know customers - for a more personal service and interface. In fact, I commend all staff in the store including the guards and cleaning personnel - very polite and always "ready-to-help". Now, that is customer-service!

3. Peeve - Baby cockroaches in Auntie Anne's Branch in Glorietta. Yikes! But yes, I saw them and even called store personnel attention to it. Surprisingly, the response was just a shrug of the shoulder-- as if, it was no big dea since the cockroaches roaming (there were three) were tiny. But stilll!!!??? The sighting happened on February 5, 2007, store opening time.

4. Peeve - When traffic enforcers cause road accidents. The worst right? On March 22, 2007, around 3:20pm, along Pasong Tamo Extension. As I coast along the road, here was a policeman unsteadily riding on a "ChowKing" delivery motorbike (what the?!!!)... shakily, shakily moving in opposite direction, on the wrong lane, and heading on to car in front of me and moi. Good thing, we were able to hit brakes just in time, while the policeman awkwardly zigzagged to the side street parking in front of Country Style Donuts. No practice riding, pare...Tsk, tsk, tsk..

5. Fave - No questions asked return/exchange policy at Rustan's. About time local retailers adapt similar policy!

6. Fave - Valet services at the Shangri-la Mall. Drivers are always available and well-groomed.

7. Peeve - No credit card/ cash only policy at BreadTalk (Glorietta). =(

More additions to this list to come-- watch out!