TVNZ Primetime Reality Shows

The only thing that I find interesting on TV are these reality shows: Border Patrol, Code 1, Women in Blue, Police Ten 7 and Serious Crash Unit. I learn a lot from these shows especially on how to carry oneself well when in an emergency or when being confronted by the authorities. In Border Patrol, I realise how sensitive both Austalia and New Zealand is when it comes to plant and food products. A dream catcher, once a popular ornament back home, is considered plant material and if not declared, would cost you a hefty fine. So when travelling to these countries, especially in New Zealand, best to tick yes in the food and plant items to declare them anyway to avoid fines. Be careful with shoes and outdoor equipment. Make sure that they're clean (with no soil or plant life stuck on it) as they are bio hazards. Food items should be commercially packaged, and not just vacuum sealed.

If the products are not allowed, it will just be confiscated and destroyed. At the minimum, you should be able to avoid getting fines by simply declaring these items as it's already too late when customs catch it. And don't risk taking a joint before your flight to NZ as you have the risk of being deported, as what happened with one Swiss visitor.

When you're driving and a police car passes by, move aside to the left and stop. Officers really get pissed off when you don't stop and that means you're breaking the law -- more fines! It's good to know which number to dial (111) for emergencies especially when witnessing or being in an accident. Help comes by quickly and it's good that there are still plenty of good samaritans here in New Zealand. The locals are usually first in the scene so it's good to be aware on what's happening around your neighbourhood as well.

Watching these shows gives you a good idea on how are people like, what the communities and the authorities are like as these shows are good in providing awareness and in reminding folks that simple mistakes could make a huge dent in people's lives.

Fending Off The Work Blues

I still believe that we are what we make of ourselves. I'm not really interested in climbing the corporate ladder. I just want to find fulfillment in my job. I want to be happy at work and I want the people around me to be happy too. In Manila, I've been blessed with really good managers, many of whom has influenced me and have been supportive of me throughout my career. Now things are different. It seems like people go to work for the sake of it. For them it's just work. I still struggle to accept that. We spend so much time in the office than we do with our families that I think downplaying work is like denying yourself with being happy in life. It would be great if you can actually feel a sense of accomplishment and a sense of moving forward with the business. Hopefully this isn't always the case. Hopefully things will get better for me.