The 11th Hour

I haven't had so much criticism over a film for a long time. Primarily because I haven't watched enough, not because films are getting better. The 11th Hour just irks the hell outta me and I need to air it, so you know better not to spend your precious money watching. The only reason why I went to watch was because LYu has a free tix and needed invited someone (ie, me) to go with her.

Leonardo DiCaprio assembled stellar appearances ranging from renowned environmentalists (the man fronting the turtle clan left quite an impression - talk about 'turtle power'), scientists to even Stephen Hawking. And they just ranted on and on and on and on and on and on and on (so much longer than Energizer batteries - maybe it's amazing solar power that did the trick) about how the earth is facing its 11th hour - towards extinction of humankind and the species that have lived with us. Problem is, they talked so much, leaving no break in between for you to absorb the message. It's as if the editing machine got a glitch somewhere and it can't fade into silence for a second.

We all know saving the environment is paramount. The climate has warned us. Natural calamities have shaken us. And now the celebs went all out to remind us, through a 24 hour concert 'Live Earth' and now, this film. On a sidenote, I just want to highlight that when it comes to wasting the electricity, the entertainment industry surely does it best. What's the point of the film reiterating the earth in danger for 75% of time, while spending only the remaining 25% to talk abstractly about how we can "turn mankind's darkest hour into its finest"? Oh yes, I forgot, 11th hour is the title and my previous line in quote is the slogan. The emphasis is then of course, mumbling all about how the world is in danger to the effect of numbing you, then expound on what's more crucial - the action to take.

The film blames the government for all the wrongdoings that have been done unto nature, in the name of driving economy development. They talked about how US is one of the world's biggest pollution creator, but asked of the world to collaborate with it in saving its grace (and ours too - don't forget, if the US dies, we die). They urged us to stop crazy consumerism but conveniently forgot to mention how the celebs are the ones encouraging and endorsing it, through their lifestyle of extravagance and waste. Hey, I'm still taking public transport here but for them the ratio of private limo to a celeb is perhaps 3:1 on the average. 3's for the cars, in case you don't geddit. In other words, this film's a pretentious fiasco, all too contrived and ideas too imperialising.

And if I may add, who would pay to watch a film like this? Most likely those who ARE ALREADY concerned about the environment, along with some Leo's fans who simply love to see him anywhere. Then the message is not reaching out to the right people - people who are ignorant about the environmental crisis we are in and need to be awakened to senses.

However, good news to the filmmakers, I'm bought over to the cause. Not by merit of this docu, but all thanks to utilities bills. I could really save some cash, stinging a bit more on electricity and water usage. Environment-saving is a pocket-friendly movement. So this ends my blog. Computer shutting down.

A Gift for Pi

I was spring-cleaning and was not too pleased to find quite a lot of prezzies given to me during past occasions contributing to the clutter.

First there was the pen holder which holds only 1 pen and the hole looks too small to fit a fat mont blanc. Better yet, the parts glued together are coming off yet the price tag is still snuggly stuck on. How sincere. I threw it away.

Then I found a mobile phone case with imitation burberry's print (price tag still on too). Fugly. Dump.

Next there's the bag. Expensive gift but I dun quite like the style. Mum says not bad. Pass to her.

I'm actually not hard to please when it comes to receiving prezzies. The keywords are Practicality, Style and Sincerity. Unless you are a close pal (you know who you are), don't attempt to give me things just for the sake of doing so. I don't like soft toys and any other things that do nothing for me except sit and gather dust. Don't attempt to buy clothes, bags, accessories etc for me unless u know my style very well. I'm lok kok but my lok kok got certain style one. Don't bother getting me gifts just becos they are expensive; my best 2006 X'mas gift is a lock-and-lock container. No need to get me magnets or keychains just becos you've gone on a trip and felt obligated to give me something becos you've been introduced to me a week ago.

Alright disclaimers:
1) I welcome ALL gifts that my pals give.
2) My sincerest apologies if I've given anyone of you one of those "prezzies I hate" type of gifts. You know I dun mean it.
3) If any of the above descriptions sound like something you've given me, please be assured that I still like you :p

Lastly, the gifts you can give me and I GUARANTEE they won't go wrong:
1) Vouchers!!! Capitaland Malls vouchers preferred!
2) Gadgets and gadget-related accessories
3) Music CDs ~ but do check my music preference before buying
4) Books - marketing or design related
5) Blank cheque with your signatory.

Terima Kasih.

Shhoon It Will Be Chrishhtmashh Day

Dearest Santa

How have you been? Is your hearing good as usual? I'm sorry for the brazen question cos I've got a feeling age has caught up with you and affected your senses a little. Things have gone a bit wrong with the wishes I've been asking for and I hope you'll review these cases and right the wrongs in the new year. I've got faith in you Santa.

(Case 1) I ask for romance, not old man.
Though I'm 老少娴宜, it doesn't mean I'm ok with dating guys of all ages or guys who look or behave beyond their age. Please please Santa, Uncle Streaky Bacon might have confessed his liking for me but I'm simply not up to the challenge. I admit I'm shallow. So what if I'm shallow? I like good looking, lean men though I myself am prolly only 'toot' looking and mean. I don't like himbos. But I like those who are a little crappy. I don't like kiddos. But I adore the kidults. I don't like the holies. But I like them kind. With this clarification, I hope I made your job a little easier Santa :p

(Case 2) I ask for a career to teach, not bitch.

I dun mean to bitch. I won't have to if I'm in a more desired environment. So please please Santa, quickly bestow upon me a new posting - somewhere closer to my house, and higher-paid. If you can't find a suitable teaching job for me at the moment, just send a nice corporate career my way to make up for lost income over the last 3 years.

Ok Santa, I shan't list my grievances further. I figure this is enough for you to work on. Sorry for the requested OT to slog beyond Christmas. Thanx million for sprinkling the giving spirit on my frens who have generously granted my material wants.

We'll catch up over the next Christmas. Meanwhile, let it shhnow, let it shhnow, let it shhnow.

Send my regards to Rudolph.

Cheers!
Pi

Pipi's Unofficial Resignation Letter (Glorious Uncensored Version)

After my bouts of outbursts and rantings on the very salar wtf skool system and that wtf KNNB (kei-neh-neh-bitch not Ka-ni-n*-b*h but pun's intended) who knows no better and wears heavily padded bras for her small neh-nehs (unlike me who is au-naturelle - small but nice), I am now ready to throw in the letter. Here, you read it first cos KNNB will only get to read after my plan B is in place.

---------------------

Dear KNNB

Resignation from the Post of Lecturer with XP

I will like to resign from my post as Lecturer with XP with immediate effect.

Much as I am sorry for the inconvenience I may have caused, it seems that our parting has been most inevitable given the misery that the school's system and my immediate supervisor have subjected me to.

Despite my unorthodox approach towards learning and development and quirkily attractive personality, your school's paradoxical methods certainly baffles me. It grieves me to think how the kids in this school will live a campus life less lived.

It shudders me to think how I would be penalised for handing out sheets of papers for students to brainstorm on. It shocks me to know that a career profiling on a working adult will more than suffice to make up for the internships that they are deprived of. It surprises me to see that you do not drill students to write long papers that stimulate thinking and hones analytic skills - a blatant taunt of the age-old conventional development tool that famous tertiary institutions around the world deploy. We are in for a revolution, not a convolution that holds back forward movement to a circular rut mind you.

And for all the incompetence of this system, I could actually live with it because I know I have a wealth of experience and skills to work around it for the benefits of our students. However your KNNB leadership is the ultimate put-off.

I came to teach because I have a genuine passion for education, not to act as instruments in glorifying your illustrious career by being your personal designer or event manager. Also, it seems to me you haven’t progressed to be a better person despite your years in good education. Please watch your derogatory attitude in delegating tasks to your subordinates. Many of us here are easily more superior in our respective corporate careers and deserve equal respect for the heart we put in pursuing an education career aimed at benefiting the young adults.

So, here I am causing you a tiny upheaval which of course is just a ripple on your big sea of responsibilities. I'll serve the notice period as stipulated in my contract.

You take care and beware the constriction you place on your bustline.

Regards
Pi** Ch**

I paid so I bitch

I'm so orbidgood. I should NEVER EVER agree to attending a wedding dinner of a tween* fren unless one of the following circumstances is fulfilled:

1) someone I get along with / genuinely wish to see is coming along
2) I've been arranged to sit with a selection of friendly, eligible bachelors
3) I owe the the host a big favour
4) I've been formally engaged (and will be handsomely paid) to be the emcee. Btw, if you don't know, I won't be emceeing for just anyone anymore unless it's a good fren or an official engagement that will pay me at least $150 for the job. Service is on me for pals.

*tween fren refers to someone who is not an acquaintance but not quite a fren either.

Let me try to remember what happened at this quite forgettable dinner (sorry "O", I know u put in loads of effort, well...it's still not my or my best frens' wedding):

Was seated with Flower, Mountain, Nehneh and JJ from my alma mater. From the nicks I've given, it's obvious who I don't like huh?

Nehneh just can't stop answering me in English when the rest of us were conversing in Mandarin. Hello! Working in US MNC (so she claimed) doesn't up your class; having to travel 90% of your work time doesn't make your duties godly too. She couldn't stop laffing mockingly when I refer the wedding favours as "free gift". Gawd saves those who can't appreciate colourful use of language.

She was very offended when I asked her the same question she asked me "are you married?". Old maid Pi is not complaining so why should you? But she dealt me the biggest offence when she thanked me and said "good job" for entertaining her and the rest. I'm mega pissed. I entertained cos I'm a bundle of joy, not becos I'm a clown. Watch it you poopoo nehneh pok.

Anyway, frens who dun click are just mere tween frens. Now that age is catching up, I shall not subject myself to more of these.

And here are some stuff you should NEVER suggest to me if we ever have a chance of planning my wedding reception together:

NUMBER 1
No tacky SMS dedication during the reception where messages will be projected on screen simultaneously as they are being received.

NUMBER 2
No giving out of wedding studio shots photos as mementos for the guests.

NUMBER 3
No ching-chong music ala the style of DCJ theme or the Chinese funeral band.

Number 4
No blatant distribution of wedding services vendors' namecards or marketing materials.

Number 5
No yawn-inducing mock-cake cutting ceremony. C'mon, surely I can afford a real cake.

Number 6
No off-the-rack wedding invites.

Number 7
No useless wedding favours.

Number 8
No standard Richard Claydermanish type of background music. This is a wedding reception we're talking about, not a shopping centre.

With this, I conclude that I'm not attending BBB's wedding dinner in view of the extremely high yawn rating I'll probably give it. I'll put up with her irritating presence over a short lunch and present her with a well-wishing gift. Pls dun probe why I bother. She had afterall been a good fren, once.

Beware the Movers You Engage

Some time ago, I engaged a mover to help move things from Runway Office to home. I liased with a guy called Thomas. Absolute jerk.

I asked for carton boxes when I first contacted Thomas. He gladly obliged and said he'll collect $20 deposit. Never once did he mention that the $20 is only refundable upon return of the boxes. And when I was told by the workers who came to move my things, Thomas claimed that he has told me on the phone. His words against mine but I recorded the details of our conversation when we first agreed on a deal. Anyway, I let that pass.

When I'm done with unpacking, I called Thomas to collect my carton boxes and told him specifically that I'll return him 6 out of the 10 boxes. He said he'll have to deduct accordingly from the deposit. I said fine and told him to arrange for collection + return of deposit. 2 weeks passed and I heard nothing. I called him again and he pretended not to remember. No replies on my smses too. That totally contrasted with the very prompt response before the deal was brokered. Today, he didn't even want to pick up my calls.

Pissed, I called the number on my receipts. The poor girl on the phone bore the brunt of my frustration. She claimed her records show that the $20 I paid was for purchase of boxes and not a deposit (duh! who would want to pay for some recycled boxes when I can get brand-new nice ones from Ikea?). That got me all fired up. She explained according to their policy they cannot nullify a purchase of the carton boxes and refund the money. Lucky thing I kept all my receipts and smses. Told her I got evidence of what transpired between me and Thomas. Showed my understanding that I know she's not at fault but told her the company should honour whatever terms their representative agreed with the purchaser. She then said they can collect my 6 boxes but I must bear the transport costs. And THAT FLAMED MY FIRE EVEN STRONGER. I ranted on and she let loose by saying they can only do free collection for 10 boxes and above. I got her to reiterate and confirm her statement. Knowing I got a trump card now, I told her I'll return all 10 and therefore she has to collect and return me my money tmr. I got my way and before I put down the phone, I did my part as a fair customer by once again apologizing that my anger was not directed at her but the dishonest deal I was cut by Thomas.

I'll be sending the Movers a formal letter to complain about Thomas. Such dishonest salesman who conveniently omit the impt details for the sake of getting sales should get his just desserts.

If you're looking for movers through the Classified, don't call a Thomas who advertised his mobile as 9001 2347. Call him only if you want to wake him up to pee at 3am. I suspect this guy's a "broker" who's earning extra cash by selling mover packages. Call the company direct instead - 138 Professional Movers @ 6260 5603. At least the gal who helped me with my issue was sincere.

November Rain

It's annoying. Just when the haze has cleared, now there's the rain to stop me from hill-conquering later. My mind was so made up just now... -_-

Ok, never mind. I can't get annoyed at the weather god. He already has a tough job and very heavy responsibility, unlike the admin folks working at my town council. I was there earlier to pay our monthly conservancy fees and the newly-implemented queue number system baffled me a little.

On average, the queue there doesn't quite fit into what we might call super crowded scenario. When was I there, there were only 2 persons in queue and I was told that I had to get a queue number now. They even assigned a staff to greet you at the door and show you to the queue number ticket machine. Is this fanfare necessary at all? Is it? THERE WERE ONLY 2 IN QUEUE! How wrong can the counter staff get by serving them one-by-one?

This is total crap and a waste of residents' money. Haven't they learnt from the experiences of small bank branches and post offices that queue number system will become white elephants unless they serve the purposes of BIG organisations that provide multiple services? Anyway, I'm just riding on the chance to get back at the town council which has sent my family 2 warning letters for something really senseless and I dun want to talk about it for now lest I lash even further on the idiocy of the whole system.

I got more incriminating evidence of the town council not using the residents' funds efficiently and one big complaint is how they left my estate's corridor lights and lamp-posts on THROUGHOUT THE DAY. Talk about energy efficiency and think of the poor towns of the opposition-governed estates! Don't let me catch them in the act again. I'll write a warning letter to them to reduce the conservancy charges instead of squandering it on silly queue posts, queue number ticket machine or those new sofas that barely warm the butts of visiting residents who want to pay their bills.

This (Un)Creative Business

Quick, get me out of this recurring situation of irksome clients who kept stealing the joy of the creative business from me. Blame it on poor luck, maybe it's us, or maybe the big break has yet to come, but truth be told - I'm tired of all these nonsense. Let's see how irritating the top 3 on my dart board can get:

1) The I MUST SEE IMMEDIATE RETURNS Businessman - Behind the guise of an earnest attitude to embrace the new economy talk of branding and creative advertising is an incorrigible approach that believes in putting up haphazardly planned (IS THERE A PLAN AT ALL ANYWAY?) marketing strategies. Ads SCREAM "SALES", "AMAZING RESULTS" and all that ra-ra ALL the time! Ad bookings are done as and when he feels like it. Product taglines change every other day. Better yet, decisions are always done the very LAST minute thinking that all will fall into place as long as he pays...yet for an issue as small as doing a tiny signage, he takes days and a boardroom of brains to deliberate.

2) The I THINK EVERYTHING IS EASY Idiot who thought her middle name is Smart - This woman smutters comments that apparently didn't go through the big brains. She could be saying your idea is good one moment, and trash it the next cos she DOESN'T HAVE A MIND OF HER OWN - it's swayed by where the wind from her boss blows. More insultingly, she could raise some examples of works and thought they could be done like, in a snap. Hallo, what ignorance! It's sad how people who haven't learnt, experienced or seen enough could be calling the shots, determining the value of our works. Big companies won't be paying hundreds of thousand if getting a cow to dance can be done in a blink darling. Your peanuts budget is only enough to pay off my illustrator to draw a nice monkey on surfboard.

3) The CHUP CHUP...WAIT LET ME THINK Old Bird - Having been in the business for some time now, this mad hag is eager to drive others into her realm of nuttiness. NEVER commital until the very very last minute, she takes us through the whirlwind of a vomit-inducing roller coaster ride until the ULTIMATE deadline is declared. Again, thinking (and showing) she's some smart ass, no ideas are ever that good, except hers of course. We've come to a point of not having to propose much but just to hear what she has to say and agree. Yes, that's all we need to do to earn compliments like "Great job!" from her. Nice, isn't it?

Of course, I can give incessant recounts of hellish jobs that are akin to slow-release toxic, waiting to creep to my once fresh mind and turn it all mouldy. What to do? BEAR WITH IT.... better things await once I scrape enough profits from whom my enthusiasm was plundered.

History Repeats Itself in America

I have a prophecy. Pretty scary one. It'll rock the dow jones. It'll shock the whole world (once again!). It'll mock at those who takes a serious view on being politically correct.

America will be assailed. This time by a spew of blazing sauce, setting the land on fire, burning the guts of those who tread near. Trouble is, the arsonist's an insider, a home-grown true-blue American, in conspiracy with ahem, some harmless-looking executives from (very embarassingly) my hometown.

God bless America.

Unique Selling Proposition

I don't exactly enjoy doing sales. But I must admit I'm relatively good at it. Not because I'm glib, not because I'm smart. Most of the times, it all boils down to telling as it is. And that's almost the only technique I apply in doing persuasive sales, provided that the product merit is a given.

Let's try a scenario. Suppose you are selling a health supplement. A customer asks (and Singaporeans are very fond of this question), "Is this product good?" / "Does this product really work?" How would you answer it? Having worked with salespeople of different styles, some typical answers will be:

"Of cos it's very good! This is a product by XXX, a very good brand," says the hard-sell guy. Of course, a trusted brand sells by itself but a statement like that may sound pompous, and if delivered with a condescending tone, off-putting.

Then there is the lame, I'm-just-earning-a-miserable-salary type of salesperson. He or she might respond to the question saying, "Er...I'm not too sure...my boss says it works lar..." Consumers' confidence goes rock-bottom. In its worst repercussion, the brand image of the company is damaged.

So what will I say? This is my typical answer:

"I would say it's good and it works because I sell it. But honestly, products work to different degree for different people. You'll have to experience and assess the improvement it brings to you."

From experience, such a statement usually works. It does not over-promise. Though it does not directly persuade, it is interesting to note the subliminal effect it has on the consumers. It sounds believable and honest, and most of the time they'll buy. What you say is not all that matters. Like what we've learnt from sales gurus and communication experts, a lot of other factors interplay -

• attitude - attitude of the salesperson ranks high for me when it comes to assessing my purchase experience as a consumer. Sincerity, patience and honesty are all important attributes of a good salesperson. Not one who exaggerates the best and create a hell lots of ballyhoo.

• belief - the salesperson has to first believe in his / her product before a good sales pitch can come through. If at the end of the day you doubt what you are selling, might as well don't sell. The product may just not be worth you working for it.

• knowledge - know your products. If it's a computer, know what its processor can deliver, what it's best for and who it works well for. And when the question from a customer gets truly tough, don't put up a false front saying you know when you don't. Admit you're not sure but you'll help find out.

And for companies recruiting a salesperson, don't expect the guy to sell miraculously when you don't have something good to offer in the first place. Also, remember what happens at the frontline affects the bottomline and ultimately, the brand value as perceived by the customers.

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Have more tips on marketing? Leave me comments!

Shut Up...

If you wonder why I did, expressed, said, acted a certain way, it's simply because of how I experienced my situation and my perception of reality at the point of time or simply because of my idiosyncracies. If you haven't been with me at that situation, did not understand what happen, and for that matter, does not know me well at all, then please DO NOT CRITICISE, DO NOT ASSUME, DO NOT JUDGE. Don't act as if you know best. Because you don't.

In exchange, I stay away from you and proclaim our worlds are apart.

Consumer Heroism!

My friend reminded me that the complaints and compliments I've written make fun content for my blog. Some interesting stuff here. Bad service irks me. It tells so much about the work attitude, which tells so much about one's personality. I'm not complainy. I only air what I feel is just (which maybe unjust afterall from the receiving party's viewpoint...hahaha).

Here's one case about a delayed flight. I was stuck in the airport for more than 5 hours and the slipshod management by the airline staff was utter disppointment! Read my first email, and the subsequent exchanges.

*Real identities are protected by use of alias XXX.

-----Original Message-----
From: Piya Chee [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2003 1:22 PM
To: XXX
Cc: XXX
Subject: Delay of Flight GA841
Importance: High

XXX
Sales Manager
Garuda Indonesia


Dear Ms Ng

DELAY OF FLIGHT GA841 ON 1 JULY 2003

I would like to express my grave displeasure over the delayed flight GA841 to Bali on 1 July 2003. It was the single incident that marred our holiday experience in Bali.

Initially scheduled to fly at 1825h, the flight was delayed for more than 5 hours. This disruption to my planned itinerary resulted in much inconveniences, the upset of rest among many. We had to make coordination to ensure that our transfer from Denpasar Airport to the hotel was not missed. Spending several hours at the airport waiting aimlessly was no fun. We checked into the hotel only at the wee hours of 3.30am on 2 July 2003. The lack of sleep inevitably caused much exhaustion and less enjoyment as we embarked on our tour around Bali in the hours that followed.

The way Garuda handled the situation of the flight delay was disappointing. We were informed of the delay only some time after the scheduled take-off time despite several enquiries. Annoucements were not properly communicated to us and many of the passengers had to ask around to find out the arrangements in line. If anything, the free dinner arranged by your airline was not what we were after; hunger pangs was not priority for those who seek a smooth holiday.

I would like to appeal for a compensation over the frustrations that we faced in choosing a short-changed flight experience with Garuda, for myself, my mother (XXX) and friend (XXX) who were with me. Above all, speaking from the point of view of a communication practitioner, Garuda needs to strengthen its ability in handling unforeseen circumstances such as this - it makes or breaks Garada as a reliable airline brand.

Thank you for your kind attention. I look forward to your favourable reply as soon as possible.

Regards
Piya Chee

cc XXX

-----Original Message-----
From: Sales Secretary
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 11:06 AM
To: Piya Chee
Cc: XXX
Subject: GA841/1 Jul

Dear Ms Chee,

We acknowledged your e-mail dated on 5 Jul regarding the flight delay on GA841/1Jul.

We will investigate the matter and will revert back to you upon receipt of the investigation results.

We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused.


Best Regards,
XXX
Sales Secretary
GARUDA INDONESIA
101 Thomson Rd
#12-03 United Square
Singapore 307591


Airline finally replied, after a very careful 1 week investigation. And we countered (see [WE SAY]) on those weak, unconvincing excuses.

-----Original Message-----
From: Sales Secretary
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 11:45 AM
To: Piya Chee; XXX
Subject: Re: GA841/1 Jul

Dear Piya/XXX,

Further to my email dated 7Jul. We are please to advise you the outcome of our investigation as follows:

1. GA841/1Jul was delayed due to technical problems and the aircraft will be grounded.

[WE SAY] point understood and accepted.

2. Announcement was made through the PA system to inform all passenger of the delay and arrangements were made to transfer pax on flights GA831 & GA833 to Dps via Jkt.

[WE SAY] Communication/announcement was not prompt - there was no initiative to inform the guest of the happening until your staff was asked. Even then, the reasons for delay was given much later, after much pressing and inquiry from the affected passengers.

3. At 1830hr, we received instruction from our Jkt office that another aircraft will replaced the grounded aircraft. The replacement aircraft will arrive into Sin at 2300hrs and schedule to depart to Dps at 2400hrs.

[WE SAY] While you received instructions from Jkt office at 1830hr, we only receive announcement at around 1900hr, a half-hour delay which is unpardonable, given that the flight was supposed to take off at 1825hr.

4. Pax were informed to proceed to cafeteria for dinner.

5. However, pax were given options to travel on GA831 via Jkt which depart at 1840 or travel on the following morning at 0745 with GA823 via Jkt.

[WE SAY] These options are not attractive nor reasonable! I absolutely do not recall having these options offered. Through the "grapevine" via other passengers (and not through the PA system), we were told that we might have the option of travelling on Merpati or depart the following day at 1825 via Garuda. Besides, how could we have been offered to travel on GA 831 which depart at 1840 when we were only 'formally' informed of the delay past the said time?

6. Apology letter was given to all pax at the departure gate.

[WE SAY] apology letters were NOT given to all pax. I actually went up to the counter to ask for an explanation letter detailing the delay before a letter was copied to all passengers. Your colleague at the counter merely asked who require the letter, expecting us to walk up to the counter to collect the letters ourselves, which was very unprofessional. The annoucement (though not verbatim) was "for those who need the letter on the delay, please collect from the counter"

Reference to International Airline regulations, we regret to inform you that we are unable to compensate. Please refer to the conditions stipulated in all air ticket under point 9.

[Quote] Carrier undertakes to use its best efforts to carry the passenger and baggage with reasonable dispatch. Times shown in the timetable or elsewhere are not guaranteed and form no part of this contract. Schedules are subject to change without notice. [Unquote]

It is unfortunate that the flight was delayed however, we sure that you understand that the safety of all passenger is our outmost concern and cannot be compromised.

[WE SAY] While I understand and appreciate that passenger safety supercedes all aspects of customer service/satisfaction, I do expect professional 'issue' management from Garuda.

We hope the above explanation is clear in explaining the circumstances surrounding that day which is inevitable and we truly apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Assuring you of our continued service, we remain.

[WE SAY] Ha! Archiac, standard template reply worthy of a grand burial in the tomb of "TOP 10 REPLIES TO COMPLAINTS MISTAKES".

Thank you

Best Regards
XXX

My FINAL REPLY
-----Original Message-----
From: Piya Chee
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 9:29 PM
To: 'Sales Secretary'
Cc: XXX
Subject: RE: GA841/1 Jul

Dear XXX

Your reply on behalf of Garuda was utterly disappointing. While I know replying this email will be a lost cause, I would like to make our stand clear:

Firstly, clarification on point 5:
"However, pax were given options to travel on GA831 via Jkt which depart at 1840 or travel on the following morning at 0745 with GA823 via Jkt."

I absolutely do not recall having these options offered. Through the "grapevine" via other passengers (and not through the PA system), we were told that we might have the option of travelling on Merpati or depart the following day at 1825 via Garuda. Besides, how could we have been offered to travel on GA 831 which depart at 1840 when we were only 'formally' informed of the delay past the said time?

On point 6:
"6. Apology letter was given to all pax at the departure gate."
I actually went up to the counter to ask for an explanation letter detailing the delay before a letter was copied to all passengers. The annoucement (though not verbatim) was "for those who need the letter on the delay, please collect from the counter"

Since you were not on the grounds, I do not expect you or your supervisor to have first-hand account of the incident. Nevertheless, where your capacity allows, do air our views to the team. While I genuinely appreciate and understand your airline's response to safety requirements, your company needs to relook its service approach. And yes, Garuda is struck off my choice airline list, and most probably that of my close friends and relatives.

I rest my case.

--------------------
And on a last note,
I was pissed not because I didn't get any compensation. I was furious over the response, the way the matter was handled in absolute high-handed bureaucratic manners that make "idiocracies" an inevitable way of life. By the way, I'm over this long time ago.

On the other hand, a recent experience with Jetstar Asia was one of the most delightful flights I ever had. More on this in another entry.

Bitch Next Door

Talk about Good Neighbour Day. It was casualty in the making when I moved into my new office at Chinatown area this year. Being new and trying to make some friends, I took the initiative to establish a nice hello with my neighbours, including the one whose room is directly opposite mine. When I saw her door left open, I knocked and greeted, only to be splashed wet with a cold "I'm very busy you know". That sealed it.

My efforts to smile at her went down the drain with her deliberate attempts to look away hostilely whenever I walk past. It must have been grave inferiority complex at work; or simply a serious untreated case of autism. Things are not looking better, if not worse recently. She has been causing me and my colleagues displeasure with rude shuts of door whenever we tread close. She lets off wimpy, pathetic growl or shields her face with whatever's at hand (wallet, pouches etc) whenever we walked past each other. Today and over the last one or two occasions, she banged and smashed things against the partition dividing our offices. The loud, unwarranted violence left paint dust on our floor and us appalled. Now, if the subject in point is reading this, I kindly invite you to knock on my door to air your grievances civilly.

And how have I been a good neighbour? I put up with idiosyncracies that border on barbarism. Until now.