Just been to Dumaquete for the first time in about 18 months and was pleasantly surprised at robinsons. The parking mafia guys seem to have been severely cut back . Last time i was there they were all over the carpark holding out their hands. This time they seemed to be just in two small areas of the motor bike parking area.When i posted about it at the time i got a lot of flack from forum members saying this was part of the culture in Dumaquete and everybody should be happy these guys were around . i myself see them as a scourge and wondered why robinsons let them on their land to extort from customers. So what happened. Did robinsons grow some balls and kick them out? have they all built houses in Valencia and retired? or was the day i was there an abberation and nothings changed?
I had observed here in Dumaguete for staying almost 2 years, Dumagueteneous dont seem to complain or if there is its lack of pushing/follow up. That's why there's lot of abusers around. If you've been to different Malls in some major cities in PI, you cant see mafias on their carparks. Instead security guards that could issue a TICKET violation for a fine like for example you didnt turn "ON" your lights during parking at the basement or beating the RED light in the business park streets or a pedicab/tricycle who try to enter the area,saw this one at Alabang Business Park/ and at Ayala.
I don't mind giving them 10p so they can run and buy smokes, but what pisses me off is when they grab my mirrors to move and turn the bike. I realize mirrors are an oddity but still.... Just saying
I personally love the guys. I always park in the same area and its always one of the same couple of guys... especially this one guy who apparently never takes a day off and has no life. I always get my bike moved out and in quickly and saves me the hassle of parking in a crowded lot. I hate the beggars but like any person willing to do some work for their money. Be it turning a bike for 2p (I tend to always do 5p) or selling peanuts on the street. It sure beats sitting their begging not willing to work. Heck, there's this one fat short filipino beggar who just lays down at the boulavard waving you over to give them money.... and they always say just "100p" and no no please...
I have said before, I will gladly give them P5 or P10 even just to leave my bike the hell alone! Larry
