My Police Clearance/Certificate has expired and so I had to go back to the Western Police District today. I needed it badly for my upcoming "date with Uncle Sam". Last year's procedure had been a breeze. The staff were polite and accommodating. In fact, it made me think, "WOW! Amidst the everyday red tape brouhaha that sadly, some government offices are known for, boy was I lucky!". Today, approximately a year after, I must admit I had my fingers crossed on the way to WPD. I wondered, will they be as nice again? I know it's pretty mean to have that frame of mind, everyday citizen complaints be damned, but at the back of my mind, I was thinking maybe last year was pure luck. You know, like suddenly winning the lotto when reality has it that odds aren't in favor of you.
So I got there. They received me well despite the fact that it was half an hour to closing time. They were all smiling and mellow with their explanations. Unhurried but not lazy. The kind that gave away an atmosphere of patience and friendliness. It floored me! I would hate myself 
The process was quick because it's just a renewal of the certificate clearing me out from any crime that happened during my 1989-2002 period of residence in Manila. I overheard one time that if it's quick, perhaps they didn't bother to thoroughly check the records, which is a point against their credibility. But that's way outside my case because I have already been previously cleared. And since I have no blood relations whatsoever to Superman, I do not in anyway possess the ability to go back in time to alter my crime history and to my detriment at that.
Notwithstanding possible procedural glitches for now, the point is, this select bunch in the WPD has been patient, friendly, polite and accommodating, without asking for anything in return. Isn't it a source of great joy and hope that there are people who take time to help and go the 
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