August 10, 2021
Last August 8, was a double digit day (08/08/21) which means online shopping platforms are on sale! This became a monthly ‘tradition’ here in the Philippines that for every double digit of the month, temptations are strong and urging us to withdraw some of our Bitcoin Cash.
I am proud that for 3 months, I am able to hodl my Bitcoin Cash and not be swayed by discount offers of Shopee.
Well, I have a diamond hand not because I have a discipline to myself but because I don’t have a valid ID. Meaning, I can’t use the cryptocurrency feature of one of the famous e-wallets here that lets you convert your BCH to fiat.
A few months ago, coins.ph released a notice that they will not allow its not verified users to use the cryptocurrency features. To be verified, you need to upload your government/valid ID.
I ‘ve been struggling with this problem and it's been 3 months (i think) since I last used my earnings here for my personal use. Somehow, this situation has a positive effect on me. First is I am able to hold my BCH, and lastly be responsible in handling my urges on buying nonsense things. However, I have been disregarding myself. I also have needs, especially personal hygiene, and I am not comfortable asking money from my parents.
This is why I invited my mother to get a National ID. We already registered online 4 months ago but since then we haven't received any updates from them about when they will collect our personal information and biometrics.
So, that time we are convinced to go personally to one of their offices near us.
We left our house at 8:30 am to get in line early. We are already aware that government transactions here in our country are kind of a hassle so we have this motto that the early bird always gets the worm. This motto always saves us a lot of time and from inconvenience.
Example given is the time where I went to our government center to claim my financial subsidy (scholarship). I was the first person there and fortunately I am the first applicant to claim the money. No sweat, just easy money. Just kidding 😆.
However, this time that motto didn't work 😂. Upon arriving at the registration place, our jaws dropped because of the almost unending line. Damn, I thought we were early.
I asked my mother if she still wanted to continue. Of course she said yes and started to walk briskly to reach the end of the line.
Well, I already expected that response. I just want to give a hint that don't want continue this anymore 😆. The line is super long and I estimated that it will take a whole day to finish.
I have no choice but to follow. She's the most persistent woman I know, anyway.
I captured this photo at 10:16 am. Just to visualize how long the struggle is, we are at the end of the line, and the line stretches at the other side. Yes on the other side of this picture. At the other side of that metal barrier.
There's a vaccination ongoing in that place so I think that explains why the volume of people is overwhelming.
As expected, we took 8 hours just to reach the other end. That's 6:30 pm to be exact.
During the document validation, my mom got rejected due to the reason that her existing ID is already expired.
We got pissed off of course because that's why we are here. We are here to get a new ID. Isn't it annoying that you're applying for an ID then they will require you to bring an ID? What the –.
She has no choice but to eventually exit the place. On the other hand, my documents were approved and my personal information and biometrics got recorded.
The officer gave me a slip that I needed to present when my ID became available to claim.
I saw my mom outside looking sad and frustrated. She said that if she just knew that would happen, she would just go home early and rest.
I understand her. I wish I could do something about it. To be honest, I feel bad. It feels like she just accompanied me throughout the line. Ugh, why don't they just accept her ID? It's still the same after all. It's just expired. Nothing changed.
Anyways going back to the Shopee sale topic, that's the main reason why I am able to save a lot; I don't have a valid ID.
Sometimes, I am thinking, was my decision on getting a national ID a good move? Is it good that my main reason for acquiring an ID is just for money reasons? What if this will be the cause of my financial doom?
Okay okay, I am overthinking again 😆.
Ending remarks…
This topic was on my draft several weeks ago. But because of current happenings, I decided to create an article about this valid ID thing.
Hoping that everything goes well when I already claimed the ID that will give me power *insert evil laugh*.
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Nakaka-inis talaga yung part na kaya nga hihingi ng ID kasi expired na yung ID, tapos manghihingi sila hahaha. Ganyan pala advantage ng walang valid ID. Hahaha.