Aaaagh... Try to do someone a favour

[Northerner]

Apologies if this breaches forum rules, but today I am going to sound off against a Filipina I know. Not a forum member (joined a while back but never came back as far as I can tell)...

Before I flew out to the Philippines last October I offered this lady I know a chance to "send something with me to her sons". I was thinking perhaps a few cards, small gifts, letters. What she gave me amounted to a small suitcase worth of gifts and junk. It was very heavy and I was worried it would take me over my load, so much so that I left some clothes behind with the intention of buying some new clothes in Cebu. What she gave me was a package of lots of small plastic wrapped bundles of clothing items and chocolate (I could make out the dairy milk wrapper through the plastic)..

All of these packages were labelled for their intended recipient and I packed them all up, but was again requiring space..

One of the recipients died of old age, an elderly British Expat, so I left out his gift (tea bags) and took the rest over.

On my first day after meeting with Rizza I met up with this lady's son and his then girlfriend, I handed over the packages and treated everyone to a Pizza meal in Ayala.

Over the course of my time in the Philippines I spoke with this lady who told me that some of the money out of one of the packages had gone missing. this was the first I had known of these plastic bags of junk containing any money. what went missing amounted to about 1000 pesos or so.

Then before I came back to the UK I again met her son along with his brother who gave me cigarettes and a DVD player to bring over. He packed them into my suitcase and away I went (after treating them to a meal).

Upon my arrival to the UK I get pulled up by customs in Manchester Airport who seize the cigarettes I had. It seems I was way over the legal limit to bring into the UK froom a none EU state (I also bought my own but the ones given to me tipped the scales too).

And so I handed over the DVD player..

A day or so passed when this lady informed me that she was missing a memory card. So I went through my suitcase and sure enough, found a small card that had slipped behind the fabric (seeing as the customs agent had thrown everything about and opened the back zipper in the fabric).

A week or so passed when I got a long email accusing me of stealing from her. She listed the things missing as so:

# 600 cigarettes
# 1 memory card (seems there was another one)
# Money (amounting to about 1000 pesos)
# Oh and the tea....

So firstly she accused Rizza's family of stealing money from her, then she accused me. Seeing as her darling boys would never take from each other (except they are known for it!). Now she is wanting me to pay her £100 for her losses!

So now we are having a war of texts as it were. And now Rizza is asking me to pay her to shut her up..

Ok, I did leave the tea in the UK. And yes my housemates drank it.. So I guess I owe her about £2.30. But given the fact a good half or more of my luggage was her junk, I figure she can forget about me ever paying her £2.30. And the fact she now accuses me of being a thief.. Well, I pretty much tell her to kiss my :action-smiley-075: each time she makes a demand..

but what annoys me is this. I could not even use the memory card as I gave my camera to Rizza. And why would I steal less money than I earn in a few hours work? And why should she think I am liable for lost cigarettes when her son gave me enough for the customs officials to take the lot?

I upgrade my phne next week and when I do I am getting rid of my existing number as I am sick of her. Blocked her on facebook, yahoo... Just got one more way to have shot of her!

:Brick:

[KeithD]

Sod them all :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[bornatbirth]

you will learn that behind their lovely smiles they can be complete :censored:

yes, you did her a flavour and looks like she forgotten it :icon_lol:

btw what was the tea?

[Northerner]

Oh, just a box of cheap tea bags..

[Alan]

Forget it mate. Not even worth thinking about!

Al.:)

[gWaPito]

It could of been worse Northerner.

It could of been drugs taken and coming back.

You could quite easily be in jail now:NoNo:

[Sim11UK]

Sounds like she was taking the :censored: in the first place, asking you to take a small suitcase.

What Mr. Swindon above :rolleyes: says is true. You want to be careful doing favours, carrying unknown goods through customs. :cwm24: :Help1:

[Northerner]

It could of been worse Northerner.

It could of been drugs taken and coming back.

You could quite easily be in jail now:NoNo:

Oh, when I was in the side bit at the customs office I did worry for a second as I wasn't in total control of what was in my suitcase. So, not doing that again:cwm3:

[triple5]

Ask her how much it would have cost with DHL :Erm: Sounds like shes taking the :piss2: to me.

[gWaPito]

Oh, when I was in the side bit at the customs office I did worry for a second as I wasn't in total control of what was in my suitcase. So, not doing that again:cwm3:

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[triple5]

Oh, when I was in the side bit at the customs office I did worry for a second as I wasn't in total control of what was in my suitcase. So, not doing that again:cwm3:

I remember right horror stories of people getting life in the Bangkok hilton for doing somebody a favour as a courier :NoNo:

[gWaPito]

I remember right horror stories of people getting life in the Bangkok hilton for doing somebody a favour as a courier :NoNo:

I remember the film with Nicole Kidman.

[triple5]

Never seen it, but there was one of the Bridget Jones movies with a similar story, which was pretty poor as I remember, full of all the Thai cliches :rolleyes:

[stevewool]

yep just like GaWaPito says could have been drugs cant beat a yorkshire teabag thought i would mention that

[gWaPito]

yep just like GaWaPito says could have been drugs cant beat a yorkshire teabag thought i would mention that

Good idea...I'll make one now:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[stevewool]

all my ideas a good except the ones i made with my exwives

[gWaPito]

all my ideas a good except the ones i made with my exwives

We don't mention thoses!
Otherwise her indoors bans me:NoNo:

[Englishman2010]

It could of been worse Northerner.

It could of been drugs taken and coming back.

You could quite easily be in jail now:NoNo:

Absolutely, don't do anyone any favors unless you have thoroughly checked what is in the package, and only if you know them and can completely trust them.

Just think, next time if might be a lot worse and all you will be able to look forward to is being filmed for a C4 or Discovery documentary on being locked up in paradise.

[bornatbirth]

ever seen Midnight Express :action-smiley-081: :Sex: :omg:

[Sim11UK]

Just think, next time if might be a lot worse and all you will be able to look forward to is being filmed for a C4 or Discovery documentary on being locked up in paradise.

Yeah! 'Banged up Abroad'. :yikes:

[fred]

"Did you pack these bags yourself sir"?
You obviously said yes and like others said,took a big risk..Live and learn eh!
If it were me,I`d prepare an invoice listing all my expenses and services and send it by registered mail..
I`d put this in an official looking solicitors letter(in envelope) demanding 10 days to pay.
This woman is so stupid she is liable to take it seriously..
Dont engage with these idiots face to face,by telephone,email or social networking...
Treat them with the contempt that they deserve. Idiots!

[fred]

BTW... Im not sure if anyone here knows or not but Im told that if we buy cigarettes in lets say a shopping mall and get a receipt to prove they are not from duty free we are then allowed to take them in with no real limits..
What do you reckon?

[sars_notd_virus]

Aaaagh... Try to do someone a favour
:Brick:

Lessons learned:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[pennybarry]

I don't think she's that idiot.IHMO:Erm:
If you both know that the limit is only one ream,
She may send only a ream or you may not accept it.
This is lesson to them both I think.
Poor Filipina. Speak out!:)
Itayo ang bandera nating Pinay!:D

[pennybarry]

This woman is so stupid

Treat them with the contempt that they deserve. Idiots!

Stupid and idiot are both strong and offensive words.IHMO:Erm:

I thought spanish regime was over in the Philippines!:angry:

[Sim11UK]

I don't think she's that idiot.IHMO:Erm:
If you both know that the limit is only one ream,
She may send only a ream or you may not accept it.
This is lesson to them both I think.
Poor Filipina. Speak out!:)
Itayo ang bandera nating Pinay!:D

Well maybe not idiot? but she has basically accused Northerner & others of being a thief, when all he was trying to do was help...It's not his fault, customs confiscated the items.

She needs to accept that & apologise. ;)

[darren-b]

BTW... Im not sure if anyone here knows or not but Im told that if we buy cigarettes in lets say a shopping mall and get a receipt to prove they are not from duty free we are then allowed to take them in with no real limits..
What do you reckon?

Don't think so.. Where you get them from is irrelevant, it's UK duty that would need to be paid if you take them into take UK.

[Dedworth]

Stupid and idiot are both strong and offensive words.IHMO:Erm:



Ungrateful halfwit would be a more accurate description

[pennybarry]

Well maybe not idiot? but she has basically accused Northerner & others of being a thief, when all he was trying to do was help...It's not his fault, customs confiscated the items.

She needs to accept that & apologise. ;)

Yes I know Sim.
Accusing is not good. As for me, accusers are the doers!
That's why I want her to speak out.
In fairness to Sean and to herself.


Ungrateful halfwit would be a more accurate description

What I read was a sentence.
Not a slang greetings.
My apology if I read it wrong.
Some british may get used to it.
We were the same during the spanish rule.
But pity will be the british, who married idiot.:crazy:
So it's up to them now.

[LEAHnew]

I don't think she's that idiot.IHMO:Erm:
If you both know that the limit is only one ream,
She may send only a ream or you may not accept it.
This is lesson to them both I think.
Poor Filipina. Speak out!:)
Itayo ang bandera nating Pinay!:D
:xxgrinning--00xx3: I agree to you Ate Pen...we are only hearing one side of the story but it doesn't mean I have to agree to the betchyitchy tiny weeny Filipina :D ( just trying to be funny:Rasp:) about what she told to him ( am I right using him/her and he/she:icon_lol:)...well lesson learned to you both...Forget it and move on....:xxgrinning--00xx3:



Stupid and idiot are both strong and offensive words.IHMO:Erm:

I thought spanish regime was over in the Philippines!:angry:

:doh:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Don't think so.. Where you get them from is irrelevant, it's UK duty that would need to be paid if you take them into take UK.

Thats what I thought..
It seems that in Australia a BIR receipt for ciggs purchased abroad will exempt further taxes on arrival..Or so Im told.

[Dedworth]

Thats what I thought..
It seems that in Australia a BIR receipt for ciggs purchased abroad will exempt further taxes on arrival..Or so Im told.

I somehow doubt it............ give up, enjoy a longer life and save money :)

[fred]

Stupid and idiot are both strong and offensive words.IHMO:Erm:

They were meant to be...:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Quite justified IMO as Northerner is a long standing member here and I for one trust that his account is perfectly accurate.
If this woman is a member here then of course she has the perfect right to defend her position.



I thought spanish regime was over in the Philippines!:angry:

We defeated the Spanish and tolerate freedom of speech!!:icon_lol:

[triple5]

Northerners a stand up guy and if he can afford a trip to the Phils and is good enough to agree taking packages at the expense of leaving his own things at home he isn't going to mess around nicking things like memory cards. And tea bags, hardly worth her mentioning after she got a good deal anyway.

I think Fred was being pretty kind with his choice of words :)

[bornatbirth]

wheres this thread going??

they are both stupid for trusting complete strangers, him for taking the stuff and her for giving it to him :crazy:

[pennybarry]

wheres this thread going??

they are both stupid for trusting complete strangers, him for taking the stuff and her for giving it to him :crazy:

Might be! :omg::icon_sorry::icon_lol:


They were meant to be...:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Quite justified IMO as Northerner is a long standing member here and I for one trust that his account is perfectly accurate.
If this woman is a member here then of course she has the perfect right to defend her position.
We defeated the Spanish and tolerate freedom of speech!!:icon_lol:
There are long standing respected member here that still get banned so I dont depend with seniority. Giving her right to defend her side is great but if you are not willing to accept the other side opinion, then you don't deserve to use freedom of speech. IHMO:D:icon_lol:

[triple5]

Might be! :omg::icon_sorry::icon_lol:


There are long standing respected member here that still get banned so I dont depend with seniority. Giving her right to defend her side is great but if you are not willing to accept the other side opinion, then you don't deserve to use freedom of speech. IHMO:D:icon_lol:

Is she a friend of yours Penny? Sean said she was a member here, ask her to drop by and give her side :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[pennybarry]

Is she a friend of yours Penny? Sean said she was a member here, ask her to drop by and give her side :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Objection your honour!:icon_lol:
Was a member or still member but not active?
To be honest I don't know her and if I know her, I will name names.:D
Just trying to uplift the morale of my kababayan and be biased to both of them.:xxgrinning--00xx3:
I hope nothing wrong with it. :)

[aposhark]

You have got off lightly, Northerner.
Count your lucky stars :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[nigel]

Awww don't get mad pal! I guess it's just a misunderstanding really! You stole her tea bags?! And now there's trouble 'brewing' (the jokes get worse don't they eh?):icon_lol:

I once packed a new MP3 player for my Vimvie when I travelled to Philippines I had quickly checked that all the stuff was in the box before taking it to Philippines, Headphones, USB lead etc..it was all there! (If there was bits missing I would have wanted to take it straight back to the shop before going to Philippines you see..)

But it was all there! When I got to Philippines the headphones were missing!:Erm: There's no way they weren't in there I checked! So somewhere along my flight travels (which was Singapore then Davao) somebody must have got in the bag and stole the headphones but nothing else!!:Erm:

I swear that story is true...it's just strange and baffling!:icon_lol:

[bornatbirth]

you should of used positive thinking and thought "i hope nothing gets stolen from my luggage, well at least i have insurance if my positive thinking doesnt work"? :D

[KeithD]

I reckon it was the butler in the dining room....

[Northerner]

Too many points to cover, so apologies for not quoting everyone in this reply...

Penny, you're right. there are two sides to every story. when I got my (oh, so long) email from this lady late last year, my reply was also very long and I would say in hindsight a little rude. And if she comes back to this forum and reads this then I am sure she will respond, although I doubt she will. But my point is that (aside from the tea bags) I took nothing! My intent when making the offer to make a delivery for her was simply because I thought she might want to send some personal items to her three sons back home.

To add some history to all this, she is the Aunt to my ex (through close friendship rather than blood) and was the person who tipped me off that my ex had cheated on me. I also had gotten to know one of her sons online and his (then) girlfriend and had met up with them a few times in Cebu.

I even took two of her sons and one of their girlfriends with me to Barili for the weekend and paid all their expenses and made sure they had plenty of food, drink and paid their way home and gave them money so that from the Bus terminal in Cebu they could get a taxi the rest of the way. I don't recall any money mentioned at this time, despite it being after I had already handed over the parcels..

when I was in Valencia, Mindanao. I spoke with her on Yahoo from an internet cafe and she then informed me for the first time there was money in those bags and that one of her sons (or a cousin) was complaining that theirs was missing. I thought little of it, assuming that either it was a mistake on either her part having not sent enough money or had given too much to another within their parcel/bag.

In all I met all three of her sons. On my final day I met her eldest who brought along the DVD/KTV player who put the items in my case as I checked out of the Marriott (I was their watching him and helping to tuck the DVD player in, wrapping it in clothes to shield it a little).

When I sent my long email reply I also sent a photo of the receipt or seizure notice I was given from the customs officer, clearly showing the items listed. However, since my photograph of this did not have my name on it (I was too eager to capture the HM customs logo and the listed items), she has taken this as evidence that I somehow obtained a seizure notice from customs and used it as a decoy of sorts:crazy:

Also, because I found a memory card in the back of the suitcase this now appears as some kind of proof that I stole from her. How this works logically, is beyond me:cwm3:

[darren-b]

Thats what I thought..
It seems that in Australia a BIR receipt for ciggs purchased abroad will exempt further taxes on arrival..Or so Im told.

This is from the Australian customs website about what you can take in duty free.

If you are aged 18 years or over, you can bring 250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products duty-free into Australia with you. All tobacco products in accompanied baggage are included in this category, regardless of where or how they were purchased."

Be aware that if you exceed Australia's duty-free concession limits you will be charged duty and tax on all items of that type (general goods, alcohol or tobacco), not just the items which exceed the limits.

[bornatbirth]

considering you know each other, makes this topic even worse, why did you not say anything when she gave you all that stuff being to much :Erm:

[Northerner]

considering you know each other, makes this topic even worse, why did you not say anything when she gave you all that stuff being to much :Erm:

Was being nice:rolleyes:

[fred]

Northerner...
Hopefully you can just learn from this ignoramus and move on..
I dont do favours here for Filipino`s any more as from past experience I usually end up getting the blame for interfering!!
You couldn't make it up!
:crazy:

[pennybarry]

Too many points to cover, so apologies for not quoting everyone in this reply...

Penny, you're right. there are two sides to every story. when I got my (oh, so long) email from this lady late last year, my reply was also very long and I would say in hindsight a little rude. And if she comes back to this forum and reads this then I am sure she will respond, although I doubt she will.

I understand now why she asked favour to you.
She's not a stranger but your GF relative.
Most of us doesn't ask favour to white people as much as possible but prefer to ask favour to our kababayans as deep inside in our heart we know exactly each others' feeling of they so called "padala".

I understand your girlfriend feeling now.
She's in the middle of two hard stones as I'm sure she respects her aunt.
Her fault was she didn't tell you everything what was inside.
There must be list and must show you the stuffs.
Your fault was you didn't ask what's inside and ask list.
Too bad as you had a bad start but I believe,
you'll understand each other in the end if you will stop throwing bad words with each other.
No more accusations and no more bad words will help you reunited.
You've been good to her and I'm sure, you'll get repay in the future.:)

[bornatbirth]

I understand now why she asked favour to you.
She's not a stranger but your GF relative.
Most of us doesn't ask favour to white people as much as possible but prefer to ask favour to our kababayans as deep inside in our heart we know exactly each others' feeling of they so called "padala".

I understand your girlfriend feeling now.
She's in the middle of two hard stones as I'm sure she respects her aunt.
Her fault was she didn't tell you everything what was inside.
There must be list and must show you the stuffs.
Your fault was you didn't ask what's inside and ask list.
Too bad as you had a bad start but I believe,
you'll understand each other in the end if you will stop throwing bad words with each other.
No more accusations and no more bad words will help you reunited.
You've been good to her and I'm sure, you'll get repay in the future.:)

:Erm: i thought it was a ex gf and didnt the filipina start it....see no evil, hear no evil etc....

[ghee101]

lesson learned. if you ever want to help someone bring her PADALA to relatives, ALWAYS check the package. airport staff always ask us, "did you personally pack your luggage?"

a friend of mine sent me some gifts through a PAL pilot friend. when i got it, it's already in a plastic not the box my friend originally put it in. it was okay, that is for my pilot friend's security too...i just lost the address written on the box :Cuckoo: