LTO Marikina adventure

I had to renew my driver's license and instead of going to an LTO office at a mall, I decided to go to LTO in Marikina since I could get there before 8am with no hassle.

Remembering that I needed a drug and medical test, I was at LTO Marikina at around 7am. I asked around where I could have the tests done and one LTO public assistance person led me (and I placidly followed, hahaha, despite all instructions not to go with strangers when I was a kid) to a small building across the street. It was a seedy and cramped building with slightly questionable stairs and fire safety. (I prayed that I wasn't being led somewhere where I would be sold into slavery or something). The second floor turned out to have a small drug test facility by the name of Drugcheck Philippines, Inc. The people there were friendly. But seriously, the place was cramped, and since I was the 5th person there (and the only girl!), I had misgivings. Hahaha! Anyway, finally a girl staff (well, sort of girl, because she was clearly a tomboy) arrived and made me slightly less uncomfortable (the next lady customer wouldn't arrive until I was finished filling out the forms and waiting for my turn at biometrics). Thankfully, the lab had okay and clean facilities for collecting the sample. Ms. Jackie (or Kuya Jackie) even made the effort to clean out the toilet before it was my turn. I was done with the drug test by 7:40am and was directed to get my medical test at another clinic down the road.

The clinic was another seedy and cramped place, located in a small alley just two corners away from LTO Marikina. It was near all the shops that provided TPL and other insurance. I was informed that the doctor wouldn't arrive until 8:30am. The first four guys before me at the drug test were also at the clinic. Hahaha. I didn't make friends because I wasn't in the mood. Good thing that the place had pretty decent airconditioning.

And oh my god, I'm already 51 kilos. Anyway, once the doctor arrived, she was all business. I was out of the clinic by 8:40am and at LTO for what I hoped would be a quick renewal.

As usual, as I neared LTO Marikina, the fixers started approaching me and saying they could have me out of there in less than hour. Since it was early yet and I believe in eliminating corruption and red tape, I refused any offers for help and went into LTO. There weren't a lot of people there yet, mostly those registering vehicles and applying for student permits.

I filled out my forms and got number 22 on the queue. The number didn't really matter since I was immediately directed to Window 1 to have my picture taken and signature captured. Go to Window 2 to submit documents. Sit near Window 8 (Cashier) and waited for my name to be called to pay the fee. Once paid, go back to Window 1 to submit documents and receipts. Go to Window 4 to wait for the actual license to be released.

It felt like forever, but I was actually out of LTO Marikina by 9:30ish and I was at the office by 10am.

Drug test-P300.00
Medical test-P100.00
Renewal-P417.50

Another successful adventure-priceless.

Happy birthday to me!