CAUGHT IN THE ACTSmoking in Makati

Here's the story.
I was in Makati earlier today, around 9AM, about to ride the MRT going home when I decided to buy myself something to eat and drink. I stayed at this area where posters warning about smoking were all over. So when I was done eating, I looked around and checked if anybody was smoking. And there was a guy who was and there weren't any policemen around so I got a stick from my pack and lit the cigarette.

I was enjoying my time, still sleepy from the trip to and fro Cavite, when a cop came out of nowhere. He said, Boss, may violation po kayo. Bawal po magyosi dito. Di nyo po ba nakita, ang daming warning signs? (Sir, you have a violation. This is a no smoking area. Haven't you see the many signs posted around?)Argh! I was so freaking embarassed. People came staring at me. And the bad news was, that guy I saw smoking already finished his stick and left. I wasn't even halfway through with my stick!

He asked for my ID. Fortunately I left my wallet at home so I told him that. He asked if I was working, I said no. Then he told me I would be fined a thousand bucks for the violation I have made. I was shocked. I didn't know it costs that much. I only had a hundred bucks left in my pocket.

I pleaded, almost cried. Then he said he could let me clean his patrol car. Duh!? No way. But of course, I didn't say it to his face. Instead, I put on my innocent, sad, teary-eyed face and continued pleading to let me go. I felt he was nice enough to puch more pleading. Then he called another cop, his partner I supposed. Cop 2 asked me where I live. I said I was from Manila but I just arrived from Cavite. Then as if putting me to more shame for what I did, he explained that in Manila, you can smoke anywhere, in Makati, you can't. I knew that of course. But I wasn't expecting I would be caught. I felt so stupid. And people where already coming in checking what was happening. I was a star! Hahaha.. Stupid star.

After a few minutes of playing innocent and stupid. They finally let me go. I almost hugged them. Argh! Thank God I didn't go to prison. Hahaha...

After that, I hurriedly went up the escalator to the MRT station and bought myself a ticket home. On my way, I couldn't stop grinning about what just happened. I am never gonna smoke in that place again, ever!