Sunset in Manaoag, Pangasinan (visit to Revenue Region 1 - Calasiao)

After a whole week of training on Public Relations with two professors from the National Tax College of Japan, I really looked forward to getting out of the National Office.  Mary, Melissa, Mina and just about anybody I talked to or chatted with during that week know how frustrated I was - participants arriving late, guest of honors arriving VERY late or not at all; mobile phones ringing in the middle of the conduct - just about all the "DAME" things imaginable. 
So, I really grabbed the chance when Ate Maris of TDD told me that all the trainers for RR 1 on Corruption Prevention Seminar that I helped developed the materials are backing out.  I said, "Yes!" without even thinking.  Then Saturday, I thought, "Gee, maybe every body's backing out because there's nothing to see in Calasiao, Pangasinan..." 
Turned out there's too much to see and practices to learn in the BIR's regional offices.  Kinda made me re-think about going out again and leaving the safety confines of TMD at the national office.  Not that I was treated badly - in fact I got a very good treatment that made me ask questions as a writer and developer of the training modules, like - How far can you really stay out of the system?  If shades of white and black are clearly defined, how come things can get to be so grey?  Is everything really going to end in futility? 
All those questions  were forgotten as I requested Mike, a Revenue Officer - Assessment and one of my participants, to stop his car so that I can capture this scene.  Going back to my hotel room, I assured him that he doesn't need to make fuss on the "pasalubong's" that they have to give me when I get back.  I assured him that this gorgeous sunset is all I need.  Within the span of one week, I have turned declining offers into an art.