[Shout out to Sandra Torres, ABDI ALI, and Ole Martin Johnsen!]
My feet immediately took me to a shopping mall where I'm sure no one could steal my money.
Manila has a strong trend of people-get-robbed. Hell, my taxi was stolen from me last time.
I went to the restroom and walked into an empty stall. I sat down on the toilet and started counting the money with my shaking hands.
For the record, I was only a 20-year-old college student when I was reborn into this world. I never touch a large amount of money.
But now that I'm a 25-year-old man, I'm still excited to know that I'm holding a big pile of money.
I quietly counted it and it was 40 thousand pesos. I counted it again just to make sure I didn't make a mistake.
I have 40 thousand pesos in my hands... I think that's a lot of money, especially at this time when the inflation rate was not a monster.
My monthly salary is around 10-13 thousand. To receive 40 thousand upfront is overwhelming for me.
"I have to put it in the bank.
At least half of it, I have to make sure it would be safe. Setting up a bank account was the best and safest option.
I don't know about other companies, but our company didn't open a bank account for us. They give the money in cash. Besides, for us men who like practicality, withdrawing from the bank is a hassle. It may have something to do with the fact that I'm in 1999 and banking was only for rich people.
Anyway, knowing that I will get a lot of money today, I came prepared.
There were banks in the mall where I could put my money and I chose the best one that I know would last long even in 2023.
BDO (Banco De Oro) is one of the famous banks in the Philippines and it has a nice policy... Ahem. Anyway, this bank is the best even in 2023. Let's hope that this bank will be the same on this planet.
"Hello sir, how can I help you?"
I entered the bank and was greeted by the bank teller.
"Um, I want to open a bank account and deposit money."
The teller nodded and started asking me questions. I answered as best I could and gave her my IDs and birth certificate.
After half an hour of talking and typing on her old-ass computer, I gave her half of my money, which was 20 thousand. The transaction was complete.
I left the place with bank documents and an ATM card.
"Now I remember that Roman wants a Beyblade while Sophia wants a Barbie."
Luckily, I'm already at the mall and could easily find the toy store. I looked around and easily found what they wanted.
"I hope they like the toys."
Now, I may be an old guy, but I'm confident about aesthetics. I know if a toy is ugly or not, and the toys I chose are good. They were 100 pesos each and I could say that they were expensive at that price.
Before I took the jeepney, I bought donuts and fried chicken to eat once I got back to the house.
We live in Quezon City and the city was better than the provinces at this time, except for the clean air.
When I knocked on the door, my precious daughter already knew that I'm here.
"Mommy, the doow! Jajjy is here!"
"Yes, sweetheart." My wife giggled and I heard her footsteps.
When the door opened, I greeted my wife with a peck and she blushed slightly.
I laughed and entered the door holding plastic bags.
The children knew I had brought their toys and they surrounded me with excitement. Even Roman's eyes lit up when he saw the plastic bags.
"Children, don't fight, greet your father first."
"Welcome home Dajjy!"
Sophia came up to me and put her forehead on the back of my hand. This gesture is called 'mano'. It's a way to honor the elders and ask for their blessings.
Roman 'manoed' too, just like his little sister.
"Bless you, children."
After I said that, I put the plastic bags on the table and the kids were like hungry wolves and tore them.
Penelope glared at them and both Roman and Sophia flinched. As always, they were afraid of their mother when she was angry.
"Take your time, no one is going to steal your things. You don't have to act like brutes."
She reminded them and helped them with their toys.
As for me, I just watched them as I sat down. The trip back and forth took almost an hour and a half. It was a toll on me. Especially when I had 19K with me.
Sophia giggled and clapped her hands when she saw her new toy. The Barbie looked beautiful with a complete set of clothes.
As for Roman, he was already assembling the Beyblade.
"Roman, you must be careful with your toys. Don't let Sophia touch it when it's spinning, you understand?"
He nodded and walked quickly to his room. His feet were so fast that I thought he was going to fall.
After making sure the children were playing with their toys, Penelope smiled and approached me. She handed me a glass of water and patted me on the back.
"I'm sorry, the kids are too excited, I can't help you."
"That's okay, I'm glad they like what I bought."
She had to take care of the kids first and I don't have a problem. I understand her.
"Just like we talked about before, I put half of the money in the bank."
She put the fried chicken and doughnuts in the fridge and sat down next to me. She kissed my cheek and I want more, let's ask her later.
"So... how much was it?"
She was curious, and I understood her. After all, I was excited when I received the money as well.
I held up four fingers and my wife was shocked.
"4? You mean 40 thousand?"
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