it's the nikki post

Every now and then, I go back to Ateneo to do some research. The last time I visited the Rizal library however was some time last year.

Upon entering the library earlier today, I experienced much "tighter" security. Students nowadays don't just wear their IDs and show the security guards that they're wearing their IDs like we used to. Now, they swipe. Nakana. High tech.

And there I was standing with two heavy bags and a couple of bulky envelopes without an ID to swipe. Luckily one of the guards (there are now 2 of them) knew me by face (I think) because he asked me while checking a bag of another student: "Alumnus?"

I said yes and he asked me to go to the other side where there was a computer just for the alumni. Naks.

I started reading instructions from the computer when one of the manong guards said...
"Ibaba mo muna yung dala mo. Parang hindi ka naman Atenista eh."

"Ah ganun po ba? sanay kse ako buhat ko lang lagi lahat eh."

Nonetheless, I placed my things on the table because 1) they were heavy and 2) well, they were really heavy.

And now there's this computer in front of me asking for details. Hmm, this looks easy.
Step 1: enter details about myself -- name, year graduated, email address, home address, etc.

Manong Guard 1 to Manong Guard 2: "para siyang si Nikki Gil. Akala ko kanina si Nikki Gil."
Lala: "narinig ko yun manong ah."

Manong Guard 2: "Anong year ka na nga ba graduate?"
Lala: "2004 po."

Imagine, three years!

Step 2: choose the topic of query in the library.
Step 3: look at the camera and say cheese.

ERROR.

Manong asked me to type my surname again. I typed "Jara" and my full name came out along with another student's surname, Jaranilla.

"Nilagay na pala nila yung pangalan mo kasi may record ka na..." Manong said while pointing to the people inside the library.

Oh cool. I was already part of the library database.
Nerd.

Step 2 (again): choose the topic of query in the library.
Bakit po walang Psychology? Ok, sociology then.
Step 3 (again): look at the camera and say cheese.

There you go, Lala Jara, your name and face are now part of the Ateneo library database. Welcome to the Rizal Library. We're watching you closely.

And while I was entering through the second doorway, manong added... "Akala ko kapatid mo si Nikki Gil."

Well yes, I do have a younger sister named Nikki and her surname starts with the "H" sound too. Close enough, manong. Close enough.