1 more proficiency test down. BAPT was much easier compared to my last attempt. My section consisted of myself, aris, farhan and low. Being the first man, I got to do the endless ladder first. =) Once this was done, the following stations were a breeze. The maze, however, was different than usual. This time we were re-tracking back the maze i.e. the exit then was our entrance and vice versa. It's good that everyone managed to pass. =p

Our HRCT test results were out. Only 2 regulars got distinction, azman and nimal, while the rest got A. Something's fishy on how they got to that result. =x

Anyway, in retrospect, when we had a mini gathering with ho kong, low and zhen cong a couple of days ago, we were being preyed by one ah beng who approached us to buy a $2 pen from him for some children's charity.

Here were some pitches he used on us(translated to English):
"Could you give me some time? It won't take long."
"If you were in my position and no one is willing to buy, how would you feel? You would feel 'du lan' right?"
"Look, I admit my mother had already died and imagine those kids who had lost their parents; with only a few hundred dollars to spend every month, they can only eat bread everyday. They lead a sad life."
"Why not you all share the cost?"
..........and he goes on and on....but I don't know what he said when I just walked away, and I don't know why the rest didn't follow me to just ignore that rude guy. In the end, they listened to him and shared the pen.

Isn't it illegal to carry out charity work within the premise of a shopping centre without the approval from the management? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Now, here are the 10 ways you can use to escape from suspected charity scams:

1. Show the 'talk-to-my-hand' sign and walk away.

2. Smile and say "No, thank you" then walk away.

If he/she still insist to target you...

3. Smile and say "Sorry, I'm in a hurry" and walk in a hasty manner at the same time.

4. Put up a good show as if you didn't carry any cash with you.

5. Slip your hands in you pocket and play a ringtone from your mobile phone. (you must be well-versed with the functions and buttons of your mobile phone before you can try this xD)

6. If you are in a group, and you are the last man standing before the predator, have a friend to call you and pick up the phone and act with an urgent tone that you need to leave ASAP.

7. Ask more questions than him/her i.e. which organisation they represent, when does this thing last, where are the other locations, how is it going to help the beneficiary, how much commission do they earn, how can you help out as well....etc etc until he/she gets irritated and gives up on you (in this case you must be able to talk like a DJ and have loads of time to spare and play along with them xD)

8. Tell him/her straight that you are not interested in such event and will ignore him/her even though they continue to spill all the 1001 tricks and gimmicks from their glib tongues.

9. Once you saw a predator in vicinity, walk with an angry/poor/going-to-suicide face; and before you know it, they had already victimised the vulnerable-looking ones.

10. Offer them your own 'charity' (can be a fake xD) by bringing out some pens or art crafts you coincidentally bought along with you and return them with the same question. =p

Go on! Try them out today!

And give me some feedbacks whether they work or not. lolx