The place almost killed my son, and they want to bill me for damages?!
We were invited to a wedding just recently. Bless this couple for inviting us and making such a wonderful and memorable wedding. It would have been all good memories if it were not for an accident, which fortunately my son survived.
The place we went to is in the south of Manila. I’ll try not to mention names as it is not a fault of the business but more of the decision makers for their organization.
The place was fantastic, from the entrance, gardens, man-made rivers, majestic domes and halls. Everything looked superb and in character style. The couple could not have chosen a better scenery for their wedding.
The wedding rites went through fruitfully, tears of joy fell as the thoughts of the new change starts to move hearts. Our pastor gave such powerful words of hope, guidance and love. We were very happy for the couple and are in unison with them as they commit to each other forever.
On to the reception.
While the newly-wed couple is having their post-wedding shots. The atmosphere was busy. People moving around trying to get settled in their seats. Waiters swirling about trying to tend to their hungry guests.
Kids were kindly enough allowed to eat first. They were really hungry and kept begging over the buffet for some soup. Us parents settled for the appetizers laid out as we had to wait for the entrance of the new couple. The band was playing, people moving in and about the place.
One of the doors was the smaller exit towards the restroom had something jamming it from fully opening inwards. I’m not sure if it were some rock or wiring. The door looked sturdy enough as it seemed to be made of very thick glass.
When the new couple made their entrance. We were overjoyed and danced, of course we were also glad we parents get to eat!
So while eating, the kids who had their fill were now busily burning through the sugar, chocolates and mallows they have devoured earlier on. They were having so much fun, because the place was wide open, high ceilings. Us parents were keeping an eye on them from our tables as they were playing about, just being kids.
That’s when the accident happened.
My son was running into the hall going through that glass door, it got obstructed and broke into large parts then into a million pieces. The upper part of the door looked like a guillotine crashing down, just missing my son’s head and falling behind him. The broken bottom part made him fall forward into the broken bits and pieces it was a miracle he missed the large parts.
As my son tried to sit up, he clasped his hands together closed his eyes and cried. I feared for the worst. Everything happened in less than 3 seconds.
I rushed to his side held him to his feet and told him not to open his eyes yet but do not squint. “Relax daddy’s here…” My wife was also there beside me and I told her to return to the guests while I take care of things.
The head of security was immediately there and said not to worry they have a nurse. That calmed me down a bit. He started to say things to my son though that was for me at the time was a bit off, but I ignored because I wanted to assure first my son is fine.
He kept on repeating to me, “Sir, the witnesses said that your son pushed the door so hard that’s why it broke. It looks like he just has a scratch in his hand.” I told him how can my small child break such a thick door just like that. As we pull my son to the nearby restroom, I see in the corner of my eye a cleanup crew quickly disposing the broken glass.
When my son opened his hand there was blood. Thankfully after washing over the sink they were cuts but not deep enough. In his eyelash we were able to remove a piece of glass. But the nurse assured me that he can’t see anything on the eyes themselves.
My son didn’t want to go back in. He was ashamed, cryingly he told me that it was his fault. He pushed the door so hard that’s why it broke. He was repeating what the head of security said. I told him, its an accident. Its not entirely his fault. Yes he should not have been running, but that door should also open easily and not break just like that.
He reluctantly went inside with me. I put my forefinger to my lips and showed the people around me not to talk about it. He’s pretty shook up and just sat there still teary eyed.
The party commenced and the on-site edited video was shown. It was amazing. Such level of craftsmanship on such a limited time is a gift. Not to mention on how organized and detailed they are in terms of covering every aspect of that wedding.
The traditional stuff happened. Raising of glasses, garters, kisses and more tears. Even with the event earlier the party still moved accordingly. When the people started to leave, I noticed the head of security talking to the couple. I sensed something was wrong.
The couple told us the were charging Php 15,000 for the door. We can not leave without paying for it. I was mad. I told their head of security that we should even be the one to charge them for endangering my child for unsafe premises. But the security guard really had no say and I told him not to bother. I need to talk to someone who can make decisions and that it would not be him.
The event coordinator was at my side and assisting me all through out. His hands are tied too. He hands me a phone where a guy (owner or general manager) is on the other side.
I start out by saying. Sir, I’d like you to reconsider your request to bill me for that door. I am already letting it go in the efforts of not offending the host of the wedding. I repeat the events I’ve mentioned earlier, half way through he interjects saying. “My security has witnesses saying your son pushed the door so hard that’s why it broke. You need to pay.”
I pleaded again saying that this is somewhat ridiculous. After almost loosing my son, being thankful that my son is still alive, you now want to charge me for a problem with your safety. The door was tempered glass that’s why it broke into a million pieces. Large pieces still remained but fortunately my son did not get harmed.
He then told me that is was my negligence for leaving my son to run about and that the it was the words from my son himself that my son supposedly confessed that it was his fault.
I told him that, he’s a child. He will say yes to everything you ask now. He is scared, young and innocent. He does not know enough of building laws and consumer rights to know when its not his fault. Your head of security was the one who put words in my son’s mouth.
The guy on the other line then demands, “Well I was willing to compromise with you, just charge you with half, Php 7,500 but it seems that you are not willing, we don’t have a choice but to have your son take a lie detector test.”
Dear Lord, I shuddered in the thought of an organization willing to forever traumatize my son just so they can bill me from a faulty door in the first place!
Then I heard crying, apparently my son was at my side concerned for his own well-being. My heart was crushed. I could not let my son suffer any longer for such a simple thing. I told the guy on the other line quickly, to think about all the points I said, I will call back in 15 minutes.
I grew up being taught not to cry because I am a man. But when your son shivers in fear like that, it will break you.
I asked pardon from the host, told him to bring down the price and lets just settle.
I took my son aside as people tried to console him to which he just cried louder. He calmed down a bit as he sat on my lap. He tilts his head to the side looks away and asks, “Daddy… What is a lie detector test?”
I told him its a device which can detect whether you lie or not. You have nothing to worry about because you just need to tell the truth. He then asks, “What will happen to me?”
I pull back my own tears and told him. “Nothing, nothing will happen. Daddy and your uncle’s on it. We won’t let anything bad happen to you.”
I truly can’t. Even if it is not right. Even its against consumer rights. I can not and will not subject my son to such torture. I’ve witnessed the judicial system in our country and its a long and evil process. Those who have money win. While I am capable enough to put up a short stint. In the long run they will win because they have deeper pockets than me.
I am sharing this not to attack that organization. Please do not put any names as I didn’t. I am also a businessman. I am merely shouting out in silence to give warning to others. Even if you think your family is safe in a trusted place. They never truly are.
Resistance is futile when you’re dealing with people of lesser hearts.
What would you have done?