September 26, 2014 Friday
A few days before we arrived in Washington DC, a guy named Omar was caught bridging the tight security at the White House by jumping over the fence and sprinting towards the Executive Mansion’s front door.
Because of numerous terrorist threats, access to the US President’s office and residence have become more difficult if not close to
impossible.
I walked very slow. Humihilab ang tyan ko.
Learning the art of selfie
Building across the street from the security entrance
Policemen surrounded the area.
We’ve managed to secure a clearance to come and take a peek into the White House. Our names were submitted beforehand but we still have to clear through severla security screening.
We’re now entering the security gate,
This was the first screening.
Step 1— There’s a bullet proof glass with a tray where we slipped our passports. They had to validate if we’re indeed in their list by checking our names against their files on record.
Step 2– They look at the photos in the passport and match with our photogenic faces.
Step 3 – Our finger prints were taken digitally, just like when entering the immigration at the SFO International Airport.
Step 4— Our belongings pass thru a scanner.
Step 5—- We walked through a body scanner.
We waited for a few minutes for our colleagues to clear through security.
Next Security verification was at this short building.
One by one, we again presented our passports, in front of a bullet proof glass with a tray. Once cleared, we were given individual numbers. Unfortunately, Prof. Dindo Manhit was not allowed entry after the first screening. Their records did not match Dindo’s birthiday in his passport. Someone from the Security Service office may have typed a wrong date, a typo error. However, they could not just let Dindo in. The had to get a security clearance. then this would be passed to the one authorized to correct their computer file, then another security approval would be given, by the time they would be able to do it, long hours would have passed so there’s no more use. Dindo just waited outside.
Passed thru the first screening. After I got this number, an officer opened a heavy bullet proof door. I entered , then towards the left side of the building, there’s a small room split in half. On one side, there’s an officer who guided me and instructed me to stand on the marked floor. There’s a slotted fence made of metal, either aluminum or stainless steel. Nagulat ako when I looked to my right kasi there’s a huge dog who was sniffing my smell I would suppose. There’s another big officer guiding him. Nakakatakot yung dog, ang laki, tila kaya akong lunukin.
I traded the more formal slip ons for a flat walking shoes.
After our final security screening, we were led to a small holding room with a receptionist. She had to verify first with the person we’re seeing if okay to let us in. We waited here for about 15 minutes.
Finally, we were allowed access to the White House. O ayan, bawal pictures pero bilis lang.
We waited in a conference room for a good half hour kaya we did nothing but take selfies. Walang bantay kaya kuha lang kuha ng picture.
Dean Raul
Raul pala was one of the nominees for the Supreme Court Justice.
Ayan, feeling
Nice view from the window. Maybe this is the same view from one of President Obama’s windows.
Jun Periquet uses a big Samsung note for his photos.
The decor is classic, medyo old na.
Tony Boy, Philip, RP
Our meeting with Dr. Ean Medeiros, Senior Director for Asia, National Security Council. He traveled to the Philippines with Pres. Obama. He asked us to summarize he things we want accomplished and he would give it to President Obama to be included in their agenda when he comes to our country again next year, this time to attend the APEC Summit. Our timetable to bring the executive summary to Washington would be in spring 2015. Siguro hindi na kailangan na ganito kami kadami. Baka hindi na ako sasama, unless meron kaming dinner with President Obama.
I had the most difficult time sitting straight and still during our White House briefing. I was very sleepy, naduduling-dulig talaga ako, hilo sa antok, and my tummy was uncooperative. The pain had become intensity 7 on a scale of 1-10. Pipili-pilipit ako, hindi ko malaman kung paanong upo ang gagawin ko. Gusto ko na talagang humiga sa ilalim nitong mesa. At saka hindi na ako nakikinig sa pinag-uusapan nila. Nung first day, ako ang pinaka -un at pinaka sipag magtanong, ngayon, my colleagues noticed that I was quiet. Masakit ang tyan ko fellows, tila manganganak na ako.
Before we left the White House building, I had to take care of the most important thing.
Visit one of the White House rest rooms.
O ayan, natupad ko na ang pangako ko sa asawa ko, mag-weewee sa toilet sa loob ng White House, pwede na akong umuwi. Another mission accomplished.
