TIM eMagazine Issue 6 | Page 4

Publisher’sNote Between fakeries and real things I n thus fast-paced world where people have become so cost-conscious, we are surrounded with lots of fake stuff, everywhere we go, every time we surf the net or take part in social media. Aside from being a topic of concern, dealing with what we call are the fake, the fraudulent, fly-by-night, run-ofthe-mill or counterfeit often ends up with us getting tangled in dire consequences. We hear of fake products that look like the real thing but in reality will not last long, and fake recruitment agencies that lure people with promises of high salaries and attractive perks—only to discover that these recruiters are a sham. There are also counterfeit bills of which creating these is a crime in itself but seems to proliferate despite attempts to combat it. And who has not heard of those cases of fraud in the business and financial circles, where people who had made investments out of those fake promises only ended up frustrated emotionally, materially and psychologically? Now’s the time for us to be vigilant by examining things critically and making those correct moves. In as much as these ‘fakes’ are to be avoided at all costs, let us also not discount the fact that cost-friendly alternatives in terms of goods and services are also available. Then there is that sense of trust and reliability that we must consider, which proves that companies/entities with solid reputations—especially among recruitment agencies for OFWs-- are the safest bets as these come with strong government protection. PHILIP O. ORTALEZA 4