7-Elections

I’ve gotten some hits thanks to the keywords 7-11 + UPLB but the surfers were unfortunately directed to this useless page. At the time I hadn’t been to, let alone seen, the much talked-about 7-11 in the UPLB Student Union building. It was only during February Fair 2010 that I was truly convinced there was indeed a 7-11 in the campus. I was slightly in awe.

Some student groups protested against the establishment of this convenience store — UP commercialization they argued. Personally, I don’t have an issue with it. But maybe that’s because I grew up with a fascination for delis and convenience stores. I looked forward to stopping at gas stations (during the time when they were first and foremost gas stations) so I could buy a slurpee or a hotdog from the mini mart. You can just imagine my joy when 7-11 opened in Junction, Los Baños in the mid-90s.

I know the putting up of a 7-11 in the UPLB Student Union Building is part of the plans to revive the place. But I have to admit that I wasn’t too sure of the idea (i.e., the location) when word got out about its construction. But yesterday, when I was jogging around the park, I realized this 7-11 was strategically located to cater to the joggers and runners who frequent Baker Field and Freedom Park. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any money on me to buy a drink after my run yesterday. So I made sure I brought extra cash with me today when I ventured to the park to run once again.

This is the second 7-11 branch in Los Baños (a third one is opening soon along Lopez Avenue). The place looks brand new but the floor is unsightly. In my three visits, the tiles have consistently been stained with shoeprints and spilled slurpee/soda. But what I love about this branch is the exceptional service. I’m none too happy with the staff of 7-11 Junction (plus, the slurpee machine almost never works). The staff of the UPLB branch, on the other hand, seem well-informed about the products and are very courteous. Excellent customer service trumps disgusting floor.

Today was my first time to get a Gulp in a 7-Elections cup. Let me just say that this is a fantastic idea. No, it’s not changing the world nor is it the best form of voters’ education. But come on, it’s just fun and creative! And it’s a fresh take on the elections survey. Plus, 7-11 spun the word BOTO to mean Buy-One-Take-One. Can’t help it, I’m all for innovative, relevant marketing ploys campaigns. I also like that each 7-11 branch displays a leaderboard based on the sales of the cups. In UPLB, Gibo Teodoro ranks #1 (overall, #2), which is not that surprising as he won in the campus mock elections.

I got myself an Undecided cup.

I’m not one to initiate a discussion on the upcoming elections because I don’t like talking about politics in general, especially during these times. It’s bad enough that I’m subjected to all forms of political advertisements the entire day; it’s worse when people still decide to talk about politics over meals or during long drives. That doesn’t make me uninterested by any means — I just prefer not to talk about it. So anyway, the Undecided cup. It’s interesting that 7-11 has dedicated a cup to some presidential candidates but crammed the others into just one. The nice counter lady asked me who my pick was and I said “undecided” so she scanned the bar code in that section of the cup.

I haven’t settled on a presidential candidate yet. I’m definitely not abstaining and I definitely know who I’m NOT voting for. Right now I’m torn between one of the top candidates and one of the underdogs. What I do know is, a candidate’s “winnability” doesn’t affect my voting decision.

In any case, I’m going to collect all 7-Elections cups.