Opus restaurant and lounge had apologized to Jose Cabaltera for denying him entry because he was wheelchair-bound.

Now, persons with disabilities (PWDs) have a new ally. With the help of Cabaltera and his group, Opus is planning to host an event to help raise awareness of the special needs of differently abled individuals, “as theirs is a cause that needs to be given greater attention in our society.”

Cabaltera is, needless to say, quite happy at the turn of events.

“We (Cabaltera and Opus management) met, we talked, and we made progress for the good of others. This is all I wanted,” he said.

In its official statement, the establishment said it did not condone “discrimination, whether of persons with disability or discrimination in any and all its forms.”

It said that, although what happened to Cabaltera was not in line with its policy, it was taking full responsibility. The Opus management said staff would be properly trained on how to handle customers, including PWDs.

Last week’s mention of the troubles of two wheelchair-bound individuals drew the attention of Lewis Nunnally, who shared his own experience.

A permanent resident of the Philippines, Nunnally, who described himself as “medically disabled,” said that on a trip to Singapore once, he took the budget carrier JetStar.

“I was required by Jet Star to pay for porter-operated wheelchair services. These charges were paid at exit from NAIA and arrival at Changi Terminal—a total of four separate charges for the round trip,” he said.

Nunnally said he asked the airline about the special charges. The company explained, “Jet Star is a budget carrier and is allowed to charge the medically disabled for porter-assisted wheelchair services.”

More than skin-deep

Avon, the company best known for providing women with the tools to enhance their physical attributes, is demonstrating that beauty is more than skin-deep by being a leading supporter of the fight against domestic violence.

After all, no amount of makeup can give an abused, terrified woman, who is being beaten black and blue by her husband or partner, that inner glow that is so much a part of being beautiful.

As part of its celebration of its 125th anniversary, Avon is holding a photo exhibit to highlight the very serious problem. The exhibit, featuring photographs by Raymund Isaac, will be at the SM Mall of Asia at the Reclamation Area in Pasay City. Formal opening is at 6 p.m. on June 16.

Deferred payment option

I mentioned before that some commercial establishments allow you to pay in instalment so you do not have to worry about not having enough cash for your children’s school requirements. It seems more and more stores now allow customers to pay in instalment at zero percent interest using their credit cards.

Most computer and gadget stores allow you to pay more than 12 months. The Crumpler outlet at Robinsons Ermita will let you pay for a minimum of P3,000 in purchases for up to six months but only for selected cards, like Visa.

Crossings Department Store lets you pay over six months for a minimum purchase of P5,000. With selected cards, I gathered, you can even opt to pay over nine months.

If you need furniture for a child’s room, Home Options lets you pay in six months for a minimum purchase of P3,000. Handyman’s Hardware Store’s minimum is P3,000, but payable in three months. Certain shoe stores, like Res Toe Run, also allow deferred payments, although the minimum required differs.

The best thing to do is to ask if you feel that paying for your purchases in equal monthly instalments is easier on your budget.

Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail [email protected].