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July 10:
Fountain of youth?

This exchange between a young promo girl and myself happened at a mall a couple of days ago:

Her: "Hello ma'am... um, you are over 20 right?"
Me: "Yes I am."
Her: "Ah, that qualifies you for [their company]'s anniversary raffle promo. Name and age?"
Me: "Cynthia, 30..."
Her: "Son of a gun*! Ma'am, you're 30???!", looking at me unbelievingly.

*What she really said in Filipino was "Naknampucha, ma'am, 30 ka na??"

She apologized for swearing and quickly said that I don't look 30, or over 20 at that.

***
Actually, this is not the first time I've been mistaken for a college kid... or younger. (Arn says it's because of my happy outlook. I say it's because of my chubby cheeks.)

ï1994. My 13-year-old brother was being enrolled in middle school (equivalent to junior high) in Japan. The principal looked at me and asked, "What about sister? Want to enroll in high school?" I was 22.

ï1995. Our relatives in Sydney took us to a casino. Everyone was already inside when I was stopped at the entrance because the guard didn't believe I was over 21. Luckily, my mom had my passport with her.

ï1996. The village chapel was recruiting highschool/college kids for the youth choir. I was approached.

ï1998. My aunt and uncle took me to Atlantic City one time and I managed to get inside a casino without hassle. A few minutes later, I was already making it good with a one-armed jack when a cop approached and asked for proof of my age. All I could whip out was my Parsons ID. Despite my cries of I'm already 27, sir!, he still led me outside where I waited for an hour for my aunt and uncle who had no clue as to what had happened.

ï1998. Me and my highschool pals were on a night out at the Village (NYC) and we decided to go to Jekyll and Hyde. It was after 12, I think. My companions were allowed entrance but big bouncer guy stopped me and asked for an ID. My friend Erick had to step in and convince the guy that I was his classmate in highschool and that we're the same age, etc. It took a while but I guess I was finally let in out of pity.

ï1999. My workmates and I decided to sneak out and watch Go at the nearby mall. Like in the scenarios above, I was initially refused admission even if my friends were already inside. This time it was office ID to the rescue.

I guess Asians in general look younger than their Western counterparts, but these and many other smaller incidents (like clients not believing I'm old enough to handle their requirements, my brother's friends thinking I'm their age, etc.) have led me to believe that looking young isn't a joyride all the time.