WHEN you write a personal letter to a world leader, you usually get a polite acknowledgement from an underling.
It is not common to get a begging letter in return.
Hongkong resident Alan Goldstein, of World-Link Group, Tsim Sha Tsui, wrote to President Fidel Ramos of the Philippines.
It was a serious letter about the high processing fees charged by the Philippines on their domestic helpers.
The only reply Alan got from the president's office was a handwritten letter, which said: ''We received your letter addressed to Pres. Fidel Ramos . . . The purpose of my writing you is to please request your kind heart for a donation of any amount. I am the pastoral leader of a small group of a charismatic group in our place. We are handlingsome outreach fellowships and you know we are short of funds.
''So, if you please, be kind enough to send it here in Malacanang Records Office. Thank you, and more power to you, and I'll pray that you'll be blessed more and more.