The American contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. “Well”, he says, “I’ll figure out the job will run about $900:Â $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me.”

The Mexican contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, “I can do $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me.

The Filipino contractor does not measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers:Â “$2,700.”

The White House official, incredulous says, “What? You did not even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure? How do you expect me to consider your service with that bid.”

“Easy”, the Pinoy explains, “$1,000 for you, $1,000 for me and we hire the guy from Mexico”.

The next day the Pinoy got the contract.