My work then was in the heart of Makati, which is an hour away from the place where we stay via public transport. On average, it would only take 30-45 minutes travel time with an own car but I don't drive, and we do not own a car. Going to work, I would hail a jeep to get to EDSA to ride a bus, which is either filled to the brim or driven by a mad man who thinks EDSA is a freeway. If I am lucky, I would get both.
I choose this route because I wouldn't need to walk so long. That way I could still look and feel fresh, which is not most of the time. Who would look and feel fresh after more than 500 meters of walk on a sweltry weather?
During the rainy season, I would have to contend with rain, wind and speeding cars which splashes on puddles. In order to soothe myself, I would wear flat shoes to feel more comfortable walking, which by the way was not very common then, and not very flattering with the office skirt uniform I must wear. I never felt a bit chic while working then.
Coming from work, I would walk to the MRT station which would be overflowing with passengers waiting to get in the train. Really, no matter how early I would try to reach the station, there would be throng of people already ahead of me. For the MRT would truly be the fastest route by this time. My estimate is that EDSA would be clogged until 10 pm. Now the bad thing about the MRT is that there are plight of stairs needed to be hurdled before one can actually get to the boarding platforms. There are elevators and escalators, but the queue to them is winding so I'd end up taking the stairs. No rest for tired legs! And not to forget that the elevators of all the MRT stations I've been to are the slowest of all. There's no exaggerating about this.
Getting in the train is another challenge. Though the trains are aplenty, most passengers seem to be in a hurry because everyone is by the train doors' opening. This makes it real hard for passengers getting out of the train. I've heard many stories of missing their station because they failed to reach the train doors before they been closed. I think that's more trouble and totally defeats the purpose of taking the train. What I do to prevent this is to give up my seat, squeeze my way near the doors so when my train gets to my station I would just be a step away from fresh air.
Good thing now that there are coaches exclusive for women, elderly and kids. At least one need not worry about some guys' hands landing some place private. I've had my fair share of being 'harassed' this way. Totally humiliating and infuriating!
I really hope they can do that with buses as well. I think MMDA king Bayani Fernando can pull it through, assigning buses for WOMEN only. It's as gender friendly as putting up pink urinals all over the metro. A United Press International story I read said that Mexico City offers women's only buses.
"We're not just talking about sexual harassment, about rapes or about incidents of violence. But also about touching, staring, which is what generally occurs on public transport," Network of Passengers' Transportation for the Government of the Federal District Director Ariadna Montiel said.
I would be a big fan of such bus if ever they would do it here in Manila, even with the fare hikes and all.
Air travelMy profile states that I've never been on a plane. That could very well be false some weeks from now. Yes, I am traveling! I'm pretty much excited about this one, even if I would just be in the same country.
My sister who's based in the United States will come home in August and wants to travel. She's bringing my mom and our other siblings to Bohol and Cebu. It'll just be a 4-day break, but I feel like I won the lottery. On my mind I've been packing stuff to bring, plus things we'll do and things I'd buy. I'm on a travel mode already, which kind of steals the thunder from my web design pursuits – which has publicly kicked off with the launch of SlingandStone Music, our very own Christian music video portal-ette. Go, please, visit the site. We need your comments, and the traffic will help us win the contest.
Initially, I wanted to bring my whole family with us, meaning kids and husband. I decided against it, ruling that kids under 7 and out of town vacation don't match, so I just made it my side of the family affair. I think it would be a great chance for us to catch up on some quality time. I've been waking up late at night for the past several months with the thought of my mom bugging me. She's old, 72 years old to be exact and I want to make the most of my time with her. She's very far from me because she lives in the province. I've been inviting her to live with us, but she leads a very busy life with the Senior Citizen's Group and the Parent Teacher's Association in the schools where my sister's kids go to. I want to be able to share God's love with her. Before it becomes too late, may our trip be able to accomplish such that.
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