what the hell happened to urban planning?

I just wanted to recount the horrible Metro Manila experience I had last Saturday. So, if you don’t want to here of whining, probably this post is not for you.

Since the first semester started, if I sleep for 5 hours, I already overslept. In short, I get so tired at the end of everyday, only to start a day again just a few hours after. Hence, I always look forward to Saturday afternoons, when I can allow myself a bit time to rest.

So immediately after my afternoon class, I left school at around 430 pm. I took a bus and stood at the isle, while carrying my heavy backpack, until the bus dropped me at the shuttle terminals. (I had a heated conversation with a big lady who’s trying to push me so she can go ahead of me on the way out of the bus. The conversation ended when I said, ano bang problema mo?) I was disappointed to see the long line to the shuttle, but I was still excited to go home. Fortunately, people fall properly in line there, unlike in most terminals here in Metro Manila, so I don’t have to run after every shuttle that passes. I received a message from a friend that it was raining heavily in Makati; it was only then that I noticed that dark clouds were over our heads. I was anxious to get inside an FX already; I don’t wanna get wet.

Luckily, just a minute after I rode the shuttle, it started to rain. Usually, I chat with friends and family whenever I’m in an FX so that I won’t get bored and would not notice the travel time. But I was so tired, I just wanted to sit and relax. But the FX had a spare time attached at the back of the middle seat, so we at the back had a very limited space, squeezing ourselves with each other. And, coincidentally, all four of us at the back had big bags. The lady beside me actually had two big plastic bags, and the other one is probably filled with tinapa (the scent was undeniable).

So while I was grateful that I was already inside the FX when it started to rain, the rain got stronger and more violent. And, guess what, it also “rained” inside the FX, in the area where I was seating. The lady beside me was kind enough to press herself closer to the middle seat so I could also move. She also had to carry on her lap her two bags because, as it was “raining” inside, there was also “flood” on the floor.

The dripping water did not affect me much. I actually found the idea a bit funny. But the man in front of me was irritated by it, and I just agreed to everything he said when he was complaining of the water, well, to me. Because the traffic was building up, so all the vehicles were slow-moving, I thought I could close my eyes. I actually fell asleep, despite the sardines-style seating arrangement and the dripping water.

I slept for more than 30 minutes, I guess. So when I woke up, and my eyes were still blurry, I panicked. It seemed I cannot recognize the houses that I was seeing, and I thought we have already passed by my place. It turned out, I am still halfway home. And that the FX wasn’t moving! We were stuck in traffic! After 20 minutes, we moved for about… an inch! The area outside Casino Filipino was already flooded, with the heavy rain pouring in just about an hour. This is one area the government should look into. For heaven’s sake, it just outside our international airport! We have a bad image outside as it is, at least we should try put up a “clean” face in the literal gateway to our country!

So it was already 730 pm, 3 hours after I left school, and there was no sign of moving. I decided to get off (again, only after an argument with the irritable FX driver who couldn’t answer nicely a polite question!) and to stay at my friend’s house in Makati. So I crossed the road and walked to where I can find a bus. The flood occupied even the road going back, so no vehicles were able to pass, except for trucks, hence, I had to walk. Finally, a bus came; I immediately boarded it and was just relieved I could sit more comfortably than in the FX. By this time, I was losing all my energy. I actually wasn’t aware of what’s happening. The people inside the bus were all looking at the left windows while the bus driver was beeping horns continuously while shouting at someone. I didn’t care what’s going on. I just wanted to eat and sleep. It turned out he was shouting at the traffic enforcer. Fancy that.

So I went out of the bus at Ayala and contemplated of taking a cab. I no longer wanted to carry my heavy bag and walk. Anyone who saw me knew I was not in the mood. The frown was all over my face. The place was just in Ayala corner Buendia, so I figured it wouldn’t cost that much. I would have to go up the stairs of the overpass, cross the MRT bridge, walk to Ayala, cross to the other side, wait for a jeepney, and walk again to my friend’s place. I told the driver my destination, and he was asking for a fixed 100 pesos!! If I was in the mood, probably I’d take his offer, but I’ve already had enough of rude people that day, and I was already angry and hungry and pissed off! I said, ano?! hindi na! sobra ka naman! and banged the door of his old taxi. So I went up the stairs of the overpass, cross the MRT bridge, walk to Ayala, cross the other side, wait for a jeepney, and walk again to my friend’s place—with my heavy back, drooping eyes, irritable mood, and hungry stomach.

All this would not have happened if we only have a good road and efficient transportation system! So Noynoy, get a good DOTC and DPWH secretary and LTFRB chair! And once and for all, give back our taxes!

  And I am paying 30% tax!