The Driver-Preacher.

Hailing a jeep to Bocaue gave me ten minutes of constant waiting, cursing packs of commuters who filled in every jeep I see. After occupying a seat and paying for the fare – an unexpected traffic jammed jeeps going to and from Bocaue crossing. I am so busted.

Twenty blocks away would be the crossing, yet – the jeeps turned off their engines to save oil. Light bulbs were off, and the darkness was evident. Stranded with a wallet in my pocket, I have no idea what to do to fight boredom. At this point of time, I should’ve brought my cellphone (the cheap one, not the expensive one). I’d rather play Bantumi or Snake.

The jeepney driver told us that he’s going home. Time is gold, and more expensive than oil. If he’d continue this long journey of waiting, he’s dead. And his only choice? Abandon the passengers. Give them their corresponding payments and go home. In this way, you fought fair with regards to time and money.

I planned to walk until the crossing, but it may take 15 minutes for me to swallow dust and carbon monoxide. What an uncomfortable feeling.

The driver gave 18 pesos to three of us. Yes. A father wearing a black polo-shirt carrying an SM plastic (maybe he enjoyed shopping less), a College student, and me. We all went to another jeep and gave the money: isang Bunlo, isang Sta. Maria, at isang Bocaue. Too bad for the college student, the jeep is headed to Malolos – Sta. Maria is out of the itinerary. But he chose Malolos, anyway.

For ten minutes, I’m swallowing my saliva. Though it was cold, the baby inside the jeep cried louder than the raging horns of other jeepneys. Hunger, and impatience. People began talking about the traffic – why was it happening? I pursed my lips, silent. McArthur Highway’s Sin City became alive. The glimmering lights of Villa Veronica, Sargie’s, and other famous clubs started to serenade the bored passengers. Including me, of course.

The driver then laughed hilariously with regards to the prostitution in this certain part of McArthur Highway. We found it absurd, he found those almost-naked women a disgust towards his religion / belief. He began his speech and thought nobody was listening with his speech, but everybody listened carefully.

Hindi ba alam ng mga ‘yan na kasalanan yan? Dapat dyan eh – parusahan! Aba, ganyan ang ginawa ng Diyos sa Sodom at Gomorrah, pinarusahan niya yung mga masasamang loob doon. Nako naman.

It’s ironic that the humble classes of our society knows the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Afterwards, the jeep collided with another jeep – resulting to a broken side mirror. After the traffic, we found that four lanes were swallowed up by the southbound vehicles (and only the sidewalks were left for the northbound vehicles) – thus creating a mile-long traffic. There are no traffic enforcers, only those concerned street people.

Who to blame?

~ by utakgago on December 24, 2006.