Waiting Commuters at Talaba, Bacoor, Cavite -- ang tagal dyan kahit bukana na ng Maynila!

The first is, have you tried combat commuting? I think if you live in Manila, it is essential to know combat commuting. Its a war waged every single weekday in the Philippine capital. The climax of the war at Hell’s Gate? Rush hour madness. Everyday, people try to cram themselves in buses, jeepneys and metros. Well, asi es la vida en Manila! Can’t deal with it? Might as well leave for the provincias.

Now, for a Cavite resident like me, traveling from home to work is a fact of life. Manila has become crowded and the urban expansion reached the doorsteps of its neighboring provinces, one of which is Cavite. There may be 12 million residents in Metro Manila but including the Greater Manila Area (encompassing Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan), we may even be comparable with the population of that of Mexico City, Tokyo or Mumbai! Cavite has the largest share of GMA residents–3 million people, tw0-thirds of it lives in towns near Metro Manila and along Aguinaldo Highway–the sole main artery of the province. Three million, the most populous province in the country–and with real estate blooming like lumot in the pond, its like a heart chocked with cholesterol! After all, Cavite IS a bedroom of Metro Manila.

Counterflow or locally known as "Buhos" at Aguinaldo Hghway, Panapaan, Bacoor, Cavite

How does it feel to be a Caviteño commuter? Well, either your still in school or working, you SUFFER the same fate as the rest of Cavite’s commuters, most especially rush hour. How so? Try to imagine yourself, waking up while the sun isn’t yet shining. Took a bath, get dressed and rushed your way to Aguinaldo Highway. Reaching the bus stop, you’ll be with lots of people waiting for the bus to stop for them to ride. Yet, the buses by-pass the said loading and unloading area. You wait, the sun is up, the buses still pass by you, and more people are coming to wait for the bus to ride on. Lawton, Pasay, Buendia, Cubao, Baclaran, Ayala, Ortigas–San Agustin, Jasper Jean, Solid Star, Erjohn and Almark and a lot more bus companies, just–don’t mind you guys at the bus stop at all. Weird no? Why? Because these buses are already full to the brim! Malapit nang magsuka ang mga bus sa sobrang puno, di na nagpapasakay ang mga tsuper ng bus!

Traffic Congestion near SM Bacoor

Then luckily, you rode a bus…but damn! It’s butt-cramped! You can kiss the windshield or make manyak to the person beside you. The only thing that separates us from sardine cans would be the sauce! You have to be an expert in yoga to perform such positions far too uncomfortable for a morning ride! As we went by, we’ve passed by several bus stops along the way…pity, the commuters have been waiting and will be waiting for a bus to ride on. Punong-puno ang sidewalks ng mga mag-kokomyut.

Ooops…its not the end. Then, you came near Bacoor Rotonda–that’s in SM Bacoor, the traffic halted and you’ve waited…and waited…and waited…and waited…until the bus driver went down to puff some cigarettes while…waiting. 20 to 30 minutes later, you’re still waiting…until…swoosh!!! BUHOS TAYM!!! The Manila-bound cars and vehicles head for a mad dash towards Coastal Road…to escape the agony of waiting and the hell called Aguinaldo Highway! You’re lucky if you caught the first hour counter-flow…because it runs all the way to Coastal Road. By around 7AM, its good luck to you! Hephep! Kala ko bawal na ang counterflow sabi ni President Noy? Hehe!

As we reached Coastal Road, as if it was reaching nirvana! Usually, Coastal Road during early mornings is a paradise to motorists. Except for the toll plaza of course. If Aguinaldo Highway was hell, Coastal Road was salvation!

Caviteños have lived for this kind of life for more than a decade already. I can still clearly remember that rush hour traffic was only up to the Revilla residence in Bacoor. But now, it goes as far as Anabu in Imus! That’s umm, almost 10 kilometers of traffic congestion…of hell on earth! No traffic travel time from Anabu to Longos Junction in Coastal Road, less than 30 minutes. Travel time during rush hours, a lovely 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the “mood.”

Approaching Longos Junction in Bacoor Cavite, nearing Coastal Road -- the Gates of Heaven and Hell!

For now, we have to deal with it. Finding innovative ways so that we wouldn’t be scolded by our professors and bosses. But we pray for so long, sana naman may magawa naman para sa mga komyuter ng Cavite!

The morbid fact: CAVITE LACKS URBAN PLANNING OR IS THERE?! It’s a mess! And the residential areas are still growing while the infrastructure for roads and public transport is snail-paced! What the?! Haven’t they forgotten that eating too much pork is dangerous to Cavite’s health?! The incoming flux of migrants, residential and industrial developments of this province is clogging the arteries…and I have no idea if the body of the province, the local officials, are doing any drastic measure to change Cavite’s lifestyle…pero parang di masyadong maramdaman! Daang Hari and Molino Boulevard may be there but it’s not enough for the three million souls to move along! Regarding public transport, LRT South Extension project has been shelved–I heard about that crap since I was GRADE 5! For those who want the Coastal Road Extension to be stopped–kayo lang ba ang babara sa ugat namin dahil sa mga tahong at talaba? May mga ibang trabaho din naman po sa paligid, kumilos naman po tayo at huwag masyadong umasa palagi sa gobyerno! Pigilan nyo ang extension project at 2 milyong katao ang mas maapektuhan!

Coastal Road in Parañaque City -- Its mostly light to moderate traffic on early mornings except the toll plaza and Mia Road junction

It is something that the new leader, Jonvic Remulla, and the rest of the Cavite’s politicos should think and act about swiftly and wisely. There will come a time when the present “Buhos” system wouldn’t work anymore! What’s with being the most urbanized if we don’t have the proper infrastructure? As early as now, the province is already showing urban decay–this early! With the new president installed, I hope they should start acting up…before its too late. Cavite is already heading for a cardiac arrest!

Now, how does it feel being a commuter from Cavite? Ask me, that’s me on the photo.

I say, mabuhay ang mga bagong bayani ng Kabite! Mabuhay ang mga dakilang komyuter ng Kabite!

To Lucban!

Well, I guess I was excited back then. It was my first time going to Lucban for Pahiyas Festival. The feast that I could only see on telly or on books. I’ve seen Sinulog, Dinagyang and Masskara for countless times already but this crowning jewel of Quezon Province’s feasts is something that I would look forward into. Such colourful and attractive feast has made me like a bee, attracted to the colour of the kipings and revelry. It was my first time going there and I’ll be commuting. May 15 is a notorious date to any commuter or motorist going south, as horrific stories of traffic jams linger. But I dared!

Which is which?

I called in the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office and sought advise on what’s the best route going to Lucban. My friends from Quezon and the tourism people have a unanimous answer: Go Laguna-Pagsanjan instead!

Here’s why:

The Notorious Traffic at Lucban

1. We all know that Lucban is in Quezon Province and the main route is through Maharlika Highway which passes through San Pablo City in Laguna and towns of Tiaong, Sariyaya, Candelaria and of course Lucena City, the kabisera. Well, they’ve warned me of the infamous traffic that said to have spanned all the way to Laguna (San Pablo). Reason: Tiaong and Sariyaya have their own version of Pahiyas fiesta. Expect traffic that may last for hours for the whole day. Commuters and motorists are advised to avoid the Maharlika Highway route unless visiting the affected towns or necessary. Much better if mapa-aga na lang kayo pumunta ng Bicol o Lucena.
2. The Laguna Route, which passes by Santa Cruz and Pagsanjan, is the easiest and fastest way to go to Lucban. Besides that there are no feasts in this side, the distance to Manila is much closer. It only takes an hour or less to travel by jeepney from Santa Cruz to Pagsanjan.

So obviously we went on the easier one.

A long and winding road to Pahiyas

Bus Arriving at Santa Cruz Laguna

Travel Log:

• 15 May 2010 | 02:30AM – My friend and I arrived at the Green Star bus terminal at Taft Avenue corner Buendia in Pasay City. It was too early. The guard told us that the first trip leaves the terminal by 3:30AM. So we went to KFC and have our late midnight snack/early breakfast.

Note: There are several bus companies that serve Manila-Santa Cruz route: Green Star (Pasay City terminal/Aircon bus), HM Transport (Cubao Bus Terminal/Aircon bus) and Calamba Megatrans (Alabang Bus Terminal/Ordinary/Non-Air Conditioned bus).

• 15 May 2010 | 03:00AM – The bus is parked and calling in for passengers. Good! We sat comfortably.
• 15 May 2010 | 03:15AM – Whoa! Was there a group booking. A bunch of excursionists went into the bus…At this rate, we’ll be leaving early! The bus is almost full…5 minutes later, the last seat was occupied.
• 15 May 2010 | 03:30AM – We left Pasay and bound for Santa Cruz
• 15 May 2010 | 03:45AM – We have encountered traffic somewhere between Bicutan and Sucat. Skyway construction on-going. We were stuck in the traffic for 30 minutes…ang aga naman ng trapik sa SLEX!
• 15 May 2010 | 04:20AM – We finally made it out of the traffic but saw this huge fire engulfing some houses in Muntinlupa. Only later to find out that it was one of the worst fire disasters in Muntinlupa City.
• 15 May 2010 | 05:00AM – Finally, we reached Calamba City. Ang aga ng trapik dito! The narrow roads and on-going developments (there is a SM mall being constructed near the public market. Good luck for the traffic though).
• 15 May 2010 | 05:30AM – We were in College, Laguna (UPLB junction)
• 15 May 2010 | 05:45AM – We passed by the town of Pila. For the first time, I saw the old houses and heritage buildings in this town. I’m planning to go back here sometime soon.
• 15 May 2010 | 06:15AM – Finally, we reached Santa Cruz. We have to take a ride through a jeepney (a big one) to Lucban. At pila ng bigas ang scenario! The bus stops over at the junction where Lucban-bound jeepneys are parked. Just tell the conductor to advise you to bring you to the jeepney terminal. Most likely, the bus conductor would mention it anyway.

Jeepney bound for Lucban

And those who dared! I wish I was there, hehe!

• 15 May 2010 | 06:20AM – We left Santa Cruz and passed by Pagsanjan. Off we go up in the mountains between Laguna and Quezon Provinces.

Pagsanjan Gate

The Long and Winding Road from Pagsanjan to Lucban

Passing by Pagsanjan Church

• >> Note: Nakakatakot ang daanan! The jeepney was full to the brim, and we have people on the rooftop! The curves were sharp and ravine is just beyond the road gutter!Yet, fear was replaced with appreciation of nature and the sun rising in the east. The air was cool and crisp. May nagpa-andar ba ng aircon? The cool air would remain all the way to Lucban for the rest of the day! Sarap naman! Refreshing!
• 15 May 2010 | 06:40AM – Passed by the town of Cavinti in Laguna

Luisiana Plaza

• 15 May 2010 | 06:50AM – Passed by the town of Luisiana in Laguna (take note of the pronunciation: “Luwisyana”…you might thought its the State of Louisiana in US).

Inside the jeepney

• 15 May 2010 | 07:00AM – Crossed the border of Quezon and Laguna! Yehey! And Mount Banahaw welcomes us!

Bawal na ang Jeepney sa loob ng bayan ng Lucban! Tricycles line up for passengers bound for Lucban's town proper

• 15 May 2010 | 07:15AM – Junction Lucban. Jeepneys are not allowed to enter the town proper. Nagsisimula na! So we rode a tricycle that brought us all the way to San Luis Obispo Parish Church (or Lucban Church). We were just in time for the first activity of the day: The religious procession!

Procession of San Isidro Labrador at Lucban

Its just the start of my Pahiyas de Lucban experience…something that I wouldn’t forget! Mga wala kaming tulog pero nagsisimula pa lang ang araw namin.

Transportation fare:

Okay, for those budget-conscious or just plain cheap, here are the fares:

• Pasay City to Santa Cruz, Laguna (Air-conditioned bus) – PhP149.00 (US$3.00)
• Santa Cruz, Laguna to Lucban, Quezon (jeepney) – PhP45.00 (US$1.00)

More photos here:

An Epic Struggle: Inside Manila's MRT on a rush hour

Saturday, 28 February 2010. 5:45PM Manila Time. Ayala MRT Station – It was rush hour (on a Saturday ha!) and the northbound MRT was late for more than 5 minutes. Obviously, if the train is late, passengers-in-waiting increase. I was running out of time, so I forced myself to get into a jam-packed MRT and went to Ortigas. A lot of foul words are hurling inside the MRT as people still struggle to push themselves in already full MRT. Kulang na lang sarsa, we are packed and smelled like sardines!

6PM Manila Time, Shaw MRT Station – I thought there would be many passengers that would go out of Shaw Boulevard Station. I was wrong. Instead, it went towards the extreme of kissing your fellow passenger beside you or the door. The driver may have lost patience because of so many people forcing themselves to come in. He then said in a firm tone, “sa susunod na lang po na tren ang iba. Next train na lang po ang iba!” But his plea fell on deaf (and stupid) ears. The train closed its door and moved towards Ortigas. Bueno, viva sardinas!

6:05PM Manila Time, Ortigas MRT Station – Time for me to alight the train…but goodness, it was a struggle! Passengers who are alighting the train find themselves in a verbal tussle of “excuse me’s, paraan po, lalabas, and pu**** i**s” Some maintained their courteous stance. Others lost their patience—and I was about to lose mine as well. For crying out loud, why are the incoming passengers not allowing the outgoing passengers to alight first! Paraanin mo muna ang bababa bago sumakay! But no, they insisted in staying in their places and not budge till kingdom come! I shouted “makikiraan lang po, may lalabas, pwede ba?” But like the driver, it fell on deaf (and stupid) ears. I have no other choice but to force myself out. I don’t care whether someone from these people would be hurt. Wala na akong paki-alam kung may masaktan pa. I need to get out of the train before the door closes. I shouted ‘excuse me, makikiraan po’ while struggling myself to get out. In a jiffy, I got out! Fresh air…FINALLY! Sorry na lang sa mga nabangga. Alangan na magbayad pa ako ng panibagong ticket galing Santolan! It’s just a matter of survival—this is just one example of an art that any city dweller in Manila should practise and memorize by heart—the art of combat commuting.

MRT Taft Avenue Station Platform

While most of us blame the government of the commuters’ struggle, this is not unique in Manila or in the Philippines. Have you seen the train passenger pushers in rush hour Tokyo subway? How about in Mexico City and the rest of megalopolises in this planet? That is really indeed a facet of life living in a metropolis of 12 million (urgh…almost 20 million including suburbia.) Nagkataon lang talaga na hindi maayos ang urban planning sa Metro Manila, lalo na sa public transport sector.

If you indeed would like to live in Manila, you have to learn the art of combat commuting. Nope, this is not about turning yourself into Jason Ivler…but impose your right as a commuter, maintain your controlled aggressiveness (take note: controlled…huwag maging Jason Ivler ng mga komyuter!) and assert your right to get out of the train…or loading a bus. Living in a big metro makes the competitiveness within us. After all, this is a “jungle of concrete trees and asphalt trails.”

MRT Taft Avenue Station Crowd

Combat commuting is not all about getting into a brawl or being rude with your fellow commuter, this also incorporate changing of the mindset. Yes, the government lacked foresight in urban planning (alas Manila and Ondoy), we can complain to the authorities, but reality bites—it takes time for a bloody government project to move ahead! Since that is the case, the only thing we can do is TO DEAL WITH IT.

MRT at EDSA-North Avenue

In the case of the MRT, if you are really maarte, then taking a taxi is not an option either—especially during rush hours. For women, good for them because they have their own coach…but if they opted to go in the unisex coaches, like a soldier preparing for war…they have to prepare for the worse, and better watch out for pick-pockers and animals called Maniacis Hubris!

Courteous?

Commuting in Metro Manila is like a battlefield. A lot of soldiers…umm commuters, are out there–competing with “prime seats” and “managing to go home.” But unlike the real battlefield where soldiers have alliances, in commuting, you are the General of the Army…and the army is yourself!

The only tips that I can give you are these:

• Watch out for orcs called magnanakaw. They don’t worship anyone. That’s why, secure your belongings like an OC.
• Observe. Try to observe the attitude of the commuters and formulate a solution. Parang problem solving lang yan.
• Assert your right as always, but try to manage your aggressiveness as well. Delikado na kung sumobra, di ba Marlene?
• Eat a light snack before going on a long ride home (heavy meal if going to work). Kahit yung Hong Kong-style fried noodles with siomai, oks na yun!
• Lastly and most importantly, patience. It pays off. Bawal mainitin ang ulo sa Maynila, or else…

MRT on a rush - Araneta Center Cubao Station

Living in a megalopolis is already a challenge, and one of its aspects is traveling within the city. Metro Manila is one giant battlefield that we all have to deal with. While our policymakers are making “improvements” in our public transport (and their pockets), we have to make a way in order to survive this concrete jungle. I suggest you have to learn “The Art of Combat Commuting.”

Cebu Pacific Air Airbus A320-200

In the 2003 Gwyneth Paltrow starrer “View from the Top”, Candice Bergen who played accomplished Flight Attendant Sally Weston said “Gone are the days when people traveled in style”.

In the era of budget airlines, people take a plane as though it was just a bus. Flying today is like riding a pedicab or a PUJ where comfort or service does not matter as long as the airline delivers its promise to “get you there”– and in one piece (literally, as you’re dead broke per additional baggage).

Philippine Airlines Airbus A320-200 at NAIA Terminal 2

In the age of legacy airlines, air travel was a holiday in itself. People looked forward to flying to experience pampering in the sky, courtesy of well-screened flight attendants who exude the warmth and hospitality of the countries or cultures they represent. They made the flyer fall in love at 30,000 feet in those days (and I mean that in the most non-mile-high-club way).

Inside Cebu Pacific Airbus A320

In-flight meals were prepared by top (Frenchy) chefs and the aperitif, selected meticulously to please the most Britishly-discriminating traveler. Linen sheets, hot towels, newspapers of all sorts and in-flight entertainment were all part of the legacy airline experience.

Inside Philippine Airlines's Airbus A320

Today, flights take off as unceremoniously as the printing of the eTicket. People are loaded up in packed cabins as airlines value profits in “seat cost per mile”— more than passengers succumbing to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after being held for hours on an indecently cramped seat built for people with no legs. Travel is nowhere near “tranquil” as their safety card suggests.

Blame it on the fuel crisis, terrorism and the airlines’ unrelenting hunger for survival.

Passengers these days can only be thankful that their planes did not slam into iconic buildings or explode mysteriously over the ocean. Thanks to well-maintained planes (there goes your in-flight lunch) and the invasiveness of today’s airport security whose x-ray machines are built to detect man’s biggest (or smallest) secrets. Add to that the frisking and occasional “cupping” which makes me want to sue for acts of lasciviousness or slight physical injuries (for rough searches). As a frequent traveler, I go through all these airport molestations habitually.

Cebu Pacific Air Airbus A320

And gone are the days of full service airlines as everyone’s going for ultra low fare. Again the fuel crisis has severed many of the privileges travelers once enjoyed. Planes need to fly light to save on fuel thus passengers should either be stick-thin or they travel naked.

Baggage allowance has decreased to almost nil. Okay, I know Filipinos are not light travelers but promo fares that only allow 7 kilos of baggage (which weighs just about as light as the nation’s self-esteem) is blatantly un-Filipino.

Talk about traveling light. Looks like everyone is enticed not to bring checked-in baggage these days

Nowadays many are forced to travel light or they “pay per succeeding kilo” upon check-in, which actually stalls the long queues in that yellow airline’s counter. On another airline an Econolite passenger’s seat gets a round sticker to indicate (with utmost humiliation) that his ticket is super cheap. The stickers tell flight attendants not to give newspapers or serve snacks that are exclusively for those who paid more.

But not to worry, the snacks they’re serving would really cost less than 20 pesos from a neighborhood sari sari store (you may buy on the way to the airport) as it’s merely soda crackers and water— or menu befitting yoyo dieters and anorexic super models.

The other airline also does not serve free snacks. One has to buy from their trolley-full of Jack n Jill products (big fan of Chippy here but not at airborne prices) or a very expensive bottle of C2— unaffordable even to their supposed budget-challenged guests. Apparently this low fare, great value airline wants to promote its other products at passengers’ expense. Literally.

Zest Air Airbus A320-200

Meantime the other emerging orange juice airline serves—well—orange juice (in doy pack) to its passengers, free of charge. It’s reminiscent of yellow airline’s free chiz curls and pepsi days when it was just starting up. Orange juice air serves free juice in-flight to attract a following. And it’s been a while since I last saw their juice brand outside a memorial park. It’s finally refreshing to have that brand associated with happier times!

Now back to that legacy airline also dabbling in budgetry… I once took its noontime flight to Cagayan De Oro and a group traveling on Econolite brought meals knowing that they will not be served anything on the plane.

The cabin reeked of Chicken Joy for the entire duration of the flight. The rest of us watched (mouth watering with envy) as the Econoliters devoured their lunch of 2-piece-fried-chicken-with-rice-coke-and-peach-mango-pie— while the rest of us reluctantly finished off our sachet of Happy peanuts, gulping it down with a cup of coffee as bland as sugar crisis.

Typical legroom for Cebu Pacific's Airbus A320's seats...better sit up straight!

Passengers in the age of budget travel can really fight back at some of the airlines’ inequities.

After lunching the Econoliters handed over to the flight attendants their trash, plastics, spoons, forks, straws, empty Jollibee upsized cups, styrofoam packs with piles of chicken bones and dripping gravy.

Afterall Econolite does not mean airline will not take your trash as well. Mabuhay!

Image of the Black Nazarene

Thousands of faithful will gather again this Saturday, January 9 for the annual feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo district, Manila. As old as tradition, Manila’s streets will be jam-packed with thousands of devotees flocking the Quiapo Church, Plaza Miranda and the streets of downtown Manila. The Manila Police District, in cooperation with the Quiapo Parish, released the 2010 procession route of the image of the Black Nazarene. It would still start at Quirino Grandstand and will pass by Lawton towards the streets of Quiapo, just like last year. However, the Quiapo area of the procession has been changed back to its traditional route because nakasanayan na ng mga deboto ang ruta na ito to prevent another untoward incident like that of last year. The reason is to accommodate the growing number of devotees to have contact with the image. And along with that would be the closure of some streets right at the heart of downtown Manila.

Here’s the route as per Manila Police District – Traffic Enforcement Unit:

Map courtesy of Google Maps:


View The Black Nazarene Procession Route 2010 in a larger map

ROUTE OF GRAND PROCESSION OF BLACK NAZARENE / CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AREAS:

Route-From Quirino Grandstand going to Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos, straight to McArthur Bridge, right Palanca, left Estero Cegado, right Carriedo, left Evangelista, right Raon, right Quezon Blvd., thru under Quezon Bridge, left Palanca, left Globo de Oro, left Gunao, right Arlegui, left Nepomuceno, left Aguila, right Carcer, right Hidalgo thru Plaza del Carmen, left B. Viejo thru G. Puyat, left Guzman, right Hidalgo, left Barbosa, right Globo de Oro St., thru under Quezon Bridge, right Palanca, right Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.

Motorists are advised to stay away from the streets of downtown Manila, especially Lawton and Quiapo areas. However, the Police District has provided instructions on re-routing of vehicular traffic posted in their website.

Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo. One of the roads to be used in the procession

Manila’s MRT (EDSA Metro Rail Transit/Blue Line) will be rocked from December 6 to December 8 every 2PM as Rock Ed Philippines presents Rock the Riles 2009. 8 MRT stations would join this activity in order to raise and create awareness among the Filipinos of the United Nations’ Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and for commemorating and seeking justice for the “Maguindanao Martyrs.”

MRT Taft Avenue Station - One of the venues for Rock the Riles 2009

The gigs would simultaneously be held at 8 stations of the MRT representing the 8 MDGs of UN. The stages are at:

• Taft Station – Eradication of Poverty and Hunger
• Quezon Avenue – Universal Primary Education
• Shaw Boulevard Station – Gender Equality
• North Station – Child Mortality
• Boni Station – Maternal Health
• Buendia Station – Combat and prevention of AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
• Cubao Station – Sustainable Environment
• Ayala Station – Global Relation

Performing artists would be Up Dharma Down, Sandwich, Paramita, Radioactive Sago Project, The Ambassadors, Cambio, Imago, Noel Cabangon, Paolo Santos and so much more. There is also a cinemafest dedicated to the late Alexis Tiuseco, one of Philippines’ film critic at Quezon Avenue Station. And visual art exhibit at the North Avenue Station.

It’s also a gathering of artists who would dedicate their performances to the slain media men and innocent lives of the recent Maguindanao massacre. RockEd 2009 seek for justice for those who were slain in one of the worst election-related violence in Philippine history. Donations would be accepted and would be given to the grieving families.

So from Sunday to Wednesday afternoons, the MRT and its stations would be filled with music…for achieving the goals for the Filipino and fighting for justice for the slain innocents. Justice we beg! Rock the Riles!

For more information, log on to their website at: http://www.rockedphilippines.org/

Buses at EDSA Crossing (EDSA-Shaw Blvd Junction), Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Okay, this would be just an advice to those who take a bus in Metro Manila, most especially city operation buses that ply on EDSA…please make sure that the conductor has already gave you the change…sukli, cambio. Or else, face the consequence of inconveniently going to the bus company’s depot which most likely are located in far flung areas and suburbs!

I got that experience last night, Friday the 13^th. After sleeping less than 4 hours, worked for 8 hours and went on an event and watched movies, I was dead tired. My friend and I were bound on the same bus at EDSA Crossing in Mandaluyong. Good thing there was a bus bound for Dasmarias, Cavite! A relief! Since these buses are rare during late night hours. I paid for our fare, that’s about PhP38 per person from Crossing to Imus, Cavite (x2, that’s about a total of PhP76.00) with a PhP500 bill. It’s a no surprise that the conductor didn’t gave me my change by then since they don’t have enough bills for change or sukli. Ayun, nilagyan nya ng pirma nya at P500 para patunay na meron pa syang kailangang bayaran sa akin. And the bus went off to Cavite…and was filled up to the brim in no time! I was so dead tired that I didn’t realized that we’re in Imus, an hour later…just beyond midnight…tapos, pagbaba ko…dun ko narealize, di pa pala naibibigay sa akin ang sukli ko sa P500 ko!!! It’s quite big since its about 424 pesosesoses!!! Dalawa o tatlong araw na halaga na ng allowance ko…without hesitation, I said to myself….”Pupunta ako sa Lunes sa garahe ng bus na yun!”…It was Friday, obviously a weekend, so I have to wait.

Rush Hour Waiting at a No Loading/Unloading Zone in EDSA-Buendia (south bound), Makati City, Philippines

Monday came, I went to their office. I gave the boletas or tickets to the officer in charge. At first they got confused why are there tickets that have different ticket numbers which is out of sequence…kumbaga, may mga tiket na wala sa series ng ticket number ng sinakyan ko na bus…to my mistake, I mixed up older bus tickets! Kaya nagtagal kami…but the issue was resolved as quickly as possible, thank heavens that manong konduktor was there at the garage. He immediately gave me my change and apologized for inconvenience. On my part, nagpasensya na rin ako at pinahirapan ko pa sila mag-trace. At least that was resolved, but I’ve learned my lesson: always be attentive!

And a lesson, you really have to keep your ticket for inspection…and for ease of transaction between you and the bus company.

EDSA Traffic

A lot of us are taking for granted the sign “Keep Ticket for Inspection” in the buses or even in its tickets. Let’s not be hypocrites here, sinisiksik natin yung tiket kung saan saan o di kaya itatapon na lang kasi parang basura ang mga ito. It’s a hassle but given the nature of buses in Metro Manila which of “come and go situation,” most of them don’t issue those very detailed tickets unlike those who serve on provincial routes. That recycled ticket is the most important thing that you posses upon riding a bus…so keep your tickets until you’ve reached your destination. Here are some of the tips and consequences on keeping or not keeping your bus tickets. It’s in Filipino.

EDSA 102: Keep Your Tickets for Inspection tips and consequences, or else bahala ka sa buhay mo:

1. Laging mapagmasid. Pinapa-alahanan ko po sa mga kababayan ko pong komyuter, na laging maging mapagmasid…hindi lang sa mga walang-hiyang magnanakaw at iswitik sa tabi nyo, pati na rin sa mga kundoktor ng bus na sinasakyan nyo. Sa Kamaynilaan, di nag-iisyu ang mga bus ng mga detalyadong ticket nang tulad sa mga provincial buses, barko o eroplano. Come and go operation kasi sila at ito’y naaangkop sa mando na nasa EDSA.
2. Kung may barya, bayaran mo na lang ng smaller bills o barya. Mas maganda kung mga bente, sinkwenta o barya sinsilyos ang ipambabayad nyo. Lalo na’t sa umaga para wala nang hassle ng sukli. Pero kung wala…basahin ang susunod na tips.
3. Kung walang panukli ang konduktor, pasabi sa kanya na pirmahan nya sa likod (natural na pinipirmahan talaga ng mga kundoktor ang tiket kung wala pa silang panukli) ng tiket.
4. Magpapansin na kay manong konduktor. Kung alam mo nang puno na ang bus at medyo malapit ka na sa destinasyon mo…magsimula ka nang magpapansin sa konduktor. Paalalahanan mo ang kanyang obligasyon sayo na meron pa syang dapat isukli sayo. Huwag kang parating umasa na maalala ka nya, lalo na kung punong-puno ang bus! Napapagod na rin sila sa dami ng pasahero.
5. Kung may kasama ka, sabihin mo sa kanya na iremind ka nya na may sukli ka pang dapat kunin kay manong konduktor.
6. Huwag itapon ang tiket. Simple lang naman ang hinihiling sa inyo ng bus company, huwag itapon para sa inspeksyon…may nakasulat na nga sa tiket na “Keep Ticket for Inspection,” meron pa nyan sa mga naka-paskil sa mga dingding ng bus. Kaya pagbigay sayo ni konduktor, huwag itapon o iipit sa mga kasingit-singitan ng upuan o gawing wrapper ng pinagnguyaang babol gum! Kasi ganito ang mangyayaring scenario kung itatapon mo ang bus ticket mo:
   1. Magbabayad ka uli kung mag-iinspeksyon na ang supervisor ng mga konduktor at nahuli kang walang tiket. Huwag ka nang magtaka kung bakit magbabayad ka ng doble…ang linaw ng nakasulat sa tiket…minsan maliit nga lang!
   2. At kung wala kang tiket at walang inspeksyon na nangyari at may nangyaring masama o di kanais-nais tulad ng di ka nasuklian ng konduktor o aksidente, wala kang patunay na ikaw ay nakasakay sa bus at mahihirapan kang makagawa ng transaksyon sa bus company.

7. At ang pinakaimportante sa lahat…huwag maging tanga o magmukhang tanga! Huwag isisi ang lahat sa konduktor, may kasalanan ka din kumbakit di mo nakuha ang sukli mo. Responsibilidad mo din ang pagsakay sa isang pampublikong sasakyan.

A bus line plying Lawton-Cavite/Batangas

At kung umalis na at di pa naibigay sa’yo ang sukli…just hold and keep your ticket (kung andyan pa ang ticket) at pumunta ka sa garahe nila sa kung sa anong kanayunan pa yan. Karapatan mo din na makuha ang iyong sukli mula sa bus company, basta may patunay lang na may obligasyon sila sa’yo…Dun nyo marerealize na, napakaimportante pala ng tiket sa buhay ng isang commuter!

EDSA-Crossing (EDSA-Shaw Blvd Junction), Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

We can clamour LTFRB and the bus companies to have their ticketing system upgraded for theirs and our convenience. Konting dagdag lang sa puhunan ng pagbili ng mga kompyuterized na ticketing machines. But as of now, we have to deal what is given to us as of the moment…and as simple as keeping your ticket for possible inspection is as important as riding yourself to your next destination.

Aboitiz's SuperFerry 9

More than 900 passengers survived, 2 missing and 9 confirmed dead as MV SuperFerry 9 of Aboitiz Shipping sank off coast of Zamboanga del Norte earlier this morning of September 06, 2009. The ship was sailing from General Santos City in Mindanao to Iloilo City when the ship was reported to have listed towards the right side and sank in open waters at around 2 in the morning.

SuperFerry 9 listing to it's right side off coast of Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines

As of the latest updates, nine are confirmed dead and 2 are still missing

For more information, click on the links below:

ABS-CBN News

Inquirer.net

GMA News

"Asia's Titanic" on National Geographic Channel

It was five days before Christmas in 1987 in a calm night in the Philippines MV Doña Paz of Sulpicio Lines set sail from Tacloban in Leyte to Manila. It was another Christmas vacation ferry trip when all of a sudden, it collided with an oil tanker off-coast of Mindoro, creating a fireball and inferno that claimed almost five thousand souls and only twenty four remain. A Christmas to remember…and claimed the title at the Guinness World Record as “The Worst Peace-time Maritime Disaster.” It was indeed Asia’s answer to the infamous Titanic.

The Ill-Fated MV Doña Paz of Sulpicio Lines

This is what the Filipino director Yam Laranas wanted to share to the rest of the world after three years of research and production. Stories about how only a handful from the more than four thousand people, survived and lived to tell the tale and the search for the answers on the disaster which has been etched in Philippine and international maritime history.

The first full-length National Geographic docu-drama that is 100% Filipino made, gave another reason to look back on the issues of our maritime safety of our country…an archipelago republic at the Pacific. Somehow though, the documentary did gave a hanging question though…what were the improvements that were done after this disaster? Seeing some video footage of angry relatives storming Pier 12 of Sulpicio Lines, is very reminiscent of what happened last June 2008 when MV Princess of the Stars (yes, it’s a Sulpicio ship) capsized off Romblon while venturing the rough seas with only a handful survived (again).

The survivors and the relatives of those who died or still missing still cries for justice. Twenty years after, even if Board of Marine Inquiry blamed the oil tanker for the death of the passengers…the question of safety is still hanging.

“Asia’s Titanic” will premiere at National Geographic Channel on 25th of August, Tuesday, 9:00PM (Philippine Standard Time).