The City Government of Manila has now allowed the entry of provincial buses coming from Cavite (Dasmariñas line, Tagaytay line, Mendez-Nuñez line, Ternate/Naic line) at Taft Avenue, all the way to Lawton (Park and Ride) from 5 in the afternoon to 6 in the morning, the next day. Although limited, the Cavite-bound buses are allowed only until Quirino LRT Station before going back to Cavite from 6AM to 5PM, everyday.

No need to wait in chaotic Buendia-Pasay!

This is still subject to changes. Better ask the bus conductors or the Manila traffic officers for more information.

Quirino Grandstand Flags. The location of the hostage drama

Indeed, Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, central Manila, capital of the Philippines, is one historical place. It was here where several presidents took their oaths, celebrate the independence of the country from the United States, concerts and a whole lot more. It is a landmark dedicated to the former President Elpidio Quirino. The Grandstand that I guess all Filipinos know and synonymous to Luneta and Rizal Park–just several meters away from the place. On August 01, 2010, the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, took oath here. On August 23, 2010–a massacre unfolds as a former policeman took hostage of Hong Kong nationals in a stand-off that left the hostage and several hostages dead, and a mark of trauma in the image of the Philippines in the international community. Luneta has seen another blood spilt over her domain.

At around 10AM, an former policeman, identified as Rolando Mendoza, took hostage of several foreign tourists in a bus whom are supposed to visit Luneta and the Manila Ocean Park as reported. Mendoza brought a high-powered M16 rifle–guns for “big boys/police.” He demands to be reinstated after being dismissed from his job due to an extortion case. Negotiations went all the way, several hostages were freed. However, it failed. At around 7PM, gunshots were fired from the bus and the police went on to storm the said bus. The storming left Mendoza dead, three (as of the moment) hostages are confirmed dead and several are injured.

Philippine Police storms the bus during hostage crisis - Photo from CNN/Getty Images

The weather seemed to have been cooperating with the mood at Manila. The storming scene sent heavy rainshowers, streaks of lightning and thunderstorm. Like Hollywood, but its for real!

The drama was beamed all over the world, through CNN, BBC, Reuters, Sahara India, KBS, Channel News Asia, Star Phoenix and TVE as I’ve monitored. Yes indeed, Philippines got international exposure–on a negative light!

August 23rd of the year 2010, is a sad day for the Philippines and for those who have lost their loved ones in the said drama. It ended up in a blood bath. Now that the crisis is over, as usual, there would be a lot of pointing fingers on who is responsible for the mess. Some say that we need to snap up our police force–check their morale and their psyche. The police image here in the Philippines has failed miserably, a few days before, a video exposé of police brutality was shown by the media. Looks like the Philippine National Police has a lot to do cleaning up the ranks! The Filipinos ask, is the Philippine National Police still trustworthy?

Quirino Grandstand, where the drama/crisis unfolded:

View Quirino Grandstand – Manila Hostage Drama in a larger map

On the other side, media was to blame with the full-blown coverage of the situation. I heard that the hostage-taker (or his brother) got weary because of the media coverage. Does the media help the dissemination or simply making matters worse? I’ve said earlier, the drama was broadcasted all over the world! So much for media mileage and Philippine exposure. Something that the new administration of the Department of Tourism should start cleaning up and do some damage control. Just as now, Hong Kong officials have issued a travel advisory against the Philippines. It would really be a great impact in our tourism industry–since the hostages were tourists!

There are a lot of questions that still bother the Filipinos right now, but the most pressing is, why does it even have to happen?

On August 23, 2010, at around 8PM, the hostage crisis was over. The body of Mendoza was at the door. Dead hostages were taken out of the bus and the strong survived this fateful day.

Tomorrow, I’ll try to visit the site. At least offer some prayers for those who have lost their lives and to seek out justice out of this mess.

The crisis is over. The question is, how to we move on from this juncture?

Indeed, the skies of Manila mourned. The thunder stopped but the rain still poured. The streets were flooded, with tears coming from the sky. El cielo estaba llorando sobre Manila, ese noche. The sky was crying over Manila, that night.

Batasang Pambansa - The Philippine Congress Main Hall

It was one Monday rainy afternoon. I was in a mission: To drop by at a Congressman’s office for an official endorsement. I have been to Malacañang, the Senate and the Supreme Court, but I haven’t been to The House of Representatives or locally known as Batasang Pambansa–that’s the legislative center of the Philippine Republic.

Yup. The area I guess most of us know as the center stage of the State of the Nation Addresses (SONA) of Philippine presidents, and as some critics would say, “The Crocodile Pit.” The Batasang Pambansa is where the Philippine assembly of legislative representatives from all over the archipelago, converge and make laws for the republic. Given the bicameral nature of our government, The House of the Representatives is the “lower house” while the Senate (which is in Pasay City) is the “upper house.” However, the said lower house is composed of influential people coming from the local governments.

All right, as we all know that Batasang Pambansa or Batasan for short, is found at Batasan Hills in Quezon City. I guess this is the farthest among the three centers of the government! Its just between Commonwealth Avenue, Fairview and just at the edge of the Marikina Valley. This area has been long surveyed as a planned new capital of the Republic, after World War II. Originally,”The Capitol” was supposed to be at the current Quezon Memorial Circle. However, revisions were made with the design of the new capital of the Philippines a “The Assembly” was moved to its current location near Litex and Constitution Hills. Architect Felipe Mendoza designed the complex, however, it didn’t pushed through until the former President Ferdinand Marcos pushed the plan through in constructing it.

The Batasang Pambansa became the center of the semi-parliamentary Philippine Republic during the Marcos Era. Technically, it became “the capital” of the Philippines. Upon the fall of Marcos in the mid-1980′s, the Batsang Pambansa was dissolved and became what we all know now as The House of Representatives or the Philippine Congress. However, it has marked the consciousness of every Filipino as “Batasan.”

Today, the sprawling complex is the office of the Philippine local and sectoral representatives, voted every three years as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. Joint sessions of the Senate and the Congress are also held here, and as I have mentioned earlier, the annual SONA.

Perhaps, the most recognizable icon or landmark of the said assembly would be the main Session Hall. With the podium, the seats and the balcony with that big Philippine flag at stage, it has marked in every Filipino’s mind as “Kongreso” or “Batasan.” I guess every Pinoy would recognize it–especially its always at the news everyday!

It was rainy. I went in the wrong gate last Monday. The office was at the South Wing annex building, while I entered at the north gate. I never knew that the area was sprawling. Wait, South Wing? I remember that there was a bomb that exploded here in 2007 where Congressman Wahab Akhbar, along with two casualties, was killed. Six were injured, mostly legislators.

Anyway, the main hall itself resembles that School of Arts in Mount Makiling at Laguna. Seemingly a legacy of the brute architecture during the Marcos Era. Two buildings beside it or the North and South Wings, serve as the office of the assemblymen. The newest addition is the South Wing Anne Building…well, we have an increasing number of legislative districts in the country, so better make a new space then.

For those who don’t like to walk around, the Congress provides a transport within their complex. The new e-jeepneys (electric jeepneys) now serve as the transport pod for those who have transactions from one building to another…much like how UP Ikot goes within UP Diliman. The good thing about this, not only its environment-friendly, but its also for free! Para sa mga tinatamad at pagod, merong solusyon ang gobyerno! Hehe!

It was unfortunate of me that I haven’t seen the Session Hall then. I don’t have much time plus the congressman that I was talking with was also rushing to do his business in the committee he was handling. Oh well, there is always a next time. But for now, it was my first time.

Location of Batasang Pambansa/Philippine Congress/House of Representatives, courtesy of Google Maps:

View Batasang Pambansa Complex in a larger map

Iloilo Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple

For so long, I have been looking for an authentic Indian food in Metro Manila. Authentic yet affordable. However, it seems that international cooking here in the nation’s capital is equivalent to dollar rates! I have to prepare at least P300 to P400 just to satisfy my craving for international food–and one of them is from the Indian sub-continent.

Good thing though, my dad brought masala chai from India. However, my craving didn’t diminished. One night in Iloilo (on a short weekend vacation) my friend Tara and the rest of her barkada invited me for a short “cultural immersion” in Mandurriao District. Curious, when she said that we’re going to Nanak Darbar Temple–the Indian Sikh temple in Ciudad Iloilo!

“Whoa! Serious? Are you sure?” At first, I casted doubts and was a bit anxious. I am very particular about respecting different cultures. Aren’t we gate-crashing or something? Everything’s assured though, since one of her friends were followers of an Indian belief. So, we went off.

I’ve been passing this place for years, however, I haven’t been inside. It was my first time. My first impression, its a simple house with a lot of Indians–speaking Hiligaynon and probably Punjabi or Hindi. Wow! India is now just a few rides away from home! We were greeted with curiosity by the Indians, at the same time, warmly welcomed us. We sat outside their main worship area as the guru preaches. I didn’t understand anything but love the atmosphere as if I was somewhere in India.

Then the music started–as if its like our psalms. I have been a avid fan of world music eversince–please refer me to NatGeo and Putomaya please! As authentic as it is, I followed whatever the worshipers do. This kind of immersion differs me from being a tourist! Be with the locals and respect their culture! Impressed, as if I’m back with my “cultureal self”–something that I’ve been trying to bury beneath the shades of corporate slavery.

Authentic Indian dinner at the Sikh Temple

Now, for the moment. Their babajie or their preacher came out. Wearing white robes with a black turban and waist belt, with a small dagger on it. He greeted us with a warm smile. Indeed, we are welcome, even as strangers. Then, the dinner was served.

Sitting on the floor, our metal plates were served with chapatti–Indian tortillas made from whole wheat, curry with peas and potatoes, munggo, an Indian chili salsa-like condiment, sweet oatmeal and that very sour yoghurt. We ate…and whoa, the spices are so natural! This is what I call authentic Indian food! Cooked and served by Indians themselves! My personal favourite was the curry vegies and sweet oatmeal with chapatti.

That chappati is one heavy meal. I would like to have more of it, yet I am shy to ask for one. However, I was very satisfied with the dinner. Full indeed with the spice lingering in my body. I felt somehow that I have eaten something that is organic and natural–out from those artificial thingies that we have in our modern Western life.

Me and the company

As we finished, we bade farewell to the people inside the temple. It was one surprising and unexpected trip to India–in one night! Too bad, I was to shy to at least interview their preacher and ask him about their culture and their experiences…una señal del destino, that I’ll be coming back soon here. That warm night was indeed an experience!

Spice–something that the Europeans were dying to have during the Middle Ages and The Rennaisance. Something that we Pinoys sometimes take for granted. In life, spice is something that we look for and seek for. Indeed, it is rewarding! I still affirm that the best trips are unplanned trips! With respect with our Indian brethren, I guess I would like to know more about the world. As what NatGeo says, “Live Curious.”

View Iloilo Nanak Darbar Temple in a larger map

For our Indian brethren, Tuhaadee kirpaa hai! Thank you!

Information is necessary for all. It is the basic right for everyone to have. With regards to it, the previous topics that we’ve discussed, about the importance of advising the public about possible health hazards, especially those who live on the countryside, and the clarifying or giving more information on a drug that has a history of controversy, its time that we head on towards disseminating the information that would be relevant to the consumers. Medicine online campaigns through social media is one great idea!

Television and radio aren’t enough nowadays to fill in the gap in the humanity’s insatiable quest for more information. Today, the trend also goes online. The pharmaceutical companies have recognised the power of the online and digital world with more interaction between its consumers and the producers or advertisers themselves.

Through online, they can break the barriers of time, space and limited information. Through online campaigns, the advertisers can express more, advertise more, clarify more, and even defend more of their product that they are promoting. For the pharmaceutical companies, it is one way of encouraging people in buying their products and clarifying whatever issues that they have with their products, as fast as possible.

One such example would be the “Hapontukin” online campaign of a multi-vitamin brand. The said product not only encourages steady energy all throughout the day (as I myself always experience some “siesta mode” every after lunch), but also encourage healthy living towards the consumers. It also brings out the creativity from the consumers as well. In my opinion, it has been effective since the term “hapontukin” or afternoon sleepiness are now being used to describe of people as such.

In the part of consumers, having an online campaign for products, especially when it’s health related, is a boon to their knowledge–therefore breaking the shackles of ignorance towards the product. For most rural folks though, although online campaign is still not a main mode of disseminating information, however, even its small urban areas with internet access can spark a product intelligentsia that may affect the people’s opinions about a particular product. For the consumers, the fast and ready-to-access information online, is the best way to protect themselves from unscrupulous capitalist practices.

However, one thing that makes online campaign and promotion effective, is the exchange of information from different kinds of people with different experiences. Opinions about a particular product that were reviewed by different bloggers and online netizens, can influence the public whether they would buy what the pharma company advertise, or shun away from it. The online world has become a forum–which, in my opinion, benefits both sides.

Despite the realisation of the potential of online marketing, I agree with Janette Toral’s opinion that the pharmaceutical companies should give more information, other than just promotion, with or without the provocation from the government. In the part of the government, through BFAD and DOH, they too should be stricter when it comes to implementing the right for information and the protection of the public consumers.

After all, knowledge is power.

Roxas Boulevard near Baclaran

PARANAQUE CITY, PHILIPPINES — Today is Baclaran Day, or the day when the devotees of Our Lady of Perpetual Help converge at Baclaran Church in Parañaque City, one of Metro Manila’s busiest and most congested districts. As expected, early morning will be the start of the traffic jam that normally occurs every Wednesdays. But this Wednesday, August 4, was no longer ordinary for me. MMDA failed big time! It failed the commuters way big time!

At around 6:10 AM, our bus from Cavite, bound for EDSA, entered Baclaran’s bus stop for the usual dispatch. They have a new chairman, a former mayor of Tagaytay City. So like always whenever there’s a new king to lead his men, they implement the traffic rules strictly. So those who disobeyed are instantly reprimanded or apprehended. Just to play it safe, the driver of the bus entered the dispatch bus stop area at Baclaran, rather than risking to pay P1,000 fine…from that time on…it was ‘haynakupo!’ for most of the passengers. It’s Baclaran Day, obviously you’re entering the eye of the storm!

Okay, so we’ve waited…but hey hey! Why are the other city buses not passing by the dispatch area?! We started to feel disgruntled against the bus driver for letting us pass through the crowded service road of Roxas Boulevard for the usual dispatch. C’mon! Of all the days! Miyerkules pa, Araw ng Baclaran! Dito mo pa kami padadaanan! But the driver justified it. Well, go safe rather than risk it. So, we moved through the crowded road like a snail.

View MMDA Baclaran Dispatch in a larger map

It was 6:30AM, after moving slowly towards the front of Baclaran Church, we’re nearby the MMDA Dispatch. I thought it would be a relief, but the bus in front of us won’t budge a bit. Fifteen minutes have passed, the bus still hasn’t moved despite the large space in front of it. The conductor of the other bus pointed out towards the MMDA dispatch booth. He said, “Sir, hindi po namin kasalanan! Ang tagal magdispacha ng MMDA!” (Sir, its not our fault! The dispatchers at MMDA are slow!”) Indeed, I noticed the long line of conductors lining up outside the MMDA booth–irritated and irked with the seemingly long bureaucratic practice of dispatching buses bound for EDSA!

I’ve wanted to take a taxi, but to no avail. EDSA-bound buses were also apprehended and were stopped by these crocodiles. Taking Buendia-bound buses would be equivalent to suicide since the traffic congestion at Buendia is commonly high. Therefore, I have no choice but to wait.

It was 6:50AM. At this juncture, I’m no longer able to keep my calm amidst the chaos. I went down, I complained to the MMDA personnel at the booth, they say in somewhat a rude voice, “Huwag nyo kaming sisihin dahil alam naman ng mga konduktor na matagal mag-proseso ng dispatch!” (Don’t blame us because the conductors know that processing a dispatch is a lengthy process!) What the F?! All of a sudden, my irk against the pasaway bus drivers and conductors was gone. I was rallying against the uber-slow processing of their dispatch papers! The passengers were already irritated, they started shouting curses and “perwisyo kayo sa mga pasahero!”–but those at MMDA traffic pointed to the conductors and bus drivers. Obviously mga palusot!

For the first time, I was enraged and sided the bus drivers and conductors. They may be pasaway, but the bureaucratic process that MMDA’s using–cellphone/text/SMS for confirmation is ONE BIG PIECE OF SH** slapped on the commuter’s faces! If the MMDA indeed is into order and for the convenience of the greater majority of those who use Metro Manila’s roads, then why put the passengers into this inconvenience?

It was already 7:00AM. I have lost my patience. I’ve screamed in an MMDA traffic control’s dispatch face, “Langya kayo, sagabal kayo! May trabaho din kami pero wala kayong mga pakialam! Ang bagal nyo pang magdispatcha! Lintik, irereport ko to sa Orense!” Along with that, was the hurl of complaints fired at the booth. I left Baclaran following a conductor who’s running towards his bus. They left immediately without being cleared…we were clearly pissed off. A lot of passengers had disembarked out of losing patience and the threat from their professors and bosses.

Yesterday, it was also the same experience, however it was fast. Oh, the cameras of ABS-CBN were there too yesterday. No wonder they’re performing well…although still a major hassle for commuters! And today, the cameras are gone, the only difference was…here comes the usual “bureaucratic processing mode” that I think all Filipinos know about the government—kaya pati pagproseso ng dispatch, ganun na rin ba katagal?!

It is for the first time indeed, that I’ve complained not because of the bus drivers making terminals out of bus stops, but the body that imposes discipline and order in the roads of Metro Manila. The ones who were supposed to expedite convenience for the public, was the one hindering the progress of the public. It seems that the usual government bureaucratic red tape that has once hindered and stalled processes, has infiltrated the traffic control. Damn it, this is not processing for business permits for crying out loud! What’s next, do they need ID from the passengers and have it photocopied? This is the transportation sector on the go, it is supposed to be moving–but not like that of the usual bureaucracy!

I was late with the appointment, I was scolded. I apologized. But MMDA too should apologize for the inconvenience they have brought towards the passengers of southern Metro Manila and Cavite. I am still to complain to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. Five minutes is all right, but wasting 45 minutes of our travel time is too much! 45 minutes in Baclaran, but not because of the devotees–but crocodiles in the uniform! We don’t deserve such inconvenience! Sila pa may ganang mang-huli, sila pa ang magaling magpalusot sa sarili nilang kapalpakan! Before they even dare to apprehend motorists, they too should apprehend their men as well on working well with their jobs. Don’t point to bus drivers and commuters which is obviously MMDA’s fault in dispatch!

Baclaran Day pala, I wish I could have just stopped over the church and pray for the mercy of their souls.

Having discussed about the situation of No Approved Therapeutic Claims in the provinces, especially when it comes to the rural folks, I would like to turn into something that I am somehow familiar with. Janette Toral mentioned in her blog about a particular pain killer drug brand called Saridon, which is popular in Visayas and Mindanao areas. I’m familiar with it, due to the fact that it is being advertised in Iloilo and Cebu, my two base camps in the Visayan region. I can still remember a commercial of it not so long ago. “So good, so fast!”—that was the slogan of the said medicine. The TV advertisement was frequently played in both Iloilo and Cebu. However, it is indeed “so fast” because it only lasts, I guess 15-seconds. It describes it as a very fast pain reliever for different sorts of people, from firefighters to teachers and others. However, one thing I noticed though, the broadcast seems to be localized, that when I came to Metro Manila and even the neighboring Tagalog provinces, the drug seems to hit most of its 18 million inhabitants!

I am aware that some companies tend to localize their products to specific regions, like a fabric conditioner back then was only available in Davao area. This may probably because they wanted to take their product to the test on how would it gain acceptance to the public. In case of Saridon, indeed it was localized. If you may ask what Saridon is, according to Wikipedia, Saridon is an analgesic (or pain killer) that was first introduced in the 1930s. Furthermore, it is known to stop pain faster.

However, I’ve encountered a blog post by Ducky Paredes regarding the ill-effects of the said drug. According to the blog post, it has a history of a threatening active ingredient that raised some eyebrows and concerns coming from international health authorities, including US FDA and the World Health Organization, due to its possible carcinogenic effect to the people. Because of the conclusion, the manufacturer then reformulated the said drug to meet up the safety health standards. It was again reintroduced to the market, however here in the Philippines–it is only “visibly marketed” in Visayas and Mindanao. That again, it is safer and better than the old ones.

In this juncture, it is best to say that manufacturers should openly advertise their products and put more information, online or through traditional media. The lack of access to information can prove fatal to the decisions of the consumers. For BFAD or DOH, they should at least try to enforce more “police power” on the proliferation of medicine and putting up information–whether commercial or alternative.

Having spent many years in the provinces here in the Philippines, I grew up with the way of life of the probinsyanos. I’m particular in the Visayas and Mindanao areas, where my family came. Of course, cable TV and internet are available only in towns or in major urban areas, however, radio is still the number one form of communication and entertainment in the rural areas. Of course, when it comes to marketing, local AM and FM radio stations are the main medium of advertising.

However, sometime in the mid-2000′s, there seemed to be a “boom” of herbal products and alternative medicines over the air. All of a sudden, the usual farming fertilizers and poultry feeds were replaced by alternative herbal products and related stuff. Of course when it comes to marketing the product, they were insisting that your health is guaranteed to improve–to the point that even the most serious of the conditions may be healed by the alternative medicine. Of course given the lack of access to health facilities and the rural masa cannot afford to buy expensive medicines, they’ll surely be attracted with the ads and buy those!

Then came in later, the testimonials are airing. For most of the morning all the way to the evening, testimonials coming from different people…from different interviews of different people with different ailments…some serious. Most of the interviews emphasize on the masa, those who cannot afford prescribed drugs. They’ll at first give a sense of hopelessness from their ailments, that even the doctor couldn’t cure them…then came the alternative drug which became a “cure all.” The respondents were pleased and were thanking the product. Somehow, the interviews are convincing…and it was playing over and over again…not just on AM radio, but also on FM!

But there was something missing on that part…with the proliferation of the alternative medicine, is it really effective? Looks like the consumers in the barrios may have assumed that it is indeed the elixir of life! There was no disclaimer of such. Di uso yan dun. Then came in DOH Secretary Esperanza Cabral mandating all in the food supplement industry to bluntly say that, “There are no approved therapeutic claims” to the supplements. A disclaimer that may save the ass of both the drug company, the health officials and the consumers themselves.

Of course, the drug companies said that it was a suicide. It may affect their business because of the disclaimer. However, as reported by Gretchen Malalad on ABS-CBN, the public seems to be completely unaware of the term! Pampapayat or no-prescription drug, as what the say…looks like the masa hasn’t understand the essence of it! Cabral took one step further–translate it in Tagalog or Filipino–so that the people may know. In my opinion, I doubt that it’ll be suicidal since most of the people are still misinformed!

Anyway, Adelle Chua of the Manila Standard said that, “Bad judgment has only one cure—information.” Indeed! Its one critical fact that the consumers should be protected.

However, going back to the barrios, some herbal products still advertise WITHOUT the said disclaimer. Are they doing this intentionally because they are far from the eyes of the national government in Manila? Maybe its time that the people in the countryside should be educated with the right information…perhaps, much better if the message is in vernacular.

For now, testimonials still linger in the mind of some of the rural folk…or maybe because its about time that the government should reach out further to isolated areas and expand the health insurance coverage, especially those who are the needy. Health is one precious resource than any human wouldn’t dare to lose.

For someone special, you wouldn’t like to feel that you are away from him or her. You’ll be wanting to talk more, and be with you more. However, the distance, the time, and even the expense of getting yourself in touch with your loved ones, is keeping you from expressing your appreciation fully. I for one, would like to keep in touch with my special someones at the lowest price possible. Given the times we have, it pays to have an effective way in communication. Good thing though, mas abot mo ang mundo, pati na ang iyong mga minamahal sa buhay as Globe unveiled its newest perk–Globe Super One.

Now, you can communicate with your special someone better and be with them longer, with unlimited calls and texts to one favourite Globe number of your special someone–for the whole month, starting at PhP150.00 for postpaid and My Fully Loaded plan subscribers, to PhP175.00 for My Super plan subscribers. It is one way of making your special someone, THE super one!

To try, for Globe postpaid and My Fully Loaded plan, just text SUPERONE <the Globe or TM number of your “special someone,” a friend, family or colleague”> ON and send it to 8888. For Globe’s SuperPlan subscribers, text MY SUPERONE <the Globe or TM number> ON and send it also to 8888.

Also at the same time, for making Globe the super preferred choice, they’ll be giving away a brand-new a brand-new Samsung Galaxy S Android phone! for one lucky blogger for the Super One Blog Contest. How to get that savvy phone? Just make a blog post on your blog with the topic “Who is your SUPER ONE and why?” Post it, together with a video or a photo of your Super One and link it to Globe’s Super One site. After creating a blog post, leave your blogpost’s URL at the Super One Blogger’s Contest site to have it validated. Deadline is on August 8, 2010 at 1 in the afternoon, Philippine Standard Time.

So, think beyond just being special, think SUPER!

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!