Jeepney Diaries

Jeepney Diaries

July 23, 2018 | Travel

Did you know that the average Filipino spends 60% of his day commuting?

We just made that up but the commute is really an indispensable part of living in Manila. Buti na lang, sa dami ng oras na ginugugol natin sa daan, siguradong marami din tayong napupulot na aral.. at katatawanan.

We did a short survey (umikot lang talaga kami sa office at nagtanong tanong) asking people about their funniest commute story and here are what we’ve garnered.

Masunuring bata
I was going to this mall and at that time all I can rely on are instructions from my friends. I fell asleep on the bus and nalagpasan ko yung bababaan ko so kinailangan ko ulit magtanong tanong. As soon as I reached the jeepney terminal, I asked manong driver: “Manong, dito po ba yung papuntang Marikina?” He motioned to the north and said “lakad ka na lang, hijo.” Ako ‘tong si masunurin, naglakad naman ako pa-north. After 30 minutes of walking northbound, I saw the mall to my right, contrary to what manong driver said. Kala ko diretso lang? Then, as I saw his jeepney catching up. He looks at me puzzled, and shouts “Diyan, sa kanan, tahakin mo lang yan.” That’s when I realized I misheard him and what he was really trying to say was “Oo, hijo. Lakad ka lang ng onti pagbaba.”

Awkward
Nung college, araw-araw akong sumasakay sa jeep. Favorite spot ko yung sa likuran ng driver kasi doon, hindi ko na kailangang mag-abot ng bayad ng iba. Abot naman na ni manong, kaya tuloy-tuloy lang akong nakakapag-basa. One time, wala akong choice kundi umupo dun sa second nearest. And it was only that time that I realized that’s the worst part to be seated in.

It’s too near to the driver but beyond that, it’s hardly an arm’s length from the driver. So, kung nandun ka, kampante ka na maiaabot din nung katabi mo yung bayad niya. You let her extend her arm fully, ngunit ito’y magkukulang. She repeats “ma, bayad po!” while giving you a sullen glance. *Insert awkwardness* Now, you decide to help her but just before your hand reaches her hand, bigla na lang kukunin ni manong yung bayad. Hala. Ganyanan? Sige. *Insert more awkwardness*

Grammar lecture sa jeep
One night, habang pauwi ako from work, may nakasabay akong ale. First time niya lang sa lugar na ‘yun, so he asked me “Anak, pa-Antipolo ba ‘to?” I said yes and she went on to sit in the middle. Patok music started to play and the jeepney took off.

“Manong, magkano po Antipolo?” she asked the driver. “Mahal po ang Antipolo. Pero 8 pesos po papunta doon.” the driver lampooned. I assumed the old lady didn’t hear that through the ear-splitting beats of patok, but she let out a chuckle and paid.