Public AUVs in our country's capital are equipped with radios allowing them to chat with their buddies - primarily to warn them of the presence of any traffic enforcement officers in their route.
On our way home this evening from a day out, we overheard the driver call on his buddy asking where he is. I thought may be they have something planned for the night. When the other guy responded, our driver asked him if he has a specific passenger on-board. Some lady he describes based on where she gets off and what she was wearing that day.
When his friend gave the affirmative, has requested the guy to give his "hello" to the girl who in turn responded with a "see you tomorrow" through that driver.
It did not end there.
The other driver cautioned our driver that he might get caught by his "alpha." Our driver assured his friend that his "alpha" is leaving for the US probably to work.
Since wives are called with a word starting with a letter A in our country, we surmised that he must be referring to this wife.
We have a sort of a slogan in our country that says "drivers are sweet lovers." And our caring driver has so much love and care to give that he is willing to share it with his regular passenger.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Traffic violation - patience is a virtue
On my way home from work, I took a jeepney ride from Crossing (along Shaw Boulevard near EDSA across Shangri-la Mall)
When we crossed San Miguel Avenue, the jeepney stopped and took on some passengers. This practice was allowed since it does not affect the flow of traffic much. When the driver was ordered by the traffic enforcer to move ahead, a woman carrying a big plastic bag with 2 one gallon containers (probably in a hurry to get home) called him to stop so she could board. The driver heeded the would be passenger. He stopped, let her board, and began to drive away when the enforcer banged on the side of the vehicle and told the driver to stop.
My fellow passengers and I were confused at what was happening and are unable to discern the discussion between the enforcer and the driver. In the end, the driver got off the jeep and followed the enforcer to the road island to talk to another enforcer leaving us confused, annoyed and impatient.
Two of the passengers thought aloud directing their words to the distant driver saying that he should just fork over some cash for coffee or snacks so we can be on our way.
Impatient that we are, we sat and waited. Meanwhile the woman-who-may-be-the-cause-of-all-the-delay for stopping the driver even if he was asked by the enforcer to leave got up and off the jeep then waved on other jeepneys passing us.
Fearing that they might end up like the other driver, they ignored the woman and went on ahead without stopping.
Less than 2 minutes later, the driver got back on the jeepney, was given a final warning and set free.
When we left the scene, I saw the impatient woman-who-may-be-the-cause-of-all-the-delay still waiting for the next jeepney to come by.
When we crossed San Miguel Avenue, the jeepney stopped and took on some passengers. This practice was allowed since it does not affect the flow of traffic much. When the driver was ordered by the traffic enforcer to move ahead, a woman carrying a big plastic bag with 2 one gallon containers (probably in a hurry to get home) called him to stop so she could board. The driver heeded the would be passenger. He stopped, let her board, and began to drive away when the enforcer banged on the side of the vehicle and told the driver to stop.
My fellow passengers and I were confused at what was happening and are unable to discern the discussion between the enforcer and the driver. In the end, the driver got off the jeep and followed the enforcer to the road island to talk to another enforcer leaving us confused, annoyed and impatient.
Two of the passengers thought aloud directing their words to the distant driver saying that he should just fork over some cash for coffee or snacks so we can be on our way.
Impatient that we are, we sat and waited. Meanwhile the woman-who-may-be-the-cause-of-all-the-delay for stopping the driver even if he was asked by the enforcer to leave got up and off the jeep then waved on other jeepneys passing us.
Fearing that they might end up like the other driver, they ignored the woman and went on ahead without stopping.
Less than 2 minutes later, the driver got back on the jeepney, was given a final warning and set free.
When we left the scene, I saw the impatient woman-who-may-be-the-cause-of-all-the-delay still waiting for the next jeepney to come by.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sagay City River Cruise
In June, my boss visited Sagay City in Negros Occidental to grace their founding annivesary. The mayor treated us to a 2-hour river cruise that included lunch.
At that time, there was only one floating restaurant. They do plan to augment this with a few more so more people can enjoy the cruise.
We got off at the city boundary and boarded the resto. The trip ended up in a "port" near the mouth of the river opening to the sea. This port serves as a haven for many fishing vessels of the cityfolk.
Here are some pictures.
The river.
Lunch "on" the river.
Because of government officials on-board, we got police following us.
The raft is being pushed through the river by a modified motor banca.
At that time, there was only one floating restaurant. They do plan to augment this with a few more so more people can enjoy the cruise.
We got off at the city boundary and boarded the resto. The trip ended up in a "port" near the mouth of the river opening to the sea. This port serves as a haven for many fishing vessels of the cityfolk.
Here are some pictures.
The river.
Lunch "on" the river.
Because of government officials on-board, we got police following us.
The raft is being pushed through the river by a modified motor banca.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Dinagat Islands - beauty and mystery
Last June, I went with my boss to visit Dinagat Islands. The province (Islands) is composed of many islands that includes the main landmass named Dinagat. It is a two hour ride using the regular public transport from Surigao City to the main port.
We arrived at the pier after 6:00pm
First on our agenda was a visit to the complex where the body of Supremo Ruben Ecleo Sr. lies in state.
Next was a visit to the Ecleo Castle that was built with contributions from Dinagatnons all over the world as a gift to their "matriarch," the widow of the supremo.
Inside the castle, you will be treated to various artworks from wall displays to carvings to lighting.
The veranda has a good view of the town below and the seas beyond. But I was only able to take photos with my back on them. My phone can't take any good shot at the good view.
The facade is just as great as the interior.
We stayed overnight at the resort of the governor of the province, the lovely and talented Gov. Jade Ecleo. She does not only sing but she has an album all her own. In fact, she will be having a concert at the Music Museum on September 12.
The resort faces a calm and inviting beach that I, unfortunately, failed to enjoy.
The ride aboard the Philippine Navy Assault Craft back to Surigao Islands took less time due to the calm seas.
Before we left Surigao City for Agusan del Norte and home, I took a picture of the welcome tarpaulin that hung at the seaport of the city.
It was a tiring yet education trip to that island of beauty and mystery. I also had a nice chat with Vice Governor Elvis dela Merced. I learned that we do the same job when we travel with our bosses - we are both super alalays.
We arrived at the pier after 6:00pm
First on our agenda was a visit to the complex where the body of Supremo Ruben Ecleo Sr. lies in state.
Next was a visit to the Ecleo Castle that was built with contributions from Dinagatnons all over the world as a gift to their "matriarch," the widow of the supremo.
Inside the castle, you will be treated to various artworks from wall displays to carvings to lighting.
The veranda has a good view of the town below and the seas beyond. But I was only able to take photos with my back on them. My phone can't take any good shot at the good view.
The facade is just as great as the interior.
We stayed overnight at the resort of the governor of the province, the lovely and talented Gov. Jade Ecleo. She does not only sing but she has an album all her own. In fact, she will be having a concert at the Music Museum on September 12.
The resort faces a calm and inviting beach that I, unfortunately, failed to enjoy.
The ride aboard the Philippine Navy Assault Craft back to Surigao Islands took less time due to the calm seas.
Before we left Surigao City for Agusan del Norte and home, I took a picture of the welcome tarpaulin that hung at the seaport of the city.
It was a tiring yet education trip to that island of beauty and mystery. I also had a nice chat with Vice Governor Elvis dela Merced. I learned that we do the same job when we travel with our bosses - we are both super alalays.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Asiaten Hotel
During our sortie in Tarlac City for the culmination of the Emergency Employment Project of DepEd, we were booked at the Asiaten Hotel owned by Mr. Danilo Asiaten. Set in the heart of a residential subdivision, the hotel presents a cozy relaxed atmosphere away from the noise of the highway plied by North-bound buses and private vehicles 24/7.
Converted from being a school compound into a residential hotel, the two-level U-shaped Asiaten Hotel looks like an apartment complex with a large communal area in the middle.
Near the gate is the reception area where guests can check in or out 24 hours a day. Manned by helpful and courteous staff, each guest is greeted with a smile and advised of amenities available or problems at hand - we were informed the night we arrived that there will be a power and water cut-off from 7am to 9am the following day.
Though the parking space may be limited, a security guard ensures the safety of vehicles parked outside the compound. Not to mention the fact that it is inside a secure residential area with little or no non-resident traffic.
A poolside restaurant adds to the comfortable and relaxing breakfast. They serve Filipino, Continental, and other dishes to clients. They get your order for breakfast before bed time including the time you wish to have them so it can be fresh and ready by the time you take your seat on the iron and rattan chairs with your laptop on checking your morning email through the free wi-fi internet connection provided.
I hope to visit Tarlac again in the future in a more personal time to truly savor the soothing ambiance of the Asiaten Hotel.
Converted from being a school compound into a residential hotel, the two-level U-shaped Asiaten Hotel looks like an apartment complex with a large communal area in the middle.
Near the gate is the reception area where guests can check in or out 24 hours a day. Manned by helpful and courteous staff, each guest is greeted with a smile and advised of amenities available or problems at hand - we were informed the night we arrived that there will be a power and water cut-off from 7am to 9am the following day.
Though the parking space may be limited, a security guard ensures the safety of vehicles parked outside the compound. Not to mention the fact that it is inside a secure residential area with little or no non-resident traffic.
A poolside restaurant adds to the comfortable and relaxing breakfast. They serve Filipino, Continental, and other dishes to clients. They get your order for breakfast before bed time including the time you wish to have them so it can be fresh and ready by the time you take your seat on the iron and rattan chairs with your laptop on checking your morning email through the free wi-fi internet connection provided.
I hope to visit Tarlac again in the future in a more personal time to truly savor the soothing ambiance of the Asiaten Hotel.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
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