The Terrific Trail of the Tagbilaran Trikes

The Boholanos are known for their "religious fervor," but I would never have realized how true it is until last week.   From the ride from the airport to our host's house (which is a very short ride), I already have noticed evidence of the people's religiosity, for, conspicuously displayed on every tricycle we met (the major mode of transport) were religious quotations.  I was so fascinated that every time I walked the streets of Tagbilaran, I would stop and read what every passing or parked trike has to say.  And even when I was mobile, it didn't matter if I had to strain my neck just to catch the phrases at the back of the trikes we passed by.   I listed them down.  There were common favorite bible verses such as "The Lord is my shepherd," or "For God so love (sic) the world."  Some chose rather unusual passages like these two: "Jesus weep,"(sic) and "From the far east."  It blew me away!  I mean, you would have to know your Scripture to identify which book and chapter these came from.  I challenge you.       Then the nuggets of wisdom, not really from the bible, though some probably from Proverbs, i don't know but check it out:  "Hold your tongue and you will hold a flood," Life is a delicate thing, handle it with prayer,” and “We grow old because we stopped playing.”  And then for some Christology: “The message of the cradle contains the message of the cross.”  Beat that!   For the less imaginative there’s the “In God we trust” and “God bless our way.”  The former topping the list for the most used.  Second perhaps on the list is “Love God.”  Why not?  Short and sharp, like a two-edged sword.   For those who are lukewarm about their salvation they might need some jolt from the fire and brimstone stuff like “Repent and believe in the Bible.”  And for those who prefer a Marian flavor, how about “Holy Mary, Mother of God”?   There were also take offs from popular slogans:  “Go for God” and “No God, No Peace.”   Soon my sisters were joining me in my preoccupation.  For some time we were laughing for one sister joked about it being a requirement imposed by the mayor on all tricycle drivers, and that they drew lots for the verses, and those trikes without anything written on them were “kolorom” (unregistered).     It happened that the driver of our host has just bought a tricycle franchise, so we asked him in jest what verse will he print on his trike, segued with our favorite joke about it being “required.”  I almost could not believe what he told us, that it was indeed a requirement by the LTO!     In my utter amazement I did not anymore get to ask for details, like whether they really drew lots for it or what.  I still find it funny but I could not help but admire the Bol-anons for their “religious fervor.”  Well, it can be argued that the message does get lost by triteness, however, it also depends on the one receiving it, whether you take it seriously as God’s gentle reminders or brush it off like dandruff on your shoulder.  Well, sabi nga ng isang trike: “Thank’s God for everything!”  as in everything including dandruff! =)   The next time I visit Bohol I’ll check out the “religious ice drop.”  Somebody just told me they have the verses on the popsicle sticks!  Till then! 

Ironic

It started with a gift card. I intended to go to Eastwood but ended up in Bonifacio High street. I intended to buy me a cd and a craft book but ended up buying two fiction books. The (mis) adventure began in Fully-Booked, Trinoma. I thought they also had cd selections. Now at least i know they don't. The cute sales assistant told me, rather reminded me, they have cds in their "other" branch. Lesson #1: Stick to the original plan!! In my mind I was blaming myself already. I should have gone straight to Eastwood. Instead went to Trinoma because commuting was easier. So i just asked the sales assistant how to get "there." He kindly and charmingly gave me directions: take the train to Ayala, then take the bus going to The Fort. "Tapos baba kayo sa high street." Hah! I should have taken the clue from that, that we were talking about two different Fully-Booked branches. But my mind was busy memorizing the directions. So off I went. The bus station was not easy to locate, nor was high street because in my mind i was picturing eastwood. so i had to rely on a security guard, a sidewalk vendor and the lady beside me in the bus for directions. When i got off i felt so lost. I asked another guard. This time i felt so stupid haha! It was then that I realized I was in Serendra and not in Eastwood! But when i got to the bookshop I felt so triumphant. There at the fourth floor were the cds, shelves and shelves of them. Unlike in eastwood they only had one. Happiness! Two hours later i still have not found what i liked. Options overload! So i decided to look for my craft book first. I found them rather expensive. So I went down to the fiction section first while i think it over, again. Another hour passed. By this time i was already weary from hunger and indecision. It was then that i thought of asking for help. I sms'd for suggestions. "Fiction or non-fiction?" she asked. I said, "kahit ano." So she suggested two fiction books. I succumbed. As I walked out of the bookshop tired and hungry, now also frustrated. I thought of the alanis, workshy, kevyn and nyoy, and all the cds i have not chosen. And my craft book. Lesson #2: Stick to the original plan!! It was my first time to be alone in Serendra, and to commute back home from there. I saw "C5" on the jeepney signs. I asked the barker: "Pano po pumunta ng Katipunan?" Then he pointed me to another jeepney and said i get off at Service Road and from there ride another jeep to Pasay. "Malapit na yung Katipunan dun, mga 2 kilometers na lang." I thanked him with all the cheerfulness i could muster, because i was also so pleased to hear that I was not so far from home. I followed the instructions of Manong barker. What he said was true, Katipunan was just about 2 km from Service Road...but it was Katipunan Village! How would i know there was a Katipunan village in Taguig?! Lesson #3: Specify, clarify and verify. ANd study the map of Manila. I rode the jeep again and just asked the driver to drop me off at the nearest train station. At least I am familiar with the train routes. While I was getting lost in Manila my cellphone beeped. "Kumusta?" the message read. I immediately replied hoping to find comfort and company (kahit virtual lang). After two exchanges I was dismissed. "It's like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife... Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you. Life has a funny way of helping you out." I sang. Lesson number four. Sigh. It all started with the gift card that will expire next week. However, even after all the misadventures I thank God i arrived home safe and dry. The heavy rain poured as soon as i got inside the house. "It's like ray-e-ain on on your wedding day. It's a free ride when you've already paid. It's the good advice that you just didn't take. Who would've thought... it figures." =)