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!