'God knows Hudas not pay'

Going around Manila by public transportation is always an adventure -- sometimes, a misadventure. Either way, there's a lot to learn about life, courtesy, human psychology, even charity when you don't let your experiences simply go by with nary a thought about them.

Come to think of it, there's an interesting assortment of modes of transportation available to commuters in Manila: bus, jeepney, tricycle, pedicab, taxi, train.In other parts of the country, there's the improvised motorcycle that uses a wooden plank to transport more passengers (this is not something I would recommend due to safety issues).

Petrufied wrote an insightful and very helpful (and humorous) blog post on being a more mindful jeepney passenger. How? Well, kindness is vital. Here's an excerpt:

Let people coming in find a seat nearer the entrance. The jeepney is filling up, and one bad habit passengers have is to squeeze themselves as close to the entrance/exit side as possible. Okay, so everyone wants to be able to hop off as soon as they get to their stop, but think about that poor last passenger whose balance is tried as he makes his way to that empty space near the driver the moment the jeep starts accelerating to Full Speed Ahead. It's actually dangerous--just like trying to fasten your seat belt in a carnival ride after the ride has started moving--but nobody seems to care because perhaps nobody has slipped and fallen to oblivion before.

Read How to be kind in a cramped jeepney 


Now, let's move on to taxis. But it's a new modus operandi I have in mind, due to an article I came across just today about a woman who was victimized recently. I wonder if any criminals read my blog. If you happen to be one, don't you think it would do you good to change your ways and live being at peace with your Maker and the people around you? Better do it now while you're still breathing!

If you ride taxis regularly or know people who do, check out the article -- which also links to a GMA News report that contains additional details.

I'm not in the habit of taking cabs, but I like Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows. Have a look and a listen.