Thinking of the song? No, definitely not Kala’s hit in the Myx Daily Top 10.
It was 31 down 7 o’clock in the evening, the last day of our training. The sky was darkening and the wind blew softly as I walked toward the terminal. Going home later than 6 o’clock in the evening is such a waste of time I heard myself whisper. Before taking the jeepney in line, I have decided to sit down and buy a bottle of coke in a bakery situated near the end of the terminal. While taking a sip, I observed people passing by. Definitely not Manila, whispering to myself and reminiscing the events a year ago. 5 minutes would be long enough for me to begin sipping air so I took a jeepney. I have waited for the jeepney to be filled up. Not exceeding 10 minutes, the wheels started rolling as expected.
This year is going to be the hardest school year ever. Again, talking to myself. Anticipating sleepless nights, hardworks, additional duties or obligations, etc. Then suddenly while thinking of these, my sight landed on the driver. He looked so tired and problematic. What if I am on his shoes? Is he happy with his life? Then I began asking myself, what would be my life a year after wherein I will not be calling myself a student anymore? Will I be able to work in prestigious firms such as NEC, Orange and Bronze, Accenture, etc.? Well, so much for that.
It was time to pay for my fare and step down.
Please hand my fare over, I handed PhP 6.00 (discounted fare for students and senior citizens). Not far from the jeepney, I was wondering why it was not moving and all the passengers were looking at me. It seems that there was a problem. I approached the driver with an idea that he wasn’t happy with my fare. He shouted, how much do you pay to this far?! I replied, PhP 6.00, student. Student?! it’s summer break, no classes these days! My reply, I have summer classes and it does not mean that if it’s summer break then we should follow regular fare. The reasons why students and senior citizens follow the discounted fare are,
[Students]
They are still studying and do not have a job yet.
[Senior Citizens]
Most of them were retired and have no other means of income, some are just depending on their pension plans.
Even if we’ll see face to face in the court you will never triumph. What is the use of having that fare rate there posted on your windshield? Consider Manila, the food is more expensive compared here but the drivers there are disciplined in following the fare matrix provided by the LTFRB. Then with loud voice he began uttering a lot of things like, it should be PhP 6.50! Currently, I do not even have the fee for this jeepney! While he was throwing a lot of harsh words, at the back of my mind, I was already thinking of giving all extra coins in my bag. I was reflecting during that moment and have realized that I have relatives who survive through the same profession, driving, I know how hard it is to suffice the needs of one’s family especially if one does not own a jeepney. I slowly opened my bag and got all the coins there, then with smile I gave all those to the driver. We understand your situation, here take these coins, you might be needing it badly for your family. He replied in low tone, thank you child, please do understand us. Then with smile I replied, okay sir, no problem about that. Then the jeepney started rolling. While walking down the street to our house, I have felt an extraordinary happiness.
Being happy is a choice that we make. Never forget this. Everytime we wake up in the morning, it is us who chooses whether to be happy or not. Being happy is not being rich, it is being content with what we have.
Pro Deo et Patria
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