After a terrible incident on Monday, I still feel shivers down my rickety spine. It’s already Wednesday; 2,880 agonizing minutes have already passed but paranoia continues to enjoy resting on my shoulders.
No I wasn’t held up, but I was once a victim of the circumstance – and my personal ignorance – while riding a jeep along pollution and petty thieves infested Recto.
The circumstance – I realized I was alone with 3 thieves on board. One was sticking out his fan knife at me like a laser pointer aimed at my face.
My Ignorance – Recto. Taking out your mobile phone.
The rest is a story of priceless historical idiocy. Ignorance of the laws of the universe excuses no one. Especially the ones who stick out their mobile phones in public places.
Last Monday, I fell victim yet again to another law of the universe – clear the hell out of the way of the President if you want to see your car again.
I wouldn’t have had this problem if our greedy landlord spared a parking slot for us. But that’s worth another story.
We park on the street and this Monday, the Grand Dame had to make a grand visit somewhere, and our car – along with the neighbors’ – were getting in the way of her public entrance.
Under threat of a 2,000 peso penalty, as well as the possible damage to the handbrake, I hurried my ass back home.
Upon arriving, the only car left on the street was – you guessed it – ours. So I climbed up a 100 steps to our floor, and ran back down skipping two steps at a time.
(Yes, there’s no working elevator. Our landlord wants to imbibe in the tenants and unit owners the value of exercise – even for those aged 60 and up. If there is a God, I’d like to ask one simple question, where is the equity in life?)
I opened the door to the driver’s seat, rammed the keys in, turned on the engine and stepped on the gas. I didn’t care if my heavy foot evaporated all the gas in the tank.
About ten minutes later, I find out that Madame President passed by. Just in the nick of time.
Now is that power or what? If someone can make you climb up a hundred steps without stopping to catch his breath, that’s power.
But it’s charm when you can climb up that many steps, go down to park your car, and then wait for the parade to pass by so you’d get to greet the personalities.
You get what you want both ways, but only one of them will make someone go the extra mile.
Thank God there’s an election.
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Favorite quote at the moment: our name is our virtue.
