Travel time - what do jeepney drivers know

Just this evening on my way home, I got to sit right behind the driver and his shotgun rider. This is the evening after the morning transport strike. Early that day, majority of public utility vehicles did not go out to ferry passengers.

While I was whiling away my time for the more or less 30-minute ride, I heard the driver and his buddy talk. The topics were as follows:

1. Transport strike
2. Economy in Mainland China and its effect of the Chinese
3. "Buddy's" trip in the morning.

1. Transport strike

They discussed that the transport strike was effective. The strike was organized to voice out their frustration at the multiple ticketing scheme being used, particularly in the metropolis (Manila).

Both agreed that the strike was successful and that with a small sacrifice, they can have their resentments heard. On another note, they talked about the village patrol car that volunteered to ferry passengers still stranded that evening.

2. Economy in Mainland China and its effect of the Chinese

During the course of their discussions, they changed their topic to the effect of the economy in Mainland China on the Chinese.

"Buddy" told the driver that Chinese economic policies have severe effect on the Chinese. Because of this, those Chinese who can afford opt to leave the country and settle somewhere else. They also noted that most Filipino-Chinese own a successful business here in the Philippines.

Driver narrated that the Chinoys owe their success to the support of other Chinoys. He said that they help out each other in times of need. An example, he said, is when a Chinoy businessman goes bankrupt, other Chinoys help out so he can start over. But there is a limit to this help, he adds. He even said, "See-ke, ee-kao ak-yen too-long. Pe-lo pak ee-kaw loo-ke pa oo-let, aa-koo wa-la na ma-ka-wa."

3. "Buddy's" trip in the morning.

"Buddy" told the driver how happy he was with his trip that morning. He said that the traffic was so light and the passengers are overflowing. He added that he can do just two trips and his income will be fine for the day.

Well, until next trip.