One of the reasons why I’ve stopped bringing a car is because of the proliferation and convenience of “services,” popularly known as “FX.” For a minimum of 10 pesos, the driver can take you to a certain point in Metro Manila without you having to worry about gassing up, parking fees, and getting caught by unscrupulous MMDA officers (heaven forbid). Best of all, FX drivers are known to pass through side streets and over sidewalks that I wouldn’t even think of taking or doing even though I’ve been driving for more than 20 years. Taking the service/ FX is always like an adventure!
But I’m getting ahead here.
This morning, I decided to take the service from Quezon City (where I live) to Ortigas Center (where I work). The MRT train station at Quezon Avenue was very packed! I’ll be pretty late and pretty squished had I decided to take the train.
The service that took us to our destination is actually a large, fairly new van. I took the front seat (near the driver) because I wanted to have a good view of where we’re going. The usual route from the Quezon Avenue queue is Scout Rallos, drive through a part of Cubao, exit to EDSA, and then take the flyover going to Ortigas Center.
Not this guy! He took us through Scout Rallos, Judge Jimenez Street, passed through Aurora Boulevard, and meandered his way through New Manila. Through Mariposa Loop, in particular. Hey, I said to myself, this is really cool!
Whenever I go to Cubao or even Makati City, I bring a car and drive through New Manila, that side of Balete Drive, Horseshoe Village, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, the old British Council, etc.
New Manila has a quiet elegance that I like. It’s an upscale neighborhood, but it was never ostentatious. In fact, if New Manila is a person, she’d probably be an elegant woman in her early 60’s. She’d be well-coiffed, well-mannered, pleasant, and graciosa. I digress.
The point of this sharing is that taking the service to work is usually longer than taking the train. However, like I keep saying, it's an 'adventure' and a fun way of getting around at a price to beat. Riding an FX enables me to see the metro with new eyes, in a new light. It allows me to be seated comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle. More importantly, nobody has to shove me out of her way, thus minimizing opportunities to transfer negative energy to me.
As a result, I’m more relaxed on my way to work. The ride ignites my imagination, and it gets me revved up for the day's work load.
So pano . . . let's get down to business.
