Taxpayer's Woes

It's unfortunate that unpleasant experiences had to happen just to remind me writing again in my blog. And I had to write all about it to release the "bwisit" feeling.

First, me and the rest of Meralco subscribers got the summer surprise of our lives after our electric bills this month shoot up like the volcanic ashes and clouds of current Europe skies. Everyone's complaining but no one's explaining. It's a Metro-wide phenomenon, blacking out every sense of rationality. Parang na-Flash Forward kami kaya lang ang future, kelangan mong magbayad ng bill at kung hindi, baklas ang metro mo.

Next, it happened just this morning while lining up for a ride sa MRT station. 5:30am sila nagbukas pero 6am pa lang, pumipila na ang sandamakmak na tao. Ang dahilan: Nandun lahat ng sekyu, nagi-inspect ng mga gamit sa pinakataas na platform malapit sa ticket booths. They did not (as always) anticipate the rush of people riding on a Monday morning. Kung sa baba pa lang, nagi-inspect na sila, wala sanang maiipon na tao. Nagbabayad ka ng tamang buwis tapos ito ang makukuha mong serbisyo at mapupunta lang sa sweldo ng mga taong walang common sense and practical decision making ability!

oYes!

This could be the start of something that is financially rewarding. =)

From King of the Road to Street Thugs

At least in most areas that I have been to, I can say with sadness that gone are the days when the Pinoy Jeepney is a symbol of Filipino hospitality and artistry. Jeepneys today no longer reflects the colorful, festive mood of Pinoys. They are now considered as utility in essence. No more, no less.

I recall them being tagged as the country's king of the road. But there was a time when I thought the title was taken by so-called FX's and other similar AUV's which started to crowd the metropolis during the 90's. They did survived, nonetheless.

But today, there are more unhappy experiences than good ones that I can tell. I do not blame the machines, but the men behind the wheels.

- Lots of units are poorly maintained, thus causing black smoke to engulf the streets.

- Jeepney drivers become younger and younger (some barely qualify for a driving license, if they even have it) and as we all know, youth can be equated to recklessness resulting to undesirable consequences.

- There are also oldies that really don't give a damn when getting passengers, no matter how they stop in the middle of the road, as long as they get everyone aboard.

- Just no proper education on safe driving (not to mention good grooming).

The last time I saw an authentic Filipino-inspired passenger jeep was when I opened a coffee table magazine (thanks Sarao, Lippad and others for the memories). It's just like reminiscing the old Manila through an FB account. How nostalgically sad.

My 10-10 in 2010

Last January, the inevitable happened: My age is officially beyond the Gregorian calendar month days. As a tribute to myself, here are top ten signs - in no particular older - that tell me that I'm increasing in value in terms of antiquity.

1. Almost 70% of my friends are married and 90% of which already have children aged 1 year and up

2. I started commenting on how teenagers type in their text messages (QuA AzaHn NhA Poh QaU? is nauseously translated as Kuya, nasaan na po kayo?)

3. Reads newspaper more often

4. Feels pain in various region of my body more often

5. More and more kids calling me Kuya or Tito

6. Our wedding album gets dusty

7. Drinks coffee more often

8. Mentions terms like pressure, stress, taxes, billing statements more often

9. Shoots adult jokes like drinking water

10. Starts to worry about my eating habits

This should not overshadow the fact that lots of blessings were and are being given to me, thus here are the top ten:

1. I have a loving wife;

2. I have a wonderful baby boy (girl to follow);

3. My family is healthy physically and spiritually;

4. Both my biological parents and parent in-laws are still here;

5. Families and close relatives from both sides are safe;

6. I have lots of friends;

7. I have my own house (car to follow);

8. I have a stable job (own business to follow);

9. My bills payments are up-to-date;

10. I can share my blessings and afford to help others in any way I can; instead of being on the receiving end.