Insights on the road

Fresh from a dubbing session for a Chinese Movie to be aired ABS-CBN, the Voicemaster hailed a cab in front of the ELJ building. I, the writer, just followed. We got on the vehicle and instructed the driver that we were heading to Makati. It past four in the afternoon and it was Friday. Eager to avoid the crazy traffic on EDSA, the Voicemaster just asked the driver to take some alternate route.

However, we were not really able to escape the traffic jam’s spell.

“This is the worst day. This is the worst time,” said the Voicemaster, referring to the inevitable craziness of ever crazy traffic the Philippines way.

We had to reach our destination before six. Yet, the Voicemaster was able to keep cool although yes, he was a bit disappointed.

“Kaya mabagal ang pag-unlad ng Pilipinas. Dapat kasi mabilis ang daloy ng traffic para mabilis ang transfer ng goods at services,” commented the Voicemaster as the driver continued to struggle looking for an easier way and I, still sitting, observing.

And there were a lot more. He commented even about the government, about the people, and about the society. Yet, all these were no longer surprises. The Voicemaster is also a critic by nature and in fact, in spite of his busy schedule, he never forgets to pay attention to the things that happen around him—he remains updated and he never loses opinions on different things around. He is never afraid to say what he feels like saying.

The traffic jam’s craziness was so intense that afternoon. A number of steps from our destination, the vehicle stopped which lasted for several minutes and all the other vehicles ahead of us plus the way they cluttered the narrow street gave us a hint that the jam would be more terrible so we decided to just get off and just walk. And the ride was over.

It was just a cab ride, after all. But no, that would be an understatement. Instead, it was a cab ride filled with insights—fresh from the one and only Voicemaster.