SHAIREEN PALAGANAS
PROUD TO BE CALLED PINOY!
One Monday morning, in the busy
roads of Manila, you can see these colorful “jeepneys”, a public means of transportation found “only
in the Philippines”. It is also known as
“King of the Roads” ‘coz when it stops, a
marathon begins. The “King” dominates
commuters in all walks of life. Men wearing ties, barong, hunk shirts, women in high heels, students in their uniforms, etc. We all run for our lives, begging for the “King”,
to be noticed and be allowed to enter its palace,
by hook or by crook. That vehicle was indeed
a “King”, a certified Pinoy trademark.
As I entered the palace, I take a bow in respect
to the “King”. Every guest seems to be
comfortably seated. Unlike any other
ballroom parties in a palace, guest has to entertain herself/himself inside. A man with his headset, wearing black cap, red
shirt and maong pants happily enjoying his music. On his right is a woman whose long hair is
untied. As the jeepney goes into the
highway, the man struggles, for the woman’s hair slaps his face. PATIENCE was
tested. Another passenger, perhaps working
in a bank , occupies the seats for two. Trying to look OK but was half seated …
whispering to himself – ENDURE…. ENDURE…. ENDURE…. praying someone would get
off the jeep and say the magic spell “PARA!”.
A teenager in her pink shirt, is
busy watching a Korean Telenovela in her Samsung phone – ignoring the man beside her and GENEROUSLY shares every scene in her cellphone. Of
course, the most typical scene in the “palace” a Pinay, leaning on someone’s shoulder fantasizing her Prince Charming. The victim….. true to his KINDNESS… never tried to awaken the princess.
I really enjoy being in this “palace”
– this is where you’ll see how different Pinoys are from other race. I would certainly never
ever get bored inside the jeepney. Because
this is where Filipinos positive traits are shown and tested. Aside from the above mentioned attributes of
Pinoys, mostly are hardworking, understanding and jolly. I certainly proud to be called “PINOY”.
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