One Fine Saturday!
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27560)
Philippines
March 17, 2013 12:37am CST
Got trapped in a two and a half hour traffic along EDSA and Buendia, on my way to SMX Convention Center, for DESIGN PHILIPPINES. It was a Saturday, events were happening simultaneously, and if I was excited about our cultural heritage exhibit, President Noy was pressing Solaire Casino Grand Opening button at the MOA area (Phil Star frontpage) with ultra rich business tycoons (and of course I wondered how unfeeling was the sight of the president's photo, when just right below was the face of UP stude Kristel with a scene of her wake in the background), and there was a concert of an 80's singer, and delightful fireworks.
So, my feet were numb, by the time I got to MOA parking queue, and I thought it couldn't be worse anymore, but sigh, after I received my parking ticket and I was already on my way up the inner spiral, the SUV in front of me stopped! I blew my horn, of course, and wondered why i was the only one yanking, when all of us were hanging, ascending. An alert security guard ran up, and in a few seconds, he was coming down, and I opened my window and shouted What happened? and he responded with Balik na lang po! WHAT? REVERSE ON A SPIRAL? On an inner lane spiral? Nuts! I was going nuts, but of course, instead of doing so, I had to tackle first the matter at hand: Dim lights, narrow lane, descending backwards. Side mirrors, my guide, my only vision! Halfway now, and almost down, another security appeared and signaled me to climb up! What pixie play is this, I thought, but was just relieved I wouldn't have to go through the long queue outside again,
My back was a running faucet by the time I got to the registration booth, some 500 meters, I calculated, from the Level 4 parking slot I got. I sipped extra expensive coffee from Deco Elle, and then walked through the booths that showcased our arts and handicrafts, our exciting furniture, and am sure there must be a story behind, for the designs seem to be evolving, and, I was surprised with the crowd of aliens: bald, belly popped Caucasians and chinky-eyed, noisy Asians, ha ha, these traders/buyers adore our products. MANILA FAME is a PRIDE, and am glad I came.
4 responses
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
18 Mar 13
A bit of sacrifice, but the prize is amazing since you were able to go to the exhibit.
I am amazed at your perseverance eileen, because if i were you, i would have backed out the last minute seeing how heavy the traffic is. But i think going back would mean another, so might as well go on with it.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Mar 13
Turning back was not an option, my daughter would have been disheartened, and I already spent a sum for my extra gorgeous hair, I would have been disappointed with myself if I did not boast it out.
@jamieclavero (187)
• Philippines
17 Mar 13
lol. traffic here in metro manila is always bad especially during weekdays rush hour. travel time are always time consuming and very tiring.
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Mar 13
True. The MMDA chair Francis Tolentino, they say, is good, but so far, I have not seen concrete measures that really worked, as far as the major thoroughfares I pass by everyday.
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
17 Mar 13
I weighed my options:
via E. Rod/Espanya/Roxas Blvd would be the longest route
via C5/Global City would have been the easiest, shortest route, but jampacked for sure
via Cubao/EDSA would be the most difficult because of jeeps and buses
Should have taken the first option, instead of the third.
@romzee (937)
• Philippines
17 Mar 13
I wonder why the church are close lips about Solaire Casino and many more casinos that will be build here in the Philippines. But during the term of Erap they are very vocal and so much against the putting up of a casino by Macao Casino magnate Stanley Ho. What's the difference ?