After two years on leave of absence, I'll be returning next term to DLSU to finish my MBA. The last term that I was in school was 2nd term of SY 2006-2007 (December). I was penalized to take an extra elective since I'm beyond the prescribed period already.
I went to the GSB office today at Taft Avenue and I had several close calls in my driving. I forewarned that driving in Manila is different compared here in Alabang or Makati but I didn't know it will be THAT extreme!
I found it difficult to find a parking spot as it was also exam week at La Salle so most of the parking spaces were taken up by the students. Another car, obviously driven by a La Salle student, honked at me while I was manoevering into a parking space where my parallel parking was tested (with the guidance of the manong guard). He drove past me and gave me THAT look (ang kapal at ang yabang! Binabaan ko sana sila. Grrrrr).
When I managed to enroll and pay for my tuition (7Kphp for 3 freaking units--one subject! And that's only tuition. Wala pa diyan yung miscellaneous) and almost getting lost in the process, I hurriedly went back to the car so I can go home.
I'm glad I managed to get out of the La Salle and St. Scho vicinity in one piece. When I got to SSH, I opted not to take the Skyway as I thought there would not be much traffic since it's still off-peak. While almost at the Pasay Road intersection, the traffic light suddenly turned yellow. I was already at 60 or 80 kph so instead of stopping, I sped on. I unfortunately did not see the MMDA at the other side of the intersection. I think he tried stopping me but kunwari hindi ko siya nakita. :) Nervous of the traffic (and probably the chasing MMDA), I opted to go up the Skyway ramp at Magallanes and hope that the MMDA does not have jurisdiction there.
Between Sucat and Muntinlupa exit, I was at the rightmost lane when there was a stalled car ahead. The car ahead of me swerved to the left to avoid the stalled car. I tried to follow but a bus suddenly sped up preventing me from going to the left lane and I braked hard! I think the car following me also braked hard because I heard a squeal of brakes. Siyempre, kunwari cool pa ako and I gently went to the other lane after the bus.
When I reached Festival Mall to pick up a pair of pants which I had altered, I desperately needed a break. My nerves were already frayed and I want nothing but to go home before I get into a car accident. I kept on praying through the short ride home hoping that there will be no more surprises.
Fortunately, I made it home with no more drama. This makes me really want to commute instead.
14 comments:
stupid MMDA cops... rather stand in the intersection directing the traffic and helping motorists, they'd stay on the other side intentionally waiting for you to make a mistake.
CONGRATULATIONS SUNSHINE. what i always believe is if you can drive in manila - meaning places you mentioned - you can drive ANYWHERE in the world. i am very impressed with your driving skills. i mean it is stressful enough having to navigate streets in manila - but having to do it in a BRAND NEW CAR?!
how long have you got to go? who will finish first between you and tita norrie?
i think you did the right thing by not stopping but you must always remember that the faster you are going - the longer it will take for you to have the car in full stop mode and that extra metre might spell the difference between getting to where you are going safely and disaster.
i bet your heart skipped a beat and were probably shaking with nerves. knowing you sunshine - i am surprised you did not throw up. let me say however that i am proud of you - learning the art of playing pretend - as in pretending not to have seen the cop. lol.
other than this term, i have 2 more subjects to go plus oral comprehensive exam. i intend to only take one subject a term so i have another year.
Hay matupad din yung pangarap ko na matapos mo ang masters mo :-)
Just keep in mind to be always in the defensive when driving... always expect for the worse para makaiwas ka agad.
i always slow down when i'm nearing an intersection, regardless of the color of the light. however, i was already rattled since i just came from manila so i didn't notice that i was nearing the intersection.
what a drive that is!!!!!!!!!!! Parallel parking eh? I hate that. I never do it. I reverse to a parking slot instead. Okay amber (or yellow) means this is your last chance to step on a.) brakes or b.) accelerator.
Dito pede if you can get away with it but depends kung mey speed camera na naka tutuk sa set of lights.
Sunshine, daig mo na ako now. You can drive there--I certainly cannot kahit na nuon I was the unofficial taxi driver diyan. I cannot understand the road rules diyan. You can also drive in France or Italy kasi parang pinoy din ang mga drivers dun. Dito lang siguro and napaka stricto. Take care lagi and always look at your rearview and side mirrors.
OO nga pala when accosted by a cop plead innocent and speak like this "Mamang pulis, sorry po I really did not see the traffic lights..." Poker face ka ba?
By the way pala, good luck with your MBA.
or "mr. pogi - ok lang po na pinahinto ninyo ako - at least na bigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makipagusap sa pogi - perong huwag naman sana ninyo akong bigyan ng ticket. phone number ninyo nalang" - accompanied with a wide smile.
mukhang praktisado ka talaga atche LOL!!!!!!
masasabi ko lang - i still have all my points, my insurance premium is the minimum - and in case of a minor car accident - it is never my fault. don't you think the stakes are worth it? hehehe.
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