Commuting around Metro Manila is an everyday struggle: the notorious city traffic, the illness-inducing pollution, flooded streets, and crowded vehicles. Not only that — just when you think situations can’t get any worse — commuters also need to be extra careful as pickpockets, thieves, and even sex maniacs are just waiting for their next victim.
Despite the horror of Metro Manila commute, there are still people who are willing to help no matter what the consequence will be. In a recent Facebook post, Edward Janen Ortega shared his life-changing commute experience.
https://www.facebook.com/edwardjanen.azucenaortega/posts/2014209365267789
According to Edward, it was 2 in the morning when he decided to go to Guadalupe, where he took a bus going to Cubao. A few minutes later, the bus conductor suddenly asked them to get off at a waiting shed that is 100 meters away from Ortigas Avenue — except for this lady passenger who was left asleep in her seat.
Out of curiosity, he asked the bus conductor, “Kuya, bakit pinapababa? (Sir, why are you letting us off?),” but the guy just said, “May diperensiya ‘yung drayber eh. (There’s something off with the driver.)”
Right after he alighted from the bus, the two immediately drove off and didn’t even bother to wake the lady up.
And for Edward, that was really… shady.
“Bakit hindi ko ginising si ate at bakit hindi siya ginising ng konduktor? Baka ma-rape or at worst, kapag lumaban, mapatay pa si ate at mabalitaan ko na lang sa balita. (Why didn’t I wake her up? Why didn’t the conductor wake her up? What if she gets raped or at worst, tries to fight off and get killed? And I will just see the news on TV.)”
Right after realizing the consequences, he decided to chase the bus; luckily, he was able to catch up with it while it was parked at the stoplight.
He just pretended he left his wallet so he could get inside, “Itong si ate, hindi niyo ba pabababain? (What about this lady? Won’t you let her off?),” he asked. But the driver just replied, “Wag mo na gisingin yan, kasama namin yan. (Don’t wake her up, she’s with us.)” Fortunately, right after the commotion, the lady finally woke up. Edward could feel the obvious dismay and anger emanating from the two, but he was thankful the both of them were able to get off safely.
Many found Edward’s story a reminder for everyone who commutes every day. The post received positive reactions from netizens; some even called him a “good samaritan” for saving a girl from the possible danger.
As the post went viral, a Twitter user also shared some of her horrendous commute experiences. In this thread, @yamiaw recalled incidents where she got locked in a bus:
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475077290287104
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475079999795200
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475082361167872
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475085074817024
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475088195444737
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475090439356416
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475092679094272
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475096533655552
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475098525978624
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475100514082816
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475102590316544
https://twitter.com/yamiaw/status/1042475104725172224
As much as we care about ourselves or our belongings, we should also be mindful of what’s happening around us. For Edward and Mia, one thing is for sure: they both learned a valuable lesson that will stick with them forever.
In this world we live in, little acts of kindness can save a life.
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