Growing up in a countryside classified as a fourth-class province, the mode of transportation is quite hard. Compared to the cities where jeepneys, taxies are always on the road. Roaming around back and forth looking for passengers.
There are only a few tricycles in our place, and you have to wait hours before you can catch a ride. Waiting may be out of the picture if you have your own. Only a few could afford it.
When I was studying, I needed to walk kilometers to reach the main road, where there was a bigger chance of catching a ride. So if you are a student and your class is 7:30 AM, you must leave your house as early as six in the morning.
The tricycle was supposed suitable for six passengers only. Two at the front and back as well as on the back ride. Besides the driver. Yet it can be loaded up to 10 or more. If with kids, they can be seated on the lap. Boys could stand on the portion of the wheel and even on the roof. Are you wondering how? Let me show you but forgive my drawing.
Yes. that is what it will look likes. It might be dangerous, considering it would pass a rough road before reaching the highway. We don't have a choice. Not unless you will be paying for the whole trip. Only a few people in our place were doing that.
Before I forget, before the ride for ladies, have your hair in a pony, or else you will find it hard to comb. That happened mainly in the summertime. Usual, the dust while passing through the rough road will make you look like a witch sometimes.
This was my routine since I was in elementary until I finished college in the year 2012.
How about going to the city? My hometown is Guimaras. Located in between Negros and Iloilo. An island rich in beautiful white beaches was one of our tourist attractions. We don't have shopping malls, and Jollibee only reached our place last 2020. So most of the time we must go to Iloilo to buy our needs.
That means we will need to ride a ferryboat. I know some friends that are afraid of such a mode of transportation, but in our case, we don't have a choice. Either we help ourselves overcome it or stay in Guimaras forever.
Don't worry; the boat is motorized and big enough to accommodate at least 40 passengers. There is no overloading this time as the coast guard at Iloilo port is constantly checking.
It took 20 minutes of travel before reaching Iloilo port. This is the most challenging part for us. During bad weather, ferry trips are called off, especially during typhoons. Since most of our residents usually worked or studied in Iloilo, many chose to rent boarding house. Another expense but that is the only choice.
Sadly, in August 2019, the coast guard could not predict the sudden landfall of heavy rain that comes with a strong wind. Five ferry boats capsized, resulting in the death of some passengers. (31 persons).
It was the most tragic event I heard as many lost their loved ones.
After the local government deliberated, ferry boats were temporarily prohibited from sailing. It was replaced by big ships. They have a safe choice.
Supposedly, it was for faced out; however, after several months, it was allowed to continue its operations due to appeals of the owners and residents.
Yet fiberglass boats were added, and there are still ships. The residents are no longer afraid even though the weather is not that good while sailing.
Hey ya, this was my entry in Hive PH biyaheng Pinoy. I am just sharing how we travel back home.
It was far too different compared here in the city. Back in the countryside, the vehicle was always patiently waiting for the passengers. Here in Manila? It was the opposite, though.
Lhes
Authors note: I am a newbie, and this was my fourth blog. It will be appreciated if you have some suggestions or comments on how I will improve my writing skills.
Thank you for dropping by.
Published: 07:49 PM, July 14, 2022
Manila Philippines.