Three Drivers

Have you ever realized something by merely observing other people? I have. I often realize things sitting, doing nothing but using my senses.

Every day, I take the jeep. I take three to work, two to be back home — I walk instead of taking the last. I’m going home anyways, I don’t need to care much about sweating and facing pollution.

Last week, I encountered three interesting jeepney drivers that made me smile, made me think, and made me reflect on life.

One.

He’s the last I met, actually. I saw him last Saturday.

I came from a breakfast with officemates. I took a cab with my friend Miyaka and she dropped me off somewhere in Barangay Poblacion, Makati. That’s where I boarded his jeep.

He caught my attention right away. His physique is very scrawny. His hair tells me he’s already beyond retirement age. His reflection on the rear view mirror gave me a glimpse of his wrinkled face and tired eyes. Somewhat, he reminded me of my dad. Maybe that’s why I took notice of him.

He called for passengers. I was disturbed. His voice couldn’t even reach the loudness that would escape the boundaries of his jeep.