Earlier, Jeraine and I went to National Bookstore at SM City San Lazaro in Tayuman to buy her school supplies.
We were unaware that it was raining heavily. When we stepped out around 4:30 PM, we found out it was pouring. Right away, we tried to book a ride home because I had another commitment. However, after more than 30 minutes, we still couldn’t book a ride due to the heavy rain and many passengers trying to book as well.
We attempted to take a taxi, but the line was very long. We also tried to ride a tricycle, but no one was willing to take us when I said, “Sa Espana lang po.”
We waited for the rain to subside and decided to eat while we waited.
After an hour, we tried booking again, but there were still no available rides. We decided to take a jeepney, but there was already flooding on the road. A Toktok ride was approaching and I immediately said, “Kuya sa Espana lang po.” The driver seemed hesitant and had many reasons not to take us because of the flood, but I smiled and said, “Kuya, sige na po. One hour naman na po ang dumaan. Baka po humupa na yung baha.”
He agreed to take us, and we were comfortable in his Toktok. However, I sensed he was still hesitant to take us. He was with his wife and baby.
As soon as we turned onto a street, there was flooding. We tried to find a way with shallower water, but it was really flooded, and traffic was terrible. Even so, I didn’t want to rush the driver since I had another appointment. We were stuck in Dangwa for almost an hour. When we were near Laong Laan, I heard him talking to another driver and they transferred us to a Kuliglig.
I wanted to be annoyed, but I understood his reasons. He said they might get stuck for a long time since they were going back to Tondo. I asked about the fare, and he said it was okay not to pay. However, I insisted on paying him.
I asked him, “Kakayanin kaya ng Kuliglig na to yung baha sa Espana?” He replied, “Kakayanin po. Matibay ang makina niyan.” Even though I was doubtful, we got on.
The driver, Tatay Rany, was with his wife, Nanay Sarah. We couldn’t talk much because of the sound of the Kuliglig was noisy and the pouring rain. But Jeraine and I could feel his determination to safely take us to our destination.
Tatay Rany was so brave. He didn’t complain. We passed through the flood in España. The water was so high that it almost entered the Kuliglig. Every time a motorcycle or vehicle splashed water on us, we would scream, and he would shout back at them, “Hoy gago, dahan dahan may sakay ako.” 😆🤣
At M. dela Fuente and Vicente Cruz, the water was particularly deep and difficult to navigate. I thought tumirik or bumigay na yung makina. I panicked. It felt like we were in the middle of the sea. After a while, Tatay Rany and Nanay Sarah started pushing the Kuliglig. I felt embarrassed and sorry for them. So, when we passed the deeper part, I said, “Pahinga muna po kayo.” But they kept going. After a moment, we plunged back into the water until we were safely delivered home.
We were incredibly grateful to Tatay Rany and Nanay Sarah. Afterward, I whispered a thank you to God for getting us home safely.
“Lord, salamat po nakauwi kami ng maayos at ligtas. Gabayan mo po sina Tatay Rany at Nanay Sarah sa pagbalik nila sa pila sa SM Tayuman. 🙏”
Kudos to the couple and to the makina ng Kuliglig at di bumigay! 😛
