I took a cab yesterday at around 6 pm. The driver's radio was tuned in to TV5's news. There's weather report, crime report and news about the Pajero 7 Bishops. I wasn't really interested in hearing negative issues yesterday (especially the Pajero 7 Bishops) so I opted to just chat with the driver. I only kept quiet when the weather report was read. I was interested to know if the two Low Pressure Areas inside the Philippine area of responsibility have the possibility of turning into typhoons. Anyway, before going to a commercial gap, the announcer mentioned the other news that will still be discussed. One was about Judy Ann Santos and the more than 30 pounds she has already lost since giving birth a few months back. The other one is about MMDA's smoking ban in public areas in Manila.
When the smoking ban in public places was mentioned, the driver asked me if I know anything about it. I said that the only thing I know is that MMDA officers were tasked to apprehend people smoking in public places. I said I don't know exactly which places are considered public and which are not. He said MMDA only patrol major roads so people can still smoke in sari-sari stores found on side streets. I didn't have a clear idea why he asked me about the smoking ban. I just thought that he is a smoker and he wants to discuss his views regarding the issue. Then he suddenly said "You know sir, I was interviewed by a TV5 reporter about this issue." I said ah this is why he opened up the discussion about the smoking ban. I asked when. He said it was just a few hours ago after he used one of the MMDA urinals along EDSA. It turned out MMDA is contemplating on the idea of allowing smokers to smoke inside the said urinals. I said excitedly "Manong, we are going to hear your interview in a few minutes. It's a pity we do not have mobile tv." He said it was fine because news on tv are usually repeated late in the evening. I could hear in his voice that he was very excited.
When that segment was aired I heard Manong saying that he is not in favor of that idea because the urinals as it is already smell bad so it would be worse if people will smoke there. I think his answer made sense.
Anyway, I realized that it gave me a good feeling being there to share that 'moment' with Manong. I knew he was excited to hear his interview and it would have been such a bummer if he was alone inside the cab. There was pride in his eyes when his voice came out of the radio. That pride would not have been complete if there was no one to recognize it. I was happy I decided to chat with him so he had the chance to use the bragging rights that came along with that interview.
Way to go Manong driver. Oh, let me just add, Manong does not smoke. Again, way to go Manong driver.
I can see their logic; the urinals smell bad so it would discourage smokers, but surely it would be unfair on non smokers using the urinal. I agree with your driver.
ReplyDeletehi portable urinal guy. thanks for the comment. i agree with you. who would dare smoke in a stinky urinal. anyway, i don't know if i heard them right but i think they said the smoke (from the cigarette) will actually dilute the smell of the urinals.
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