To all my non-Filipino readers, a Jeepney is our form of transportation in the country that can accommodate up to 20 passengers, depending on how big or small it is.
Taking a jeep is a lot better than a taxi as it is way cheaper, and I'd say safer when it comes to dealing with a pervert driver. Okay, maybe not safer, but it's more fun in a jeep than in a taxi.
This article is inspired by @aj_u2 's noise post, which I highly recommend you to read it here.
You might be able to relate this or if you had a story to share, feel free to write yours by commenting below or straight to my friend's noise post or write your own article about it. Anyway, here's my jeepney story that you might want to hear.
It was in January 2014 when this incident happened. Actually, there were so many Jeepney stories to share with you all, but I like this one better because it's quite funny and sad at the same time.
Are you ready?
It happened probably a few weeks before Sinulog, a festivity that happened every 3rd Sunday of January in honor of Santo Niño or the baby Jesus. It is like the festival of all the festivals in Cebu City.
It's really famous that many people all over the globe will come to witness the fun and tradition of the Cebuanos. (Need to emphasize this one for our non-Filipino readers)
Anyway, back to the story...
It was one fine evening when I was waiting for a jeep in a busy street of Colon. I was on my way to work at that time. Colon, by the way, is probably one of the oldest streets in Cebu. Here, you will find the motels, malls, establishments, etc.
When I finally saw an empty jeep approaching me, I immediately wave my hand as an indication that I need a ride. As soon as it stopped, I went on and sat next to the doorway. As much as possible, I want to sit there, so it would be a lot easier for me to get off the jeep.
Minutes after, the once empty jeep had already been full with passengers. I was sitting at the edge, then next to me was a girl, and then followed by a guy.
By the way, I liked wearing a headset every time I go to work to listen to music. That was also my way of ignoring people and making myself comfortable in a crowded place. At that time, I was also wearing my newly bought purple sling bag, which I placed on my lap.
Then I noticed that the guy next to the girl who was sitting next to me was glancing at me. I just ignored it and thought, "man, I must be that cute coz he's been glancing at me like that." LOL.
Then a few minutes later, the jeep stopped and the girl next to me got off, which means it was now me and the guy this time. Since he was sitting next to me, my attention was everywhere: the street, the passengers in front of me, and my music.
My eyes were busy looking around as there were already great sights to look around. I was too busy that I forgot to secure my bag though it was still on my lap.
Then a few minutes later, another set of passengers got off, and that included him. When I arrived at my destination, I went straight to my locker, where I put my bag inside. Then I realized I needed to get my wallet and other stuff.
I got nervous when I couldn't find it. I started shaking when I realized the wallet was nowhere to be found. I still checked it again, hoping that it was there somewhere. I checked it again and again to be sure and saw a big hole on the side.
That's when I realized that the guy sitting next to me was a thief. He was glancing at me from time to time not because he thought I was cute but because he was making sure I got distracted while he was trying to get my wallet.
I was sad coz I had 300 pesos and my IDs were all there. But I was relieved when I realized I made a good decision not to put my 10k cash in that wallet or inside my bag. I placed it in my secret hideout. Not in my bra, of course, but in my artificial leg.
It was a clever move, I know.
One week later, someone messaged me on Facebook and told me they found my wallet with the IDs. So we set up a date to meet up, and that's how I got back my stuff.
Here's a photo of me when I finally got my wallet.
Closing thoughts
What I learned in this incident is to never assume and never trust a stranger. They may not look like bad guys, but sometimes, they are when you least expect it.
The jeep seems to me like good transport with lots of drama. Been careful with your luggage on such transport is one of the lessons...