I was about to go out last night to a company dinner meeting when a news feature from the television caught my attention. I was greatly taken by the newscaster's "disgusted" voice when he introduced a new road hazard that was discovered and seen somewhere in the great metropolis in our country.

That was when a video from YouTube appeared on the TV screen. I was appalled and greatly disturbed by what I've seen. You can watch some videos here and here to fully know what I am talking about.

For those who aren't residing in the Philippines. We do use a jeepney as our general mode of transportation (since not all can afford their own car). What you saw in the videos is a jeepney, delivering its passengers to their respective (final?) destinations.

I'm afraid the driver isn't drunk nor sleepy at all. In fact he was very sober and even having his fun while criss-crossing the road to the great apprehension of his passengers (I can't see the passengers' faces but I can well imagine what it feels to be in there).

Why do some drivers have to do that? I mean, driving is already an activity that should be given extra care and attention and now this driver exhibits something really stupid! They even have a name for this act! These drivers call it "tiklaw" (I don't know what language or dialect they're using there, I don't recognize the word from my vocabulary).

The point is, the authorities should be doing something to stop these dim-witted drivers in their dim-witted quests for fun and popularity. As a commuter, that definitely isn't a joyride for me. If they want to have a little fun before meeting a road accident or something, they should do it by themselves, not to the expense of the passengers. This stupidity should be stopped.

Was I glad that I haven't seen a driver doing such here in Cagayan de Oro City (yet?). We Filipinos are indeed proud of our creativity, but this is one creativity that's way beyond foolish.