Bike City

Each day more and more commuters are switching to bicycle in Cebu. This is made possible by the constant awareness drive of different cause oriented groups and bike advocates in the city. And what a lovely site it is. However if only we had better roads and discipline from both motorists and cyclists alike, it would be more enticing for more citizens to make the switch to pedal power.

Biking in work clothes

Not minding the scorching heat of the afternoon sun

Waiting for the red light

taking shelter from the sun

Bike with attached sidecar

Cargo trike with umbrella

Man with child

Old or young, it doesn't matter what bicycle.

Cycle chic

Mountain biking to office

O Trek

It has been a while since I last went to Osmena's Peak. Been here at least thrice already and it was not about the place that I went back, it is because of trekking.

A few weekends ago I went there again, this time with my office mates. Among the group only three of us have been there, the rest are all first timers. It is no surprise, before we even reach halfway the group was already panting. 

A lot has changed since the last time I was here. First, you can now hire a motorcycle all the way to the foot of the peak. Where's the fun in it?

Second, you are required  to register before you can proceed to the peak. Did not remember this before, or maybe it was really a long time since I was here.

Thirdly, it is crowded. Really crowded. I remember a time when I was there wherein it was very peaceful and calm. Relaxing. Now, you can't even take a decent picture without someone in the background. Photobombers!

The place is packed with tourists, both local and foreign. Noticeably a lot of Koreans, they seemed to be all over Cebu now. Everywhere you go or turn, there they are. When we had our lunch just before we head home, there they are again at the table beside us, your friendly neighborhood Koreans.

As I was enjoying the trek uphill, I cannot say the same for my colleagues. I think their mindset would be just like the saying goes "charge to experience". But the experience is worthwhile, even for me. It is always a different experience every time.

The highlight of the trek? Picture taking. Lots and lots of pictures. Well, what else is there to do at the peak? After appreciating the scene, just take photos of the scene and with you in it. Everyone trying to shoot a really great photo of themselves. Even risking their safety just to be on top of a rock and make sure it is captured on cam. Queuing and waiting for their turn to stand or sit on the rock formation and have their photos on top of the world. Well maybe not, just the top of Cebu probably.

The sad part of this trek is seeing the trash left behind by other visitors. Empty plastic bottles, plastic wrappers are everywhere.

Major roads have now destroyed the trails leading to the peak. Ironic, the roads are built to cater to a growing number of tourist to the peak. And when there are lots of folks, trash is present. The good thing though, the locals care for their place and are mindful of the vandalism picking  up rubbish along the way. Kudos folks.

Would I be going back to the peak? Definitely! Did I enjoyed it this time? Of course, all the time and each time will be a different experience.

Going to Osmenas peak:

Take a bus from Cebu Southbus terminal going to the town of Dalaguete. Bus fare is 105 pesos. At the town you can hire a motorcycle to take you to the baranggay of Mantalungon. Fare is 50 pesos. From there you can replenish your supplies. Usually what I'm used to, trekking would start at this place. However as I mentioned you can hire the motorcycle all the way to the foot of the peak. The fare would be 100 pesos. But where's the fun in it? You'll miss the trekking part.

Trapped

Still trap in the past
wishing it will last
it was once a blast
now turning to dust

Boxed in a corner
don't want to be a loner
I'm such a loser
it's like rain in summer

Cannot suppress the agony
you are indifferent and distant
leveled up to unknown
pushed me out, and I'm lonely

Satisfy this hunger
and quench this thirst
hoping for a forever
longing for a tryst

Have to keep up with you
up the notch, level the field
for I want to be your boo
and a life forever fulfilled

REV·ER·IE /ˈrev(ə)rē/

I close my eyes in nostalgic reverie,

snapped out with the unattainable dream

It all seemed just a fantasy

for I have been swimming upstream.

Lovely as you may be, I am forever in trance

Ambivalent towards you for your cue is equivocal

Can't construe what I'm after, don't want to be emotional

Here's hoping for another chance

The question still lingering in my mind

What if, and could have been? It was but now a delusion

A wasted opportune moment that cannot be rewind

For I fell short, and spooked of the uncertain vindication

The faith is not lost, will make a constant invocation 

even if the soul is marred by your continual neglect

You will always be forever my terrific admiration

I retreat in reverie glorifying the bliss and euphoria in retrospect.

Motorized Rascals

Strictly implementing the helmets but not the way they drive. What gives?

While on a cab going to the office, traffic was so heavy that it barely moved at all. The cab driver strike up a conversation and we had a good one. The most obvious topic was of course the heavy traffic and how it was so different a few years back then.

Although I could not totally agree, he surmise that traffic congestion is due to the increasing numbers of cars on the road plus the fact that our roads are too narrow, hence the congestion. 

While it may be true that we have more cars on the road now, this however is not the main reason for the congestion on the roads. It is still about traffic management, road courtesy and discipline. These are what we lack and why we are having traffic congestion.

On the issue of narrow roads, also I cannot totally agree. However, it is the quality of road that contributes to traffic congestion. Bumpy roads, unfinished road works, potholes and uneven surface.

Then there is the lack of proper sidewalks, resulting to pedestrians walking on the road causing vehicles to slow down and veer off. Then there are sidewalk vendors, or I think the proper term now is already roadside vendor. Either way, these obstacles on the side cause pedestrians to veer towards the road and thus causing vehicles to slow down. And not to mention, pedestrians crossing the roads on go signal, jay walking.

I must admit though that indeed there are more cars on the road as owning one has become so affordable and that it is contributing to traffic congestion somewhat. And with the decline of pump prices, we can expect even more vehicles on the road. Cars that have not been in use for quite a while are now plying the busy streets again.

But there is one thing we agreed and for me I think is the major cause of traffic congestion now, motorcycles. Yes, those unruly, no discipline motorcycles on the road. Those that cut your lane in front of you, blocking your way out of nowhere. Swerving from left to right, disregarding every traffic rule on the road, driving on the wrong lane, overtaking on the wrong side, turning to the right from the very leftmost lane. Driving as if they own the road and thinking they are invincible. As a result making other motorists hit the brakes, slow down, and evade these rascals on the road. Worse, traffic enforces do not feel obliged to fine these maniacs. They do give tickets to those not wearing helmets, it does not matter how they drive, if they are on the right lane or counter flowing traffic. It does not matter if they have the right of way or not, it does not matter how reckless they drive their motorcycles and violate all the traffic rules and disregard everyone on the road, as long as they wear their helmets then they are okay, no traffic citation.

Wa nay Lubi-Lubi...Ur mAH hArT U mAh SoL...

2014 has come to a close and what a year it has been.

I was just celebrating and welcoming 2014 at Marco Polo with my friend and it seems it was only yesterday. A lot of things happened then, and boy it just blinked in a flash. A brand new year is around the corner.

One of the best thing this year is connecting more with my bicycle. Yes that is right, cycling!

Nothing beats the joy of riding a bike, feeling the air flowing through your skin, smiling down on rough roads and at times swallowing mud?

This year, I started to bike to work and from it I discovered how so many Cebuanos commute by bicycle to work and school. An ordinance was passed by the city council to build bike lanes and promote cycling, although I am not for this. Bike lanes in Cebu is premature and such a bad idea, they should first build and provide proper sidewalks for pedestrians. But I am all for bicycle commuting. A lot of work is need to make this acceptable to society, but we are on the right track.

Waiting for the green light.

Cebu has become more and more congested. A lot of people blame it on the increase of car sales, maybe true. However, interestingly we need to improve our traffic flow and make it more fluid. How? One, as mentioned above, is to provide sidewalks, one free from lamp posts, vendors and other obstacles. Improve drainage to avoid flooding. Implement traffic rules not just to four wheeled vehicles but strictly on motorcycles as well.  And, promote alternative transport like cycling and even walking.

Just before the year ended, I transferred to a new team within my company. A big change for me indeed. From being a team lead back to a individual contributor but with bigger responsibility and scope of work. The new team? What can I say? My new teammates are great, I feel very welcomed and the new atmosphere is a welcome change for me.

Mountain biking. I logged more kilometers this year or maybe because I started recording my millage that I feel I biked more, this thanks to numerous free apps available for smartphones. Sunday before Christmas, we rode down south going to Manipis trail in Talisay going uphill and down exiting at Minglanilla.  It was a sweet ride indeed, along the way we met a rather talkative biker whom we nicknamed the Giant Onano, Onana being the Cebuano term for dwarf. As a bystander commented, "ang imong bike Giant pero ang nag sakay kay onano". Total ride was 37.5 km in 5 hours. Pacing was rather slow, but allowed us for more chitchats. Our bike mate brought some sweets and cookies to share with the children we passed along the route.

 
                                                       
 

On Christmas, we had a charity night ride with my biking buddy. We packed our Osprey backpacks with food and some shirts. Rode around the city and shared our blessing to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. It was indeed a very good experience, putting smiles on strangers faces. Not even the pouring rain stopped us from pedaling. We may be drenched in rain but our spirits are high and warm. A genuine smile of happiness on a stranger is just priceless. So  we have planned to do this more often. Cannot wait for our next charity ride.

Last Sunday we pedaled for about 36kms +  looking for more trails and uphills to challenge ourselves. This time around we took a different route on the home stretch. Since there was a tropical depression, the sun didn't showed up, so much the better for us but still had some su burn after the ride. Took us about four (4) hours for the whole trip, along the way meeting more interesting people and places. We passed by a trio of cyclist, two were foreigners on 29er Santa Cruz bikes, drool. As usual we had our pancit bihon half way in our trip and soda to recover our sugar. After more chitchats and laughter we  started our way back home. This time the pacing was much faster but still a relaxing chill ride. 

It was a good long ride to end the year. Of course it wont be complete without meeting an interesting fellow. 

Since it is still the holiday season, we met a talented caroler. Pure home brew local talent at its best.

                  

Adoring the stars of your night

Dreaming of a universe where your eyes are the stars of the night.

In a space that even your whisper attracts comets  to your mystery.

And the planets bows down in awe to your mystical delight.

For you are no less the epitome of an ethereal entity.

Meteors fall, shooting stars flies, and my dreamy eyes

Wishing upon, when only a wish is so much so than it is

If I could reach the moon and back, will fly to Jupiter no less

Then only then, the deity will notice my terrestrial existence

    

Solar flares erupts and my heart goes supernova.

Exploding a beat faster than the speed of light

Excited at the thought and my soul dancing like the aurora

The heavenly goddess herself smiling down tonight

 

 We may be light years away yet I am forever pulled to your gravity

For not a thousand parsecs can I avoid the sparkling lights

Even so, this may only be a dream far off world than reality

I will continue to dream in a galaxy that adores your night

*all images are from nasa.gov

Challenges of bike commuting

Bike commuting to work is not just a challenge...but at times a struggle too.

With bicycle commuting there a lot of concerns and things to consider, particularly with bike to work.

1. You will be sweaty and smelly once you arrive in the office.
2. You have to get up early and ride early to avoid the scorching sun and busy rush hour traffic.
3. Safety concerns when you are up against inconsiderate, unruly motorists.
4. Safety concerns with inconsiderate and undisciplined pedestrians.
5. The need to pack your change of clothes and carry them in your bag. Sometimes your clothes would want to be ironed again once you unpack it in the office.
6. Exposure to the elements, fumes, dust, other particles and rain.
7. Parking space. Yes, sometimes it is a challenge as there will be motorcycles taking your spot at the bicycle designated parking area at the office building parking. I really dislike motorcycles. Either they are plain ignorant and cannot understand parking rules or they just don't care and ignore it. Just the same attitude when they are on the road, complete disregard for traffic rules and lacks road courtesy.
8. It is a struggle to wake up early.
9. Sometimes, you'll feel tired in the office or when you are home later in the day.
10. Vehicles thinking they are entitled and that they own the road. These motorists should be banned from the streets and their driver's license revoked.
11. The proposed or rather new city ordinance for bike registration and biker's permit. -> whiskey tango foxtrot.

However, no matter what the challenges are, I always see to it that I go to work on bicycle at least once in a week. Why?

1. Bike commuting helps to clear my mind for a busy day. 
2. Keeps me alert and alive throughout my busy schedule. 
3. Helps with my savings ;) 
4. I am minimizing my carbon footprint and contributing positively to society by giving Mother Earth some slack and buying her some time to heal a little.
5. Sometimes, no need for a change of clothes, I ride on my office attire. Sometimes. And it is FUN!

Burgers! Burgers! Burgers!

I love eating hamburgers. Actually, whilst most Filipino's can't live without rice, I can on sandwiches alone.

Although I have not been to all hamburger and sandwich parlors in Cebu, there are a few here that are my favorites that I always keep coming back for more.

1. Big Tom's

Probably one of the best burgers in town. The patties are charbroiled, very juicy, delectable and full of flavor. A lot of different burgers to choose from. The Jalapeño burger is my favorite. Their home made sauce is also very good. The place is nice with good ambiance and they present the burgers on a wooden chopping board. I love how it is presented, classy. 

Big Tom's is located along Juana Osmeña St.

2. The Frontgate.

Also one of my favorite place to hang out. Conveniently located near my place in Paseo Banawa.

I come here not only for the burgers, but for their chili fries too. The chili fries is actually potato wedges with chili con carne. Their burgers are also full of flavor with lots of cheese. They also have a lot of burgers to choose from, however I do not like how it is presented in a plastic.

3. Burger Joint.

All time favorite street food burger. Though their burgers are a bit pricey, however still very appetizing and yummy.

4. Army Navy.

I find their classic single quarter pound burger to be very tasteful and satisfying. However it is the starving sailor that is my favorite here over their burgers. Their freedom fries is also something different from the usual fries. 

5. Flame it burgers.

Been around for a while now. Still in the game despite the so many competitors. Their grilled burgers are also one the best tasting that I have tried. Juicy, full of flavor and pure satisfaction. They used to be located in Escario, now they are located at two of the major malls in the city and a new branch at Mabolo. Definitely a must try for visitors of Cebu and for locals too.

I'm a cyclist, still not happy with the Tindak Sugbo Ordinance

Wheew, after a few days of reading news about the bike lanes for Cebu, I am still not over it.

After reading the ordinance (well at least the proposed ordinance before it was passed, I don't think much has changed) I can see some red flags.

On SECTION 5. Rights, Duties and Obligations of Bikers/Cyclist

e.) To keep one hand on the handlebar at all times; 

    - Really? Why? It will now be illegal for a cyclist to keep his/her hands free for a while? We keep our hands away from the handlebar not to do exhibitions or stunts contrary to what non cyclist perceive it to be. We do that to relax our hands and shoulders. All cyclist do this.

h)       To procure the necessary biker’s permit, bike license plate and registration in accordance with existing laws and regulations, such as City Ordinance No. 801, as amended, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Establishing a Traffic Code for the City of Cebu”; and

- this really irked me. Seriously? I said it before in my previous post, this is just a scheme to milk money. Serves no other purpose. Bike lanes yes, registration and biker's permit - hell NO! I have been cycling around the city and outside the city. Nobody bothered about biker's permit and certainly no bike registrations. We get along well, why need this now? Not to mention, this will potentially damage or bicycles. Or just make our bikes look ugly, when we work hard to make it beautiful. Also, this will discourage would be potential bike commuters.

On SECTION 7. Prohibited Acts. The following are prohibited acts:  

g)       No biker shall do any exhibitions and stunts on the Tindak Sugbo Lanes, such as riding on the handlebars and “step nut” riding and the likes.

- I also find this disturbing. Because what non cyclist perceive as stunts are not stunts for cyclist.

Yes, riding on handlebars and step nut riding are stunts, but what about the "likes"? This is a concern.

Riding with my hands free from the handlebar can be considered a stunt to non cyclist, when in fact we are just relaxing our shoulders and hands. Riding while standing on the pedals can be considered a stunt when again we are just trying to relax our glutes and legs.

Under section 4, CITOM will be implementing this ordinance. Well, I do hope they implement first the traffic rules, the very basic traffic laws that are continuously violated in front of their enforcers. Like overtaking on solid yellow line, motorcycles, jeepneys, taxis and some private cars counterflowing traffic on the opposite lane so as to be ahead of others on his lane. And even jaywalkers, they seem to be so tolerable with jaywalkers.

Now with this new ordinance, they will start to police cyclist who do not have both hands on the handle bar, seriously?

While I am happy that Cebu is embracing bicycle commuting, I do hope that people responsible for this can implement this properly. 

I am for bike lanes in Cebu, but now is not the time. Certain issues on road and traffic needs to be addressed first. 

You can read the full article of the Tindak Sugbo Ordinance here.

If the city really supports green transport, then they better promote it - not discourage it.

On the IDEA of Bike lanes, yes I am all for it.

Implementing it now in Cebu, NO I do not support it now.

It is nice to dream of our beautiful city embracing and supporting green and alternative transport. As an avid cyclist, I do wish that my city has bike lanes and that the citizens support bike commuting like they do in Copenhagen, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, London and in any major European cities.

However, reality check this is not Europe and sad to say the citizens of the city lacks discipline and respect for bikers on the road. Traffic is chaotic. Adding bike lanes well not in any way help traffic congestion. More so it will only probably worsen it, at least here in Cebu and possibly anywhere in the country.

Motorists already lack road courtesy and driving etiquette. Cannot follow basic traffic rule nor at least respect pedestrians. Motorcycles driving on the wrong lane opposing traffic hoping the car "in the correct lane with the right of way" will give way so he can overtake all other vehicles and be ahead of others. Motorcycles do this a lot, but so does taxis and some private cars. Resulting to more traffic congestion. This typical driving attitude alone is already a big risk and major concern for cyclist. Adding bike lanes on the right most part of the road will only invite motorcycles to use that lane. Disastrous.

Another concern that should have been thought of is that, aside from the motorists, the general public does not respect bicycle commuters. They see bikes on the road as nuisance, as if cyclist has no right on the road. Pedestrians would just cross the road once it is cleared from motor vehicles, ignoring any bicycles. As a cyclist, you have to adjust even if you still had the right of way. And you'll hear from some of them complaining why cyclist are plying the busy streets.

Although the city is on the right track about alternative transport, the city council should have not done this in haste but in phases.

First, they can require all establishments, offices to have a designated bicycle parking or bike racks.

This way, we slowly integrate and promote bike commuting.

Then, slowly they would address unruly motorcycles and motorists by strictly implementing traffic rules. Actually, not slowly but implement it now like how it is supposed to be.

Third, improve our sidewalks so that it will serve its purpose. Pedestrians need not to walk on the road but on the sidewalks. Clear it from telephone and electrical poles, clear it from sidewalk vendors and other establishments (sari-sari store, hair saloon, food stand who are "squatting'). This alone will greatly improve traffic flow.

Improve the roads, then they can implement bike lanes once we have fluid traffic. That is, motorist would obey traffic laws, respect both pedestrians and cyclist and anyone using the road. Pedestrians and the general public will too recognize bike commuters as rightful road users.

Lastly, do an information drive and educate the public about bicycle commuting and alternative transport.

I do support bike lanes, but certain issues needs to be addressed first before jumping on the bandwagon on "going green" and alternative transport. And before I forget, trash the need for biker's permit and bicycle registration. If the city truly believes on a greener transport to slow climate change, then they better promote bike commuting and not discourage potential bikers.

Cebu City council approves bike lanes, and I am not exactly happy

While I am an avid cyclist, had my share of pedaling through the streets of Cebu and has been and still is bike commuting to work, surprisingly I do not welcome this news.

After several deferments, the Cebu City Council finally approved Wednesday the ordinance establishing shared priority bike lanes or bike-friendly zones in the city. Known as the "The Tindak Sugbo Lanes Ordinance"

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/10/29/bike-lanes-soon-cebu-city-373666

The article states that the city is  hoping to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation to reduce pollution, address global warming and slow down climate change. I totally agree, however if you read further, the ordinance calls for registering the bikes and the requirement of a biker's permit. It also states that license plates will be issued. This certainly will not encourage bike commuting.

Actually I am disappointed with this development.

First of all, before this ordinance, there are already a considerable number of citizens who are bike commuters. Mostly from the blue collar sector and an increasing number from the white collar workers including myself. While bike lanes is certainly a huge welcome for us, requiring us permits is certainly not.

The idea of bike lanes should be to encourage more to use bikes as an alternative transport. This is not for "bikers" alone but for the citizens in general. Car owners are now encouraged to leave their cars at home at least once in a week to use bicycles in going to work or to schools. Those who commute by public transport will now also start to use bicycles as a cheaper and greener alternative.

But this ordinance apparently will not encourage these. Why? Here are a few:

>> First of all, as mentioned there are already a considerable number of bike commuters. We do not have bikers permit and certainly the bicycles are not registered. And there are no problems with the current setup. I say status quo.

>> Issuing license plates will potentially damage the bicycles. As some of those who commute by bike to work are using their high end mountain bikes and carbon fiber road bikes. Certainly putting license plates or stamping registration numbers on the bicycle will potentially damage it. This alone is a very big factor of discouraging bike commuting.

>> The requirement of a bikers permit. Seriously, what is this for? Or is the council is just really thinking of how to make more money, and said "hey why don't we require bikers permit and registration of bicycles?" I really do not see any purpose to this rather than to milk some money. And where will the money go?

If you say that we need to pay for the bike lanes and the use of roads, then WTF?! Whether we bike or not, drive or not, commute via public transport or not, the roads are basic need for the city. They are not built for the motorists alone, they are built for the citizens for public use. We all are paying for it through our taxes, and better roads are expected. Bike lanes are expected whether some bike group asked for it or not. It is basic and should have been provided a long time ago.

Pedestrians have rights to use the sidewalk too. So do they need "walkers permit"? 

I think the city should look into those squatting along the sidewalks. Establishments and vendors who occupy the sidewalks and the electrical and telephone poles as well. Pedestrians are walking on the roads instead of the sidewalk because of these "squatters", effectively causing traffic congestion. And bike lanes being on the right most side of the road, wherein sidewalks are effectively useless, certainly it will not encourage bike commuting. 

This ordinance is premature. This should have not been done in haste and more thought should had been given to it.

But I seriously hope that these issues will be addressed and that indeed the city will encourage and embrace bike commuting. Again forgo the bikers permit and license plates. Status quo on this and just add the bike lanes. I do support bike lanes but not on the idea of bikers permit and registration. We need to encourage bike commuting, not discourage it.

Bike Commuting to Work

I have been asked and even joked a lot by my office mates that the reason I bike to office is so that to get thin and fit.

Truth of the matter is, I don't have enough money to keep up with my rising fuel costs. LOL! Not only are fuel prices high, I am conscious of my carbon footprint. Makes sense? 

Yeah, the real reason I bike to work is: I just love cycling. I love to bike and I enjoy so much being on a bicycle. 

Getting fit and saving money while biking to work is just a plus. It is not even the real intention, well trying to save some money, yes? 

What's interesting with bike commuting is, you get to see the city on a different perspective. You can cruise down the busy street without getting stuck in heavy traffic. Of course you have to catch in your face all the fumes and dust and other weird particles coming in your way.

People nowadays, complain on a lot of things regarding daily commute. There's heavy traffic, smelly fumes and pollution at the top of it. Then there's the flooded streets when it rains and the undisciplined motorists.  If you are one of those who commutes by public transport, then you'll likely experience heavy traffic, undisciplined driving, not to mention inhaling all those foul air. If you drive a car, then you'll probably got stuck in heavy traffic and complained about the rude public drivers, creating more chaos on the unruly roads. Either way, you are contributing more to the foul air, heavy congestion and flooding. We all contribute to it one way or another.

Global warming. 

1. You drive your own car, you burn fuel and release more toxins in the air, regardless if your driving a gasoline engine or diesel engine. You are burning fuel and releasing carbon monoxide.

2. The more yuppies buying their own car, the more and more toxins released to the atmosphere.

3. Public transport are mostly unmaintained vehicles that are heavy smoke belching machines. The more you ride in them the more you contribute to global warming, accessory to the crime.

4. Motorcycles. More and more are plying the roads, not only are they a menace (total disregard for road courtesy and traffic rules) on the streets, the more people buy them, the more toxins released in the air as more people burn their own fuel.  You think by buying a motorcycle and moped you save yourself from traffic woes? Well, you just made the streets more unruly and congested.

5. Citizens becoming more hot headed and hot tempered due to above - this is real global warming.

And so, I try to contribute to society by trying not to contribute to any of the traffic woes.

Bike commuting:

1. No fuel cost or daily fare.

2. No smoke emission - pure green pedal power.

3. Burns calories, free aerobic exercise.

4. Less road congestion. Compare driving a car as to pedaling your way to work.

5. Zero Carbon Footprint.

And while most yuppies fancy their shiny new cars, I fancy my two wheels. Consider this: public transport and private vehicles are increasing in numbers on the road. It only means more engines are burning fuel and releasing carbon monoxide. Those who once travel by public transport are now driving their own cars. The prize of urbanization, the prize of better living standards. As more yuppies buy their own cars, public transport continue to ply the streets daily. We have increased our carbon footprint and increased road congestion effectively.

And yet we complain a lot about the increasing traffic congestion, and the seemingly becoming normal flooding every time it pours from the heavens.

Had there been lesser cars on the road, it would have been a lighter traffic, yes? No. Increasingly a lot of new car owners does not know basic traffic rules and road courtesy. Not to mention a lot of the public utility drivers are rude and lacks courtesy. As a result, still heavy traffic. Traffic flow is not fluid.

So going back to my point, bicycle commuting is the way of the future. It is the key for a more sustainable and livable city. One less car is always better. One less car on the road means more road space and lesser carbon footprint. The lesser internal combustion engines on the road, the lesser berating drivers. Imagine if all car owners would together leave their cars at home, and they would commute to work via public transport and by bicycle. Let us just assume that for one day this will happen. Free flowing traffic, no congestion and lesser air pollution. While I mentioned that public transports are heavy smoke belching machines, still if those who drive to work would leave their cars, overall it would still decrease air pollutants.

Bike commuting, the way to go.

Usual office holiday Ado

Public holiday and I am in the office.
No, I am not workaholic.
Do not have pending jobs to do.
No conference calls, no meetings with the big bosses.
No teleconference with the stakeholders
Nothing important to do.
It is also a public holiday in China, in Singapore, in Bangladesh, in Malaysia and in most Asian countries. It is a public holiday in Australia.
The AP countries we are supporting are on holiday, but I am in the office.
So why am I here? To support the business.
What business? I really do not know.
Ado about nothing. Just plain nothing.

Wished I am on the saddle of my mountain bike right now, over muddy trails or on a hilly climb.
But I am here at office, doing nothing.

A box of sweet dough

Queuing patiently in line just to grab a box of J. CO doughnuts. No it wasn't me. I would have not done that. I can wait patiently until the storm calms. Then there won't be long lines for this sweet concoction. Just similar to Krispy Kreme, you would wonder why they have to stand in hours just to have their doughnuts. Is it that super yummy delectably delicious. No, it wasn't. Not for me. Their doughnuts though was good paired with their coffee. But it was not worth queuing in long lines. Too sweet for my taste.

Going back to J.Co, a few actually posed as if they are pregnant so just to get ahead in line. Hmmm cunning and creative. All that little trick for a box of sweet doughnuts. It only fed my curiosity even more. Are their doughnuts really that super yummy delectably delicious? Or is it just another very sweet concoction as with Krispy Kreme?

Finally I got a taste of it, thanks to my ever chubby, bubbly and cheerful office mate, who, like the rest of Cebuanos cannot wait to have a box of J.CO.

The verdict? I must admit it is much better than their competitors. Similar but not quite. Of course it is still very sweet indeed. But at least it has flavor as compared to just a sweet sugary dough. 

However, I still do not see the logic why one has to queue in long lines just to have a bite. I would rather wait 'til most of the folks have enough and the storm will settle. Then I do not have to queue, instead I would genuinely enjoy a pair of their doughnuts and signature coffee at their store.

To my cheerful bubbly buddy, thank you for sharing the J.CO way, keep smiling!