ALAY LAKAD

While many got deliriously happy seeing the colorful fireworks of the 2nd World Pyro Olympics, thousands also got frustrated due to the horrendous traffic it caused in Makati and nearby areas. Sadly, I was one of those who got very upset of the so-called "grandest show of the year." Who wouldn’t if you were forced to walk from Chino Roces Ave. up to Buendia Taft due to terrible traffic?

Tama, naglakad-ako ng milya-milya dahil sa putang inang paputukan festival na yan. I was on my way home from Glorietta when the bus just stopped moving at the corner of Ayala and Buendia. At first, I thought I was just a usual thing because it was Saturday night — the time when OMG peeps roam around Makati for their OMG Saturday night gimmicks. But I was wrong. Almost an hour had passed but the dilapidated orange Señora Del Carmen Bus was still in the same area. I knew that this was already highly unusual. The only time that I found out that the traffic jam was due to the Pyro show was when I overhead my "busmates'" conversation. "Lintek na trapik yan. Dahil kasi yan sa Pyro Olympics." At that point, the idea of walking already came up to my mind. I knew that if I would just sit and wait, I wouldn't be able to reach home before midnight.

Just like me, the other commuters who decided to have their own version of alay-lakad were all visibly upset. Walang ginawa kungdi umiling at mag-"tsk" ng "tsk." Motorists who were not headed for the Pyro show was likewise frustrated. It seemed that they wanted to leave their cars and just walk home. My Alay Lakad lasted for almost an hour. Luckily, I didn't get too tired since I'm used to taking long walks. At nakisama rin ang atay ko, hindi siya sumakit habang naglalakad ako.

It was a record-breaking event — the longest walk that I have done in my entire life. See it for yourself. Here's exhibit a — map from Google Earth showing my Alay-Lakad way.

Funny? quote of the week:
Ang taong naglalakad ng matulin, runner.
Ang taong naglalakad ng matulin, natatae