‘Black Friday’ shifts from coffee shops to train rides

Today marks the second week of eLagd’s and the Black and White Movement’s "Black Friday Protest," and this time, it is the turn of the Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) to feel a little bit worried.

The middle-class is being asked to do more than just have coffee at Starbucks since they are now being urged to wear black, group together, troop to the nearest MRT station, fill up each and every coach and proceed to the Ortigas station.

Like last week’s invitation to Starbucks, businessmen, professionals and students are being asked to make a statement and show their disgust for President Arroyo and her government by joining the mob and flashing the thumbs-down sign.

The Ortigas area, where a number of shopping malls and restaurants are located, is considered a "middle class" bailiwick.

"Wear black. Assemble at the MRT station nearest you. Buy a ticket to Ortigas. Wait a while for other groups in black. Agree to board the MRT at the same time," the plan of action said.

The idea is while on board the MRT, participants are to flash the thumbs-down sign while on their way to the Ortigas station where they should arrive by 6:30 p.m.

"When you get to Ortigas, buy a ticket back to your origin or to your final destination. Join the other groups in the boarding area, but don’t board yet. Wait for five to 10 trains to pass by, each time flashing the thumbs-down sign when a train arrives," the plan of action said.

Since tonight’s activity is supposed to be a silent and peaceful protest action by the middle class, everyone is asked to board trains at the same time and disperse quietly after the event.

"Let’s paint MRT Ortigas ‘black’ on Friday," is this week’s battlecry after eLagda and BWM’s successful ‘You hate GMA? Go to Starbucks‘ event last week.

Business executives, managers, and employers are again being asked to bring their workers to join the MRT event.

"Invite as many friends or officemates as you can. If you’re an employer or a manager, invite all your subordinates to join you. Offer to treat them after the flash protest, if you can afford it," the eLagda and BWM blog said. – Michael Punongbayan