Long lines, long wait, short tempers this holiday season

LONG LINES. This holiday season, with shoppers at a mad rush to do their last minute shopping, long queues are observed in shopping malls. People had to endure the “kilometric” lines: To withdraw money from ATMs, at cashier counters, even at the taxi stands. Consequently, while queues have become longer, tempers have become shorter, with harsh words exchanged, maybe out of frustration or impatience. A shopper, looking harried was heard harping to the equally stressed out cashier, “Pagdali diha’g putos sa akong items ‘Day kay ni dako na ning akong barikos (varicose veins) tinindog diri.”

PICKY CABBIES. Aside from the long lines at taxi stands outside shopping malls, passengers have to contend with picky taxi drivers. Many cabbies would only accept passengers that are going to specific destinations of their choice. Some cabbies would refuse passengers who would be travelling outside Cebu City, which is clearly in violation of LTO guidelines. One taxi driver was heard saying, “Di ko mopasakay og pasahero nga lagyo kay alkanse ko. Mas maayo rang dug-ol kay mas daghan akong pasahero, mas dako akong kita.”