The ghosts of Christmas past

It may seem ridiculous to write about “Christmas” on “All Souls day” but since everyone keeps talking about the dead as well as ghosts, I was suddenly haunted by the Ghosts of Christmas’ Past.

The ghosts I speak of are the frightening memories of being stuck in traffic for hours, being unable to get anywhere because you could not even get out of your village, going around in circles looking for and fighting over parking space, or falling victim to the stupidity of local government officials who believe that celebrating the Christmas holidays is enough excuse to disregard public safety and traffic laws.

After November 1, the next big thing to happen will be “Christmas Day” which is only 54 days away, but before we get to Christmas day we will have to endure three weeks or 21 days of shopping madness and traffic snarls in Metro Manila. In the same three weeks we will witness a progression of alcohol induced traffic fatalities because of Christmas parties and bonuses.

So no surprise that most people I spoke with have reacted with dread and trepidation when reminded of the yuletide season.

No, we are not turning into a nation of “Humbugs” or “Grinch”, people are simply dreadful of the prospects of once again being caught in hour long traffic jams, illegal or ill-conceived tianges or bazaars that will pop up all over Metro Manila in complete disregard of traffic rules and Metro Manila ordinances.

So, even before the “momentary insanity” takes root among Metro Manila Mayors, may we humbly suggest that the guilty and those concerned about the mess last year, should do better planning and implementation of roadside bazaars and festivities this year.

Only two weeks ago many of us got a sampling of what happens when all the major malls along the EDSA decide to stage their pre-Christmas clearance sale all at the same time.

This weekend, we experienced the 10-kilometer torture chamber of the Metro Manila Skyway toll corporation simply because of a long weekend and the devil may care attitude of the companies building the Skyway extension project. One victim posted on Facebook that it took him 2 1/2 hours to drive from Alabang to the Fort.

Several taxi drivers, who were so traumatized last year, have recounted how the Tiange or “X’mas bazaar” around the Mandaluyong City Hall/Rotunda caused traffic to back up all the way to the Boni – Pioneer Underpass on one end and by the Pasig River towards Makati on the other end.

The question is what torment and agony awaits us from December 1 to 24?

Are we once again going to be stuck in traffic for hours because some local governments decides to allow tianges or bazaars in front and around their City Halls? Will traffic come to a stand still because officials of the Philippine National Police did not workout a plan with the MMDA to clamp down on tricycles, Pedi cabs and other such vehicles on main roads and highways?

The fact of the matter is we have major traffic and pedestrian problems during Christmas because officials do not respond to the increased volume with an equally increased police and traffic force. Labor day events and election days are given serious thought and increased police and government manpower. Yet, the busiest three weeks as well as the longest Christmas celebration worldwide is treated simply as a holiday.

I would like to encourage DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to seriously consider taking on the project of overseeing a unified Metro Manila strategy that would rationalize what and how things are done by LGUs as they celebrate Christmas.

Secretary Robredo has to give a helping hand on this because MMDA Chairman Tolentino will only have half the chance of getting Metro Mayors to cooperate and the PNP will be more inclined to fully engage their resources if their Boss leads the project.

At the very least, we can ask Mayors and Barangay Captains not to add or cause more traffic, institute a fully managed rerouting system among and along all the major cities, and initiate alternative activities that would help disperse shopping hours. One neat thing we heard of last year was the night market in Divisoria and I think Greenhills. Break-up the schedules of sale for Malls and request mall operators to open later in the day and close later in the evening.

For us ordinary folks, one idea that works is the “Paki” or asking someone going to the mall or Divisoria to buy an item for you to save you the trip. In exchange you can do likewise if you’re headed another direction. What we’ve started to do is tell family of a plan or a need in advance in order to maximize our trip or take advantage of an opportunity.

A number of people I know are now canvassing for a scooter or a motorcycle believing that the two wheel option will save them a lot of time as well as frustration during the holidays.

Perhaps, this is also an idea for the MMDA, the DILG and Mayors to promote. One of the problems bicycle owners have going around Metro Manila is the major lack in safe or secure parking spaces for Bicycle owners, especially around the malls.

Starting today, you would be well advise to have a plan and a list not just a wish list or a shopping list, but also a list of stores, malls and places that gives you greater efficiency in time, convenience and fulfillment. Make a list of parking options, as well as accessibility.

My wife and I have learned that by parking on one side of a major road, crossing over on foot for 5 minutes and going back the same route, saves us at least 15 to 20 minutes sitting in traffic!

Whether you go by car, by bike or on foot, the sheer volume of people shopping for Christmas will cause problems. The final solution is to avoid the crowds, on foot or on wheels run by a schedule counter to everyone. Merry Christmas?

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