Back to Manila Part 2

I'm currently en route to Manila, specifically Pasay City. Starting from Angeles City, I had two bus stations to choose from: Dau Terminal and Marquee Mall Terminal. Although there were more buses at Dau Terminal, it was located in Mabalacat City, which meant I would have to take two jeepney rides to reach there (since jeepneys operate within city limits only). Opting for convenience, I headed to Marquee Mall, which was closer to my starting point.

When I arrived, there were three buses waiting for passengers. Two were bound for Cubao, while the other was heading to Dagupan. I contemplated riding the buses to Cubao and then taking the MRT to Pasay City, but just the thought of that journey seemed exhausting. Instead, I decided to wait for a bus that would take me directly to Pasay. After a few minutes, one bus arrived, but it was already full. Minutes turned into an hour, and yet no bus with an available seat came along. This was not looking good. If the next bus was also full, I would have no choice but to take an "aisle seat" or risk being late for work. By "aisle seat," I meant sitting on the aisle itself inside the bus.

Finally, another bus arrived, and to my surprise, it too was packed with passengers. Desperate, I found myself sitting on a toolbox next to the bus driver. He suggested that I sit on the steps near the door, claiming it was more comfortable. I looked at him with a hint of desperation in my eyes and couldn't help but say, "Sir, have you ever seen the movie 'Speed'?"

It wasn't until we reached Balintawak that several passengers disembarked, finally allowing me to secure a seat. As I looked out the window, observing the bustling blend of people, vehicles, buildings, and billboards that formed the vibrant tapestry of Metro Manila, I felt a sense of familiarity and belonging as the city welcomed me back into its embrace.