Reaching record high cursing during rainy days in Manila

It's no surprise that during a time of crises businesses tend to unfairly increase their prices, especially when they know their goods are in high demand (e.g. rice, bread, gas, etc.) During Huricane Katrina gas stations were selling gas at exorbiant prices and profited from people's need for fuel.

In the Philippines, cab drivers like to take advantage of the heavy rains to profit off of people's misfortune. Last week I went shopping for my birthday outfit at megamall. By 7pm it started raining really hard. The taxi lines were too long so we opted to cheat and wait on the curb to see if there were any taxis we can grab without having to wait in line. Of course, we weren't the only ones there. In fact, the line along the highway was just as long as the taxi line in front of the mall.

Regardless, we tried our luck.

Every single taxi we encountered demanded more than the metered fare. Even the ugliest cab was demanding more than what people were willing to pay. Tons of cabs passed potential passengers, completely apathetic to the fact that people were getting soaked in the rain.

Cabs that stopped were swarmed by people clamoring to get a ride and escape the rain. The drivers simply rolled down their windows and chose passengers who were willing to pay the most.

In fact, I got so desparate to get a cab home I wanted to punch someone in the face who pushed me aside for the cab I was about to get into. After standing in the rain for four hours straight without an umbrella, you can imagine my distress and anger. All I saw was red and I wanted to punch the fat-self-entitled lady who stole my cab. She simply said, "Excuse me, that's my cab." I wanted to talk back so bad but by the time I could say something she was already inside and I was seething with anger. I guess when it's raining all politness goes out the window and it's everyone for themselves.

Rainy Philippines definitely bring out the worst in people.

I had another experience where it was raining so hard that the sidewalk I cross everyday to get home was flooded. I managed to hail a taxi and asked for a ride to get across the water. The ride should not have cost more than 40 pesos. Instead he charged me an additional 100 pesos to the metered fare. Of course I could afford it but I was so pissed off at the cab driver who gained to profit off of my misery.

Instead, in Tagalog, I cursed his mother for bringing him into existance, slammed the door hard, and prayed Karma would retaliate. Even though walking through the muddy, disgusting water was hell for me and my new flats, I got more satisfaction from cursing at that annoying, self-adsorbed, petty cab driver. Till this day, I hope that misfortune comes upon those who only make others suffer.

I can see a lot of people disagreeing with me on this and wanting me to be Jesus lovin' and shed my hate for all taxi drivers who have ever price gouged their fares. However, how about you try waiting in the rain for four hours straight as every single cab tries to take advantage of your unfortunate situation.