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Monday, October 27, 2003
Route 24: Up the down highway
By Ritchie Landis Doner Quijano
THE route that I take from home to the city everyday has naturally turned very predictable because the road has become too familiar, coming up with less and less surprises at every turn, in every ride.
But it more than makes up for its predictability by the many joys one experiences while riding the king of the road. There are memories too, of growing up riding on jeepneys and of high school days instantly recalled while traveling to my destination.
This is the Consolacion jeepney route 24 going from its town of origin, traversing two cities before the return trip. Aside from happy recollections, there's the fun of a "sound-off "competition as Consolacion jeepneys have always been known for their loudspeakers, aside from their "pang-chicks "drivers described in that ubiquitous sticker declaring "basta driver sweet lover ". The dialed Pioneer stereo is the chosen equipment complete with boosters, tweeters and lamps. These jeepneys are the precursors of the modern day boom cars.
The jeepney will usually start its journey loading passengers at the poblacion or near the crossing that leads to the public market, and at another landmark, the candy-colored Jolibee building. Incidentally, Consolacion is home to the northernmost Jolibee branch.
The route follows the highway passing by the "subida "and "bahada " portions of Jagobiao. If not fully loaded on its departure it makes a stop at the "eskina" of Canduman where one can spot three bakeshops (Park N' Go, Julie's and Ayelet) all situated in one corner. But I still haven 't checked which among the pan de sal bakers is the favorite of the habal-habal and tricycle drivers in the area.
Moving on, the jeepney climbs the Maguikay flyover (for the British) or overpass (preferred name of the Americans) depending on your national orientation. It's the first infrastructure of its kind constructed in the province. But to most of us locals, it's a bridge. I have one funny memory here of my late friend Jeffrey Racho. Two decades ago, flyovers were unheard of. When Jeffrey saw it for the first time not knowing what it was for, the old-school chap blurted out, "grabeng kakurakot ning goberno nyor!Bisag way sapa gibuhatan ug bridge."
From highway Mandaue the jeepney makes a left turn at Wireless for the reclamation road going towards SM City, then passing by three White Golds, a charred edifice, new White Gold Club and White Gold House.
It makes a round at the fire-ruined building before entering Martires St. From there the Ayala access road leads to its last stop at the Ayala terminal to pick up passengers before returning to Consolacion.
Fare from Consolacion to Ayala is P8 so a full round trip costs P16 covering approximately 22 kilometers. The route has been shortened to decongest the city of PUJs; the old one used to reach Manalili and Carbon. The old route, however, always caught traffic downtown thus the reason it was shortened.
On the old route, the Cimmaron was the most popular vehicle. Most notorious as the loudest was "Targa". My mama and papa used to operate a jeepney named "Sildoritch". I don't want this short route to be lengthily written so other related things I've failed to mention like minimum fare, wisdom of stickers, air-brushworks, "bukong " and the conductor will have to be explored on the next route I take.
(October 27, 2003 issue)
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