Onli in Da Philippines. A catch phrase that applies to many things uniquely Pinoy. Sometimes it's positive, sometimes its on the other end, but most often than not, the words imply a humorous twist on an otherwise ordinary of way of life for the lowly Filipino who tries to keep his head high while keeping his mind, body and pockets above water in the most trying of times. Stated otherwise, onli in da Philippines is the Pinoy's penchant to make do out of a bad situation in his most innovative way.
Take for instance the "sala" set on wheels. As early back as my grade school years, the jeepneys plying out-of-town routes here in Leyte and even in Samar, have those little benches in between seats, all the better to maximize its capacity never mind if its not allowed under our laws. When the barker can no longer say, "Pito-pito han ito, lima pala an sakay didda" (The seats are good for seven, only five so far, still two places left) deftly ignoring that the seven meant seven people of normal sizes, the five includes three obese ones, and that for two to squeeze in they must be of the extremely malnourished types, then out come the little benches for more passengers. The eensie weenie discomforts of public commute, yet one has to sympathize with the jeepney drivers, out of every liter of gasoline, every peso must be squeezed and packing them in even as tightly as sardines is the only answer. I would want to include here a picture of such a jeepney but I'm not ready yet for the curious stares I'm likely to get should I take one during one of my public rides. Hmmm, perhaps I can bribe the hubby with an "in house second honeymoon" (hehehe) for him to take the shot...Fat chance.
Take for instance the "sala" set on wheels. As early back as my grade school years, the jeepneys plying out-of-town routes here in Leyte and even in Samar, have those little benches in between seats, all the better to maximize its capacity never mind if its not allowed under our laws. When the barker can no longer say, "Pito-pito han ito, lima pala an sakay didda" (The seats are good for seven, only five so far, still two places left) deftly ignoring that the seven meant seven people of normal sizes, the five includes three obese ones, and that for two to squeeze in they must be of the extremely malnourished types, then out come the little benches for more passengers. The eensie weenie discomforts of public commute, yet one has to sympathize with the jeepney drivers, out of every liter of gasoline, every peso must be squeezed and packing them in even as tightly as sardines is the only answer. I would want to include here a picture of such a jeepney but I'm not ready yet for the curious stares I'm likely to get should I take one during one of my public rides. Hmmm, perhaps I can bribe the hubby with an "in house second honeymoon" (hehehe) for him to take the shot...Fat chance.
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