At 2pm, the temperature outside the office registered at 36 degrees, one point more and the result would prove to be catastrophic – I could have been heat wave victim number 3. Our office is situated right beside the Manila Bay but it does not offer much consolation. But when I think about other people whose access to available body of water is limited to the ever-stinking Pasig River or a murky dengue-infested water canal, I consider myself lucky. I have one pictureque Manila Bay sunset to end each sweltering day.

I had been outside my airconditioned cell with C no more than 5 minutes when I felt every drop of liquid in my body had been zapped out. All I could think about was an ice-cold water and halo-halo.

After spending quite a time avoiding Kia taxis known for their oven-like ventillation, we settled for a Nissan unit. A taxi driver once told me that Nissan cars have good cooling units that do not set your temper (or your hair) on fire. But an honest taxi meter was not included in the good positioning. This particular driver was one mean individual who charged us P35 more than our regular fare. (The normal taxi fare from Baywalk to SM Mall of Asia is between P60 to P70. I should know.)

I called the driver’s attention to his overcharging taxi meter. He insisted that it was the correct rate. I paid P105 in full. C got the operator’s contact numbers and called up the office to lodge the complaint. The driver’s boss was apologetic. He explained that there are indeed drivers who would manipulate taxi meters with sticks but he never expected someone from his turf would do such. While we’re enjoying our free halo-halo, Mister Driver will go home with a suspension notice in exchange for P35 he stole from us.

It is a shame that drivers like him would trade a decent living for few bucks he receives from fooling passengers.