Around 8:45 pm, 01 July 2006 – I was about to ride a tri-bike on my home when I heard someone saying, “Ano, ano.” Considering that I was already in our barangay, I thought, it was someone I know who was calling me (Maybe, he just forgot my name). But, to my surprise the driver of a grey PAJERO was the one calling me. He said, “Sumabay ka na, saan ka ba sa Bayugo (next barangay)?” I stared at him, thinking if I really know him. Yet, I really don’t know him. Also, if you’d analyze the question he posted, he doesn’t also know where I am headed at.
It struck me! I thought, “Putsa, binabastos na ako nito!” I gave him a deadly stare (Kung nakakamatay yung titig ko malamang patay na siya). I was hesitant to act atrociously against him that I might be mistaken (maybe he knows me). I felt so helpless. And, it’s not usual for me to let bad things happen without giving justice to myself. So, I thought, I can get back at this guy by taking note of the plate number – (PXN 361 or PKN 361).
I plan to have the number traced to find out who owns the car. However, I feel like doing such would be a tedious work (not unless I know someone in LTO). Well, maybe the best thing that I could do is just to be wary of that car. That incident should never happen to me again.
What I find Ironic?
Looks can be deceiving
That morning, I went to Quiapo at got lost along Arlegui St. (as I wasn’t given the exact number or the building name of the school I was looking for). Just imagine that I walked from Quezon Avenue Extension and reached Malacanang gate (near TUP).
Quiapo has been known for being a dangerous place. Walking the stretch of Arlegui Street, I encountered scary-looking guys (tambay talaga at mga sunog baga) but they didn’t attempt to even say hi at me. You would expect that these guys would be the one to harass you. Yet, their looks (and the area) should never be basis for thinking how bad a person can get.
It’s not what you wear
They say, it is often that a person wearing sexy outfit (let’s qualify sexy: tank-top, spaghetti strap, mini-skirt, tight pants, plunging neckline) would be harassed. I guess such is a big misconception.
That night I got harassed, I was just wearing pants and loose shirt (my typical outfit). Still, I was harassed.
Moral
Every girl is vulnerable to harassment (regardless of how you look). It’s not all the time we can be accompanied by guys. Protecting our selves is a must.
To act brusko while walking or traveling a risky place may work but it is more important to be alert. It is important that our fear won’t easily hurdle us in thinking of ways to get out of a dangerous situation.
Hay! Sana ata naging lalaki na lang ako.
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