Another workday ends when the clock strikes five o'clock in the afternoon. The typical process of going home starts as I pack things and leave the office.
Even if the route is the same every day, there is always something fresh to see—a new atmosphere, an unexpected sight, or even a tiny encounter that lightend up my routine commute.
We leave the workplace and make our way to the bridge that links SM Downtown and Ayala. The city is bustling with bustle, with people going everywhere—some starting their shifts, some headed home like us. We are immediately reminded of the mess we must deal with during rush hour by the increasing traffic.
I've been doing this for almost five years. I had gotten used to the daily grind of commuting, but when the pandemic hit, everything changed. We were instructed to work from home, and for a time, I enjoyed the convenience of skipping the commute. Now that we’re back in the office, I struggle to ride every day. The exhaustion feels heavier, and and the wait times feel longer, but I can’t say no. It’s part of the routine, and life goes on.
Today, we choose to ride tricycles rather than jeepneys. Although jeepneys are less expensive, they usually wait until every seat is occupied before leaving, which might take some time. The tricycle provides the convenience of a speedier travel, although being slightly more expensive. We immediately get in and get ready for the journey through the busy downtown streets.
As we make our way, the roadside vendors come into view—fishball stalls, barbecue stands, and other small eateries lining the busy highway. The scent of fried and grilled food fills the air, tempting passersby. Some people stop for a quick snack, enjoying skewered treats dipped in sweet or spicy sauce, while others hurry past, eager to get home after a long day.
Seeing the food stalls makes us realize how hungry we are. The ride home is still long, so we decide to make a quick stop at a siomai stall. The place is small but always crowded, a sure sign that their siomai is worth it.
We order a few pieces, drizzling them with soy sauce and chili paste. The first bite is comforting, a small reward after a tiring day at work. As we eat, we chat and laugh, exchanging stories with friends who are also on their way home.
It's time to continue the journey after we've finished our snack. The primary means of transportation back to our location this time is a yellow jeepney. The travel is estimated to take around one hour and ten minutes, but traffic may be unpredictable. It can last up to an hour and forty-five minutes on bad days; it's exhausting, annoying, and inevitable.
Meanwhile, inside the jeepney, passengers remain lost in their own worlds. Some are resting, some are talking quietly, while some are browsing via their phones. A recognizable background noise is produced by the rhythm of the driving car, the quiet conversation, and the sporadic honks of the road.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, we arrive at our stop.
It’s already 7:00 PM by the time I step off the jeepney. The exhaustion settles in, but there’s also relief. Home is just a short walk away. The comfort of my space, a quick rest, and the start of my night routine await.
This daily commute may be tiring, but it’s also a constant reminder of life in motion—the people, the city, the small moments that make up our everyday existence. Tomorrow, the cycle repeats. But for now, it’s time for me to unwind and recharge for another day ahead.