New underpass now opens to traffic

Today opens the 150-meter new underpass at the corner of Quezon and Gregorio Araneta Avenues in Quezon City.

Finally, commuters like me would not worry (I cross my fingers to this) about the heavy flow of traffic that sometimes fired up from Pantranco to Araneta bridge. I had walked a lot for the past months since I transferred to my temporary residence in north area. From this day on, I will have to enjoy some more carefree minutes in my bed before heading to my workplace in Cordillera Street. Traffic had caused my tardiness at times (I am accountable for some of the days, hehe).

During those slow-paced jeepney rides, I often pondered on why the need to construct this underpass when there is a river nearby. Was it built with strong foundation? There had been flooding in that area too; will cars float? Maybe an MRT station would have sufficed; not only will it provide faster means of transport but convenience too and hopefully less road accidents.

On the lighter side, this is my first time to witness the day-to-day progress of a road being constructed. Well, I have never seen a new underpass being constructed here in Manila and experienced for myself how is it like to ask when the construction will be done or rather wish the project was never started.

During the first day that the road was formally opened to traffic, I was able to pass there twice and it was good to get a fast and relax trip along the formerly trafficked path. I can only hope that God will bless this road and that people, drivers and commuters alike, will try their best to practice road safety.

I took this on September 27, a day before the formal opening. I asked permission from the men who were then setting up a tent to be used the next day.

Story-telling

This is a re-post of an announcement from the Philippines Daily Inquirer. If you have what it takes to tell a great story, you might shine in this contest.

Can you tell a great story?

The Philippine Daily Inquirer will hold storytelling competitions during the second Inquirer Read-Along Festival on Nov. 26-27 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center Amphitheater in Quezon City. With the theme, “The Filipino Child and the Stories of the Earth,” the contests will have three categories: For students aged 7-12;  yayas, and adult storytellers, who will all tell stories about biodiversity and the riches of the planet.

Qualified are schoolchildren aged 7-12, yayas aged 18 and above who are currently employed, and adults aged 18 and over with experience in storytelling to children. The contest is open to participants who have never won first place in any storytelling contest.

Those interested may download the rules, list of requirements and application forms athttp://www.inquirer.net/read-along. Forms may be submitted to inqfestival@gmail.com up to Sept. 30.

Schools and other organizations are also invited to send kids to any of the six Read-Along sessions during the two-day festival. For questions, call 8978808 and ask for Odeng (ext 329) or Kate (ext 331).

So there, good luck y'all!