“Sibugi, sibugi. Duha pa, duha pa. Mularga na, mularga na”, these are only but some of the most annoying words one could hear from a jeepney dispatcher but, these words are the simplest way to determine what their job is.
Shabby hairdo, ragged clothes and a towel placed on top of their shoulder; the usual appearance of the typical dispatcher who does nothing but to help passengers get a ride home and help drivers get their jeepneys quickly. They want nothing but to earn extra income to sustain their family’s needs, they ask just the exact amount of fare from the passengers and take good care of them, they help carrythe the passenger’s baggage when getting on and off the jeepney. They are good examples of the “Superhero-type” of dispatchers. They take nothing more and nothing less, true to their customers and serve them well without expecting any additional tips.
Another type is the “Mr. Bean-type” who does their job with different perks and some hidden agenda underlying their jokes. They show jolly expressions, faces that people would enjoy. They take away the boredom that surrounds the speeding jeepney with their endless, funny stories and weird ideas, they sing along with the music playing, they act like stand up comedians or crazy old guys riding with the normal passengers. They sometimes get bonus tips from the passengers who like their jokes, but at times passengers would fail to notice the lack of change returned after being distracted by this dispatcher. Their jokes are the source of fun and laughter but may also be one way of showing their deceitfulness.
As you wander more along Davao City, you will also notice the “Johnny Bravo-type” of dispatchers. They exude sexiness by having their hair combed and stiffed with the help of the mighty hair gel. They wear sunglasses with confidence, a way of hiding their dirty stares at the female passengers’ flawless legs or cleavage or the more censored parts. They wear pants and collared shirts with a strong yet nose-irritant smell. They usually sit beside pretty girls, throwing lascivious words. When someone goes up the jeepney, they’ll “assist” by pushing the passenger’s butt while uttering “sibugi lang gamay”. They appear to be cool and calm yet are lustful in every single way.
Now, going anywhere in Davao is not really that simple. You must endure these types of dispatchers in order to get to your next destination. They are your way to your next pitstop. You must know how to deal or suffer with them.
Edano, Renze
Chua, Karen Joyanne
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