I noticed the conductor. The exhaustion was clearly written on his face after working under the heat the whole day, yet he still chose to smile. He patiently guided passengers, assisted those who needed help, and made sure everyone was safe and comfortable. Even with fatigue in his eyes, he continued serving people with respect.
It was a holiday. Diesel prices are continuously rising, yet the fare only increased by five pesos. If you really think about it, that small increase is already reasonable. In fact, we should even be thankful. Despite the expensive diesel and the reality that transportation workers earn less than before, they still choose to continue their trips so passengers like us can have affordable transportation and get home safely.
Sometimes we forget that behind every bus trip are workers sacrificing comfort, time, and energy just to keep public transportation running.
Then suddenly, a woman started shouting and cursing at the conductor because of the five-peso fare increase. In front of everyone, she humiliated someone who was only doing his job.
The entire bus fell silent.
At that moment, I realized how easy it is for people to release their frustrations on someone who cannot fight back someone who is required to stay calm because it is part of his job.
I saw the disappointment and embarrassment on the conductor’s face, yet after everything, he still chose to smile and continue working.
And that moment taught me something.
Not everyone you meet is having a good day. Some people wake up tired but still choose responsibility. Some people carry problems heavier than what we can see, yet they continue showing kindness to strangers.
Respect should not depend on someone’s position, uniform, or job title. A person serving you deserves dignity just as much as anyone else.
Sometimes we forget that service workers are not just workers they are parents, children, providers, and dreamers trying to make it through another day.
Before we complain, maybe we should pause and ask ourselves:
Is my frustration worth hurting another person?
Because kindness is a choice. Respect is a choice. And empathy is something we should practice every single day.
Doon ko na-realize some people carry heavy burdens silently, yet they still choose kindness.
Sometimes, we complain about small inconveniences without realizing someone else is already giving their best just to serve us.
Five pesos may be small for us, but respect should never be small for anyone.
Be kind. You never know how tired someone is behind their smile.
Kindness costs nothing, but it can save someone’s day.
