Handicapped Parking Slot

“One of the reasons why I studied Architecture… It was not only for my love of art & drawings but I wanted to help those people who were unable to enjoy the malls, other buildings or places because of the lack of planning and facilities.

Knowing how the past Architects did not consider them in the planning or maybe it was because the building owners wanted to cut cost on the designs. They were the drive and motivation for me to pursue that course.”

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It happened just last week...

I thought it would be just another typical day...

I woke up in a bad mood…

I felt cynical, belligerent…

I am under a lot of stress, severely depress and burned out…

I drove my car taking the I.V. to C-5 route to avoid traffic.

Enjoying the wind in my hair, feeling the cool breeze brushing against my skin while cranking up the volume of my stereo...

Trying to relax, trying to embrace reality that I am heading for hell…

- (It means to work, lol) -

I arrived at the parking area, parked at the far end, closed my door and started walking with fear in my mind knowing what I am up against...

As I near the mall entrance, I saw a black Honda City car at halt near the entrance. The car has a show room glossy finish and clear glass windows.

I noticed the guy was just sitting and looking around…

Suddenly, he stepped out of the car.

He was tall, handsome and fair skin complexion.

He was wearing black chinos, a nicely tucked black long sleeve shirt with his sleeves folded before his elbow and with a pair of shiny black shoes.

I smiled and thought to myself...

“Wow! Finally! A good looking guy around the neighborhood.”

However, I was curious on why he stepped out of his car and he walked towards the handicapped parking slot.

To my dismay, he removed the handicapped sign blocking the slot, went back to his car and drove it towards the “now-opened-handicapped” parking!

I was utterly disgusted!!!

I was full of rage and anger!!!

I waited for him to come out of his car.

I stood 20 paces away from his car for about 3 minutes, he came out, and then I started walking towards him.

Before he was able to walk away from his car, I confronted him and asked in a firm tone...

“Excuse me… Isn’t this for the handicapped?”

He flushed red right before my eyes.

He was embarrassed and I guess he thought no one saw him parked.

He startled and before he could even say a word, I replied...

“Oh! I am sorry… I didn’t know that you were handicapped… Incompetent ka pala!”

I turned my back, walked away and headed toward the mall entrance.

I didn’t see if he moved his car but it is all up to him. I just gave him his wake up call. If he stayed there then that shows his lack of common sense and heartlessness.

Though I still felt agitated the whole day, but at least I was able to release some tension and expressed what I believe was unjustified.

Though, some of the people I talked to were a little tense about my story and said that I might have talked to an Executive of some company.

I told them that “He” may be an Executive, CEO, President of what-so-ever company, but I don’t really care because it is just a job title. “He” may have the looks, the title, the riches and all, but when it comes down to the heart, “He” has nothing! Even if one day I resigned and move to a different company and “He” happens to be the boss, I wouldn’t care!

I may be critical but that is how I am.

“They” should not take for granted what they have and what they can do with their power. “They” should have more responsibility and dignity to match their title and position in society.

To those who knows where I work and park, try visiting the mall parking and observe the handicapped parking in the morning. You would see really nice cars parked there but they are not handicapped... They just parked there because it is near the mall entrance.

It is such a disgrace...