I have come to terms with the fact that gas prices will never be the way they were when I started to drive to work. Heck, back then, P500 could last me a week and slightly more. Today, P2000 can't even hack it.
But what pains me more? Driving home and running on empty, pulling over at the nearest gas station, rolling down my window, and being greeted by the gas attendant with, "V-Power, full tank sir?"
To my mind, this is pure mockery, and I am not amused. I am tempted to drive away except that I am out of gas. Instead, I meekly respond, "P200, Super Unleaded." I wish gas attendants could be more sympathetic about the gas price situation and not be so interested in making a big sale. But I guess this a business.
In fairness to Shell, though I have used the company as an example, I have experienced the same in the 2 other companies that comprise the Big Three. And in fairness to Bobby Kanapi, Shell spokesperson, he has often been quoted encouraging motorists to save gas and has been advising us all on how to spend less when it comes to fuel. Switch to E10, he says, which gives us more mile for the buck, or avail of credit card promos that offer a rebate on fuel purchases. Sure.
I just can't wipe the image of the fully-grinning gas attendant waiting for my response to his foolish question. It's just as bad as the image of Lorna Tolentino's billboard for Potencee--the same one where, with the sweetest smile, she suggests that vitamin C can help skirt cancer. Why the billboards were up even after Rudy Fernandez's death escapes me. Shame, shame.
When life becomes tough, we all need a little sympathy.
No comments:
Post a Comment