My brother-in-law and other stories
By Johnny Novera

Talipapa country?

Whenever I am away from Iloilo , there is always something new that comes up.  The last time, a few months ago, it was Jaro Plaza Mart  where my friend asked me to meet him. I thought it is a new shopping complex, but it turned out it was Jaro Plaza itself which virtually became like a market place because of the flower and fruit vendors that occupied the place.  It is good that the Mayor already asked all the vendors to vacate the plaza and it is now back to a park.

When I went to Roxas City last Friday upon my arrival from Davao , I parked my car beside the Jaro Cathedral.  Then I proceeded to SM Jaro where I used to take the van for Roxas City .  There were no more vans there as they reportedly transferred to Tagbak, Jaro, where there is a new terminal, on the way to Leganes .

I went across the plaza to take the Leganes-bound jeepney.  I took the front seat.  When the driver asked me where, I said "Tagbak bus terminal".

"Ah, sa bag-ong Talipapa?"  he asked.

I did not mind the driver's comment and I just nodded my head.   But when I got there I  realized what he meant.  There are now shed-type buildings all over the place, and more under construction.  I could see some even encroaching on the road canal and the pedestrian space along the road.  Soon, if this is not checked, it will be Talipapa Country!