We are being driven around Negros Oriental in a 1970’s
vintage, jeepy-type vehicle bought by Bill soon after he and Diane arrived at Tambobo.
As nothing is wasted here, Diane vows that her vehicle will run until parts can no
longer be found and duct tape is obsolete.
Dented, scared, with broken windows, dented bumpers and
owner modifications insure that no one will want to steal her vehicle and most likely not
ride in it her unless they are being picked up or taken to at the airport. We are assured from
the start that this intrepid little beast has not failed her owner yet and
has in fact, gotten her out of sticky and muddy situations throughout the
years.
Most of the dash board is missing and none of the gauges
work. There is a large blue plastic pitcher hanging in the front which when a
chunk of ice is placed at the beginning of a trip, it will hold several water
bottles and keep them cool for the ride.
The back seat has been taken out long ago and wooden benches
placed in its stead. We are assured that this configuration, can hold up to 8
extra students/riders at a time.
At the beginning of each journey vital fluids must be replaced.
Water for the radiator, brake fluid, and so on and so forth. Half way to
Tambobo on our arrival trip, when we stopped for fuel, it is discovered that
the radiator cap is missing. The Monkey Man buys 10 gallons of water and we
proceed to stop at the 2 motorcycle repair shacks in the small town of Diuan in
search of a replacement, even a temporary one. Actually getting to Tambobo
requires that the jeepanator climb mountains, and it is decided after some
discussion to return to Dumaguete for the part lest we boil over. Returning to the
outskirts of town, we stop at a tire/parts store. The hood is raised. Low and
behold, miracles abound! The attendant spies the cap nestled on the side of
the motor, missed by both Diane and Harvey at the gas station 20k back. We all have a good embarrassed laugh. The attendant points out the entirely bald right
front tire. Harvey’s eyes grow large as Diane says “it’s ok. It’s been that way
for a while. Renato will replace it once we’re home.”
The next day, Renato changes the tire and drives to Siaton,
the nearest, biggest - small city to find brake parts. They don’t have them
there, so he takes his motorcycle to Dumaguete to buy pads and drum, returns to
Siaton to have them repair the brakes and returns the jeep late in the evening.
The week passes by. We begin our farewell journey back to
Dumaguete City, whereupon reaching the apex of traffic at the beginning of the
Easter weekend, the clutch decides to die. We might could do without 2nd gear,
but we really must have 3rd and 4th gear! It is a long
religious holiday weekend in a very Catholic country. If the clutch is not repaired today, then it
will not be until Monday until anything can be done. Thus begins the most
unique tour the Philippine’s has to offer: Auto Repair Shops and Parts Stores. The second repair place we grace agrees to
try and fix the clutch that day – only if we go out and find the parts for
them. The Tricycle Public Transport is hailed, with used master cylinder in hand.
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| Handing off the part and discussing options |
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| First store doesn't have it |
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| Third store is the charm |
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| Making sure the master cylinder fits |
All and all, I wouldn't have traded this tour for the world! We made it back to the airport on time and Diane made it back home to Tombobo Bay.
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