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One of the Scariest Experiences of my Life

How many times have you received forwarded emails about the new modus operandi of some gang in the metro?  Most of the time, you remind yourself to practice caution but you never even think that it could happen to you.

It happened to me in broad daylight earlier this morning.

After an easy run and weights at the gym, I headed towards my car in the parking lot.  I dumped my gym bag in the trunk and took a moment to search for my wallet.  As I was doing this, around four people surrounded me and the car.  Before I could even think anything of it, a lady approached me almost frantically asking: Nasaan ang chinese restaurant dito? (Where is the chinese restaurant here?) I found it extremely odd because there was no Chinese restaurant near the area (and why would one look for one at around 9am) plus she was acting extremely nervous.  This was all happening within a matter of seconds, but alarm bells already started ringing in my ear.

I answered her: Hindi ko alam (I don’t know) then headed towards the door of the driver’s seat. She blocked me and asked the same question over and over. By that time, I was pretty scared so I yelled at her: Hindi ko alam!!! and headed for the door again. When I looked ahead, a man had already opened the door of the passenger seat. I yelled at him: Hoy!!! He was taken aback, apologized (yes he did!), and shut the door. I rushed into the driver’s seat, locked all doors, checked if all my valuables were complete (they were thank God!) and drove away in haste.  As I passed the parking lot, these people were nowhere in sight.  I then called the security guard and reported the incident.

Wow. I was captivated in fear for the next few minutes. But, after I calmed down, I was ultimately thankful that no harm was done.  It could have been a lot worse for me.  In a split second, my life could’ve changed…or ended.

I write this to remind you about a number of things:

  1. to be careful out there—especially when you are running alone,
  2. to listen to your instincts.  If you sense that something is amiss, then you’re probably right
  3. to be a bitch (pardon my French) or a bull or both if you feel you have to defend yourself (although if they’re just asking for your wallet just give in and let them go. No amount of money is worth your life), and lastly
  4. to be thankful for the blessings—big or small—that come your way.  I’d like to think there was Someone watching over me earlier this morning.

Note: I won’t be sharing any details about exactly where this happened for security reasons, but I did report the incident and shared my story with others who frequent this area.

Posted on 07.21.11 to 01 Bullish Insights. Tags: , . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 30 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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30 Responses to “One of the Scariest Experiences of my Life”

  1. I’ve also heard NEVER go into a car with someone (like in your case). Even if they’re armed — you have a better shot of running away and them having a bad aim, then being in close proximity with them (usually once you go in the car, chances are you won’t make it out alive, while running away might get you injured but alive).

    And if you get mugged, don’t try to fight it, just give what they want. Nervousness make them do a lot of things they don’t mean to (like killing or seriously injuring you), but if you give what they want, they usually will run away leaving you unharmed.

    (Of course these are those tips that “good to know but hope you never have to put them in practice”)

    Glad you’re safe. It IS scary.

    Carla @ I Run, You Run said on Jul 21 11 at 11:08 PM Reply

  2. Scary indeed! Thanks God your safe. Will share/re-post your story to warn friends.

    Toel said on Jul 22 11 at 12:33 AM Reply

  3. katakot naman! one’s presence of mind plays a vital role in this kind of critical situation. glad you’re safe, jaymie!

    ode said on Jul 22 11 at 7:33 AM Reply

  4. HEEEYYYYY!!!! I was feeling worried and angry while reading this. Haaaayyyy.. Grrrr… THANK GOD you’re safe Jaymie and thanks for posting. Ingat lagi.

    Reylynne said on Jul 22 11 at 7:35 AM Reply

  5. We’re really glad you’re alright. Always take care.

    Benjie said on Jul 22 11 at 7:51 AM Reply

  6. Scary! So glad you’re safe and ok, Jaymie. Take care!

    Mai Mai said on Jul 22 11 at 8:07 AM Reply

  7. Thank God you came out of that scary moment unharmed. its also good to note you were still calm and composed and the perpetrators didnt push thru with their suspicious plan.
    thank you for sharing this incident. learned something from it po.

    Ms_Mars said on Jul 22 11 at 8:55 AM Reply

  8. Thank GOD you are safe! So these things really happen. It is an eye-opener to everyone especially us lady drivers who often drive alone.

    arlene said on Jul 22 11 at 9:05 AM Reply

  9. Thank God you are safe, ms Jaymie. It is a great thing that you were alert and had presence of mind. And bitchy. It is a reminder to all of us. Thank you.

    LGDUA said on Jul 22 11 at 9:27 AM Reply

  10. Wow, that is scary and I’m glad nothing happened to you.God is good-He protected you.

    alex araneta said on Jul 22 11 at 10:40 AM Reply

  11. good thing you’re safe and solid presence of mind. run safe everyone!

    tj isla said on Jul 22 11 at 11:18 AM Reply

  12. Good thing you have presence of mind.

    Ang hirap ngayon, dahil sa dami ng mga pangyayaring gaya nito, hindi mo na alam kung sino ang taong tunay na humihingi ng tulong. Sa takot nating maging biktima, madali na lang nating ipagwawalang-bahala at lalayuan ang mga estrangherong lalapit. Mapagkakaitan ngayon ang mga taong mayroon ngang pangangailangan.

    sherry said on Jul 22 11 at 2:12 PM Reply

  13. Glad nothing untoward happened to you.
    Hopefully, others will learn something
    from your experience.

    ped said on Jul 22 11 at 2:23 PM Reply

  14. Scary Indeed Jaymie. Good thing you kept your composure and was able to get out of it unscathed. I always tell my wife to run inside subdivisions and when your in the mall park near the entrance or the elevator. Times are hard so a lot of people are desperate. Keep safe.

    Gari said on Jul 22 11 at 4:35 PM Reply

  15. you gave me goosebumps, be careful Jaymie!

    jeric said on Jul 22 11 at 9:57 PM Reply

  16. Katakot nga Jaymie. Buti na lang you are fine. Thanks for sharing. I’ll do the same. Take care ha.

    CatA said on Jul 23 11 at 9:09 AM Reply

  17. for who’s security is it that you do not share the location? what if it happens again in the same place?

    Andre said on Jul 23 11 at 7:56 PM Reply

    • For my security, Andre. I don’t publicly share information where I train or workout. As mentioned, I’ve advised authorities in the area. thanks.

      thebullrunner said on Jul 24 11 at 8:06 PM Reply

  18. Thank God indeed that you’re all right, thank God too that this “bull” is smart!

    Boy Gumabay said on Jul 23 11 at 8:22 PM Reply

  19. Really nice to know you are safe. Pls do text me where the area is.

    miriam said on Jul 23 11 at 11:21 PM Reply

  20. thank God you’re safe Jaymie. thank you for sharing this with us. stay safe.

    aimee said on Jul 24 11 at 1:08 PM Reply

  21. thank God your safe ms.jaymie, it’s unfortunate that the places we think we are safe these kind of things happen.

    Haste said on Jul 24 11 at 2:03 PM Reply

  22. Thank God you are safe Ms. Jaymie. Ingat lagi. Thanks for sharing. God bless!

    Maria Everlinda Austria Amulong said on Jul 25 11 at 5:57 AM Reply

  23. Nice to know you are safe, hope you can share even just district where this happened, as to warn others who frequent the same place

    Anon said on Jul 25 11 at 9:54 PM Reply

  24. Glad you’re safe Jaymie. Thanks for sharing this scary experience, and for reminding us to still have the presence of mind and be aware of our surroundings. Stay safe!

    Joan Cosico said on Jul 27 11 at 9:32 AM Reply

  25. I can’t believe something like this happened “there”, Jaymie. It looked like a safe place. Tsk tsk tsk . . . now I know why my father always worry when I leave the house alone. Nanay naman always add: “Mahirap mag-isa. Pag may nangyari, walang witness.”

    I am really grateful that you’re free from harm and nothing violent happened. Take care, Jaymie.

    Nora, the golden girl said on Jul 28 11 at 3:16 PM Reply

  26. I was once a victim ages ago and I know exactly where youre coming from. Its nice to know youre safe and good you have the presence of mind to act very wisely and prudently.

    cesar carriedo said on Jul 28 11 at 3:22 PM Reply

  27. Indeed, angels were watching over you. Take note especially for the females, be aware of surroundings when getting to your car. Don’t look down or read your phone when walking towards your car. Best to have someone – a guy friend – escort you. Nothing to be ashamed of. Be safe than sorry.

    rctulio said on Jul 28 11 at 3:48 PM Reply

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