Dear tsikoteers, be careful at C5. Last night I was coming from Bicutan, approaching the stoplight at the Pateros/Makati intersection when something got stuck on the left-front tire of my Corona. Making a hissing sound, I thought it was just a plastic (supot). At the red light I found out that my Yoko C.Drive was completely flat!

The first person to approach me was a man on a bicycle. He pointed to a vulcanizing shop only 20 meters away. I already knew this was a modus operandi, since there is a sticky thread about this in another good forum. (Thanks!) I said, "Hindi, ok na ako." While I was getting stuff in my trunk, two men came to my right, and pointed to the nearby shop. I said no. I was ready to slam their faces with the jack just in case they attack me. I remember at least five different men offering (or pretending to offer) help. But I insisted on changing the tire by myself. I just don't trust these C5 vulcanizing shops. What struck my tire looked like a metal part from an umbrella. It had a "v" cross-section which made the air go out instantly. I have read a lot (too much) about similar incidents at C5, and I'm sure this is man-made. Be careful guys and gals, and never stop at the dark spots.