Expatriates in the Philippines: Transportation in the Philippines
by: Ronan Vergara, Anton Perez, Denice Lao, Alvin Bolanos, Mary Ann Bolanos
1. RIDING A TRICYCLE
Have you ever found yourself walking in the streets of Manila, tired and not knowing how to get to your destination faster? I know I have! But lucky for me, a solution to my problem passed by in no time.
Perhaps the most common and easiest way to travel in the Philippines is through a tricycle ride. Yes, a tricycle ride! It is a motorcycle with a side-coach welded next to it. It can accommodate around 3-5 passengers, depending on the vehicle’s size. When you arrive along the "kanto" or the entrance of the
urban village going to L. Cleofas Street to look for the furnished apartment in Novaliches, you may take the tricycle and pay Php 17.00 to reach your destination.
Tricycles are very easy to ride. They are very common, especially in small barangays and streets. They are usually found in terminals or near sidewalks.
You may think that riding a tricycle may be uncomfortable, but it actually is not. I have been riding a tricycle since I was a kid and not to mention, I enjoy it very much. In fact, I still smile about the breeze in my face during the ride. It is nice to enjoy the air blowing in your face, most especially if you are in the province.
It is also quite cheap when you compare it to other public transportations. It ranges from 8-25 pesos, if the distance you are traveling is not that far.
Riding a tricycle can give off a new experience. With its padded chair and colorful designs, you’re surely in for a memorable and “worth it” ride.
June to November is typically the cool sunny rain season in the Philippines, always bring an umbrella.
8. Always bring a Camera.
9. Share photos and experiences to family and friends.
1. RIDING A TRICYCLE
Have you ever found yourself walking in the streets of Manila, tired and not knowing how to get to your destination faster? I know I have! But lucky for me, a solution to my problem passed by in no time.
Perhaps the most common and easiest way to travel in the Philippines is through a tricycle ride. Yes, a tricycle ride! It is a motorcycle with a side-coach welded next to it. It can accommodate around 3-5 passengers, depending on the vehicle’s size. When you arrive along the "kanto" or the entrance of the
urban village going to L. Cleofas Street to look for the furnished apartment in Novaliches, you may take the tricycle and pay Php 17.00 to reach your destination.
 |
| Tricycle Photo by Samuel Warren The Writer |
Tricycles are very easy to ride. They are very common, especially in small barangays and streets. They are usually found in terminals or near sidewalks.
You may think that riding a tricycle may be uncomfortable, but it actually is not. I have been riding a tricycle since I was a kid and not to mention, I enjoy it very much. In fact, I still smile about the breeze in my face during the ride. It is nice to enjoy the air blowing in your face, most especially if you are in the province.
It is also quite cheap when you compare it to other public transportations. It ranges from 8-25 pesos, if the distance you are traveling is not that far.
Riding a tricycle can give off a new experience. With its padded chair and colorful designs, you’re surely in for a memorable and “worth it” ride.
2. ENJOY A JEEPNEY RIDE!
If you want to travel the different places of the Philippines and still have a few pennies in your pocket then riding a jeepney is the way to go. A jeepney, or jeep, as most people call it, is a public transportation which can fit around 18-22 people at once and go for long distances. These Jeeps travel a fixed route and one ride can cost up to 7-15 pesos, depending on the distance of your travel.
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| Jeepney photo by: http://www.jmthebest.com/php-8-minimum-jeepney-fare/ |
Jeeps are very common in the Philippines; you can see them anywhere and everywhere. Every day commuters and travelers opt to ride the jeep so that they can save up for more important things since riding a jeep is much cheaper.
You can go almost anywhere riding the jeep. You can take a ride in one of the jeepneys when you stay at the vacation apartment in Novaliches.
Another wonderful thing about riding a Jeep is that you get to explore not only your surroundings, but also the people riding with you. You get to observe the similarities and differences among Filipino passengers. Since its windows are always open, riding in a jeep would keep you amused to the sights you might see. The busy streets, stores or even daily life drama can be witnessed by simply riding it.
With the jeeps being easy on the pocket, commuter-friendly and easy to find, it surely serves as a great way of public transportation for regular commuters, and first timers alike.
3. GOING AROUND THE CITY BY BUS....
Whether staying in this sun-kissed country for a much-needed vacation or for that necessary business trip, you may want to know the different forms of transportation available around.
The BUS
Busses are one of the Philippine’s most in-demand public transportations around. It is usually fully packed because the fare is cheap and covers the longest distance. There are actually two types of busses: air conditioned ones and the ones with open windows. Both of them have their own advantages; obviously riding in an air conditioned bus can be more pricey but if you’re that conscious when it comes to the heat better take this one instead. On the other hand, the ones with open windows are usually used by the masses because the fare is cheaper compared to the air conditioned one.
There are times when there are few busses that pass by and people would have to resort to standing up at the aisle the whole trip just to get to their destination. This is how in-demand busses are, so better be prepared to stand up on desperate times.
MRT Trains are fun to ride, just make it sure that you use the trains during the non-rush hour time which starts from 5:30 a.m. till 6:00 a.m. then 8:45 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. The train starts operating at 5:30 a.m.
5. LUXURY TAXI
The taxi is probably the most expensive public transportation in the country. It serves as a private car for long distance travels. Though the cost is pricey, it is inclusive of air conditioning and you can enjoy the ride exclusively with your family or friends.
You can call taxis in two ways. With taxis roaming around the streets of the city, you can easily park a cab anywhere and anytime of the day. However there may be times when you don’t have time for waiting. In these situations you can reserve taxis from companies. This may cost a lot. It usually has an initial payment for the reservation and additional fees like gas, etc.
Riding the taxi is a safe way of commuting especially at night, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Do remember to lock all your doors and close all windows.
6. FRESH AIR KALESA
Kalesa is one of the oldest mode of transport in the Philippines. You can ride this at the Intramuros while going around the pre-war walls... and in far-away provinces like Iligan City.
3. GOING AROUND THE CITY BY BUS....
Whether staying in this sun-kissed country for a much-needed vacation or for that necessary business trip, you may want to know the different forms of transportation available around.
The BUS
 |
| Bus going to Baguio http://leahcarlita.blogspot.com/p/baguio.html |
Busses are one of the Philippine’s most in-demand public transportations around. It is usually fully packed because the fare is cheap and covers the longest distance. There are actually two types of busses: air conditioned ones and the ones with open windows. Both of them have their own advantages; obviously riding in an air conditioned bus can be more pricey but if you’re that conscious when it comes to the heat better take this one instead. On the other hand, the ones with open windows are usually used by the masses because the fare is cheaper compared to the air conditioned one.
There are times when there are few busses that pass by and people would have to resort to standing up at the aisle the whole trip just to get to their destination. This is how in-demand busses are, so better be prepared to stand up on desperate times.
4. TOUR MANILA BY TRAIN
There are three connecting train links in Manila:
a. Blue Train: MRT North Edsa too Taft (Finance Districts: Connects Quezon City, Pasig, Mandaluyong and Makati)
b. Purple Line: Santolan to Recto (University Belt: Pilgrimage Sites going to Antipolo)
c. Yellow Line: Blumentritt to Libertad (Old Manila with lots of Cheap Shopping Places)
The MRT, or Metro Rail Transit, is the busiest public transportation in the Philippines. It links different stations that pass by the major cities of Manila. One of its most popular destinations is Makati, the business capital of the Philippines. With that said, it is already predictable that majority of young professionals have to take the MRT. Some ride on them to avoid traffic while some still doesn’t have their own cars yet.
The MRT is jam-packed especially during the rush hours of 6 am to 8am.
In these times all passengers would have to suffer being squeezed in the
coaches of the MRT.
So it is better to ride the train before or after these hours. There are also
different trains for females, males and unisex. Almost all MRT coaches
now are fully air conditioned.
However because of too much people, it will still be a sweaty ride ahead.
There are three connecting train links in Manila:
a. Blue Train: MRT North Edsa too Taft (Finance Districts: Connects Quezon City, Pasig, Mandaluyong and Makati)
b. Purple Line: Santolan to Recto (University Belt: Pilgrimage Sites going to Antipolo)
c. Yellow Line: Blumentritt to Libertad (Old Manila with lots of Cheap Shopping Places)
The MRT, or Metro Rail Transit, is the busiest public transportation in the Philippines. It links different stations that pass by the major cities of Manila. One of its most popular destinations is Makati, the business capital of the Philippines. With that said, it is already predictable that majority of young professionals have to take the MRT. Some ride on them to avoid traffic while some still doesn’t have their own cars yet.
The MRT is jam-packed especially during the rush hours of 6 am to 8am.
In these times all passengers would have to suffer being squeezed in the
coaches of the MRT.
So it is better to ride the train before or after these hours. There are also
different trains for females, males and unisex. Almost all MRT coaches
now are fully air conditioned.
However because of too much people, it will still be a sweaty ride ahead.
 |
| MRT Station: Blue Line |
MRT Trains are fun to ride, just make it sure that you use the trains during the non-rush hour time which starts from 5:30 a.m. till 6:00 a.m. then 8:45 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. The train starts operating at 5:30 a.m.
5. LUXURY TAXI
The taxi is probably the most expensive public transportation in the country. It serves as a private car for long distance travels. Though the cost is pricey, it is inclusive of air conditioning and you can enjoy the ride exclusively with your family or friends.
You can call taxis in two ways. With taxis roaming around the streets of the city, you can easily park a cab anywhere and anytime of the day. However there may be times when you don’t have time for waiting. In these situations you can reserve taxis from companies. This may cost a lot. It usually has an initial payment for the reservation and additional fees like gas, etc.
Riding the taxi is a safe way of commuting especially at night, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Do remember to lock all your doors and close all windows.
6. FRESH AIR KALESA
 |
| Kalesa: http://exploreiligan.blogspot.com/2011/09/in-focus-tartanilya.html |
Kalesa is one of the oldest mode of transport in the Philippines. You can ride this at the Intramuros while going around the pre-war walls... and in far-away provinces like Iligan City.
Kalesa is typically the transport when the Filipino Suitor proposes to his beloved.
Kalesa family ride is also available at the Intramuros...the Kalesa has two horses...and the whole family can fit in!
7. Enjoy a BOAT RIDE while Island Hopping
A boat ride is used when instead of city hopping you decide to go island hopping. You can start with Hundred Islands in Alaminos. From the furnished apartment in Novaliches Quezon City, you may take a Victory Liner Bus to Alaminos. Upon arriving at Alaminos, you can book for a hotel for a night or two to go island hopping.
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| Boat Ride |
8. SHIP RIDE
Instead of flying by plane, you may opt to take a ship ride to other provinces. This will take you three days to one week.
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| Ship: http://commutephilippines.blogspot.com/ |
Our ships in the Philippines are not that luxurious yet... but if you want to experience how it is to ride a ship during the 20th century...ride the ship.
9. Airplanes
The fastest public transport in the Philippines if you want to cover the whole country.
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| This is how it looks like outside the window of an airplane. |
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| Airplane in the Philippines: http://worldairlinenews.com/category/philippines-philippine-airlines/ |
10. e-jeep The newest ride in the Philippines. This e-jeep is powered by electricity.
SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE PHILIPPINES
1. Make sure you wear a comfortable casual attire, complete with good sturdy shoes for walking.
June to November is typically the cool sunny rain season in the Philippines, always bring an umbrella.
2. Check http://www.accuweather.com before embarking on an adventure trip using the public transport.
3. When riding the jeep, tricycle, bus and taxi, secure personal belongings. It is best not to show off your top of the line cellular phones and camera.
4. Travel Light and memorize contact numbers hotline.
5. Always bring water with you.
6. Never travel alone if the Philippines is not your home country. Always leave message to your loved ones and make sure they know your itinerary.
7. Make sure the places you liked to see are safe places that will not endanger your life...even how enchanting the island can be.
8. Always bring a Camera.
9. Share photos and experiences to family and friends.
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