Reason#254 Ilonggo Jeepney

A bright and freshly cleaned jeepney outside of the Iloilo International Airport

Nice to know:


Dramatically different from the jeepneys of Metro Manila and other Philippine major cities. Its hood looks like that of a car, instead of the typical ones with flashy ornaments.


What they say:


I like the fact that there's never any confusion with the fare. It's 7 pesos everywhere within Iloilo City. It took me 2 days to realize it. That explains why people gave me strange looks whenever I ask "magkano"?

Reason#74 LRT

Stop taking photos and just get in!

Peeking from behind the driver's seat. Wait a second, where's the driver?! 

For only 100 pesos. Buy one now!

Nice to know:

Similar to the MRT, time consumed between stations is roughly 2 minutes, which already includes loading and unloading time.  So, once you get in a train, you can fairly accurately predict your travel time.

Stored value cards are LRT tickets loaded with 100 pesos worth of fare. No need to queue up for a ticket every time you want to take a ride. The most sulit part about it is the "last ride bonus", wherein the system will still accept your card even if it falls below the  minimum fare.

It also serves as an excellent "deconfuser". Whenever you're in Metro Manila and you get confused by the street signs (or their absence), just ask anyone how you can get to the nearest LRT station. That ought to reorient your sense of direction.

What they're saying:

I take the LRT to Gil Puyat because it's a heck of a lot faster than a jeepney ride.

I've learned how to balance myself in a moving train without holding on to the handles. - Professional LRT Rider

Reason#38 Motorela

Side view; Manong driver is wondering what's going on.

Manong driver is still wondering...

Nice to know:

The motorcycle-pulled caretella was invented by Raphael Floirendo. Another example of Pinoy innovativeness.

Why it's in the list:

At 5 pesos per trip, the motorela provides an inexpensive and efficient way to move within Cagayan de Oro.

Reason#24 One-horsepower Vehicle

High-end kalesa at Intramuros

Nice to know:

The horse-drawn kalesa remains iconic after all these centuries. After all, it is still the Philippine national vehicle (nope, not the jeepney). But is quickly becoming extinct, because of short-distance transportation alternatives like pedicabs and, um, walking.

Still common in Binondo and Intramuros. If you happen to know where else we can find a kalesa, please share your knowledge by using the comment box.

Why it's in the list:

Excellent vantage point when going on tours. Check out those 40-inch tires!

Reason#19 King of the City Roads

A bloody red jeepney, captured by Sally Abella

They come in different colors! - photo by Rory Alcantara

Nice to know:

The most inexpensive way to travel in the Metro. For just 7 pesos or roughly US$0.15, one can cover a distance of up to 4 kilometers. Add 1.50 pesos or US$0.03 for every kilometer beyond that.


It is the undisputed “King of the Road” because the drivers of these jeepneys make up their own rules. They can (and will) stop anywhere they please: intersections, pedestrians’ lanes, in front of your car, etc. Depending on your participation, this audacity can be either a blessing or a curse. It can be quite convenient because you can hop off  and land near your destination… a blessing. But if you’re driving and your car is right behind one… you curse.

Why it's in the list:

For the everyday frugal commuter, the jeepney is an ever-dependable mode of transportation.

If the jeepney is packed and you can’t wait for another one, you can  sabit or hang on to any of the rusty bars and handles. But if you decide to do so, you must literally hang on for dear life as it rumbles and weaves through traffic. You should really try this at least once in your lifetime.

Reason#31 Pedicab

photo by Sally Abella

Nice to know:

This three-wheeled personal transporter is also called “padyak, which roughly translates to “stomp”. You can probably guess why.

Why it's in the list:

Though they sometimes serve as moving obstacles for other vehicles, they’re heaven-sent to "short range" commuters. Especially during flash floods and scorching hot days!

Since they are still considered as pedestrians and are not rigidly restricted by traffic rules, they can take you wherever you want to go: through alleys, across foot bridges, and all those too-cramped-for-a-car areas (given the right price, of course).

Reason#75 MRT

Sakay na!

Why it's in the list:

Fifteen pesos for a time-saving, 30-minute ride from Taft Avenue to North Avenue is a heck of a bargain!