Transport – The Real Thriller in Manila

Because I tend to get bored quite easily, I like to mix things up, keep them fresh. I was recently discussing this with Elsbeth, my handler at KLM, who usually contacts me at precisely 08:00 on Monday morning to enquire whether I have enough ignorance left for Friday’s blog. And I never disappoint her, of course, because my ignorance is boundless.

But you knew that already. What you don’t know is that we came up with a new angle for the blog. Once a month, I’ll be selecting five or six or eleven photos of a specific destination that raise questions or tickle my funny bone or just look plain lovely to me.

I’m not sure why I chose Manila to get the ball rolling. Maybe because it’s the city that has always seemed furthest away. While I was looking through screen-loads of photos on Flickr, I noticed many amusing and colourful pictures of transport in the Philippines, and so I soon had my theme.

First up, there are the jeepneys. These are privately owned buses that look like Christmas trees on wheels. Here’s what I mean:

Jeepneys

Photo by Jelte Sikkema

But you can’t always see the Christmas tree, because there are people climbing all over it, hanging onto the decorations, getting into the festive spirit.

Fully loaded Jeepney

Photo by Danny Otanes

But Manila offers many other alternatives. Some are more tranquil, like this horse-drawn kalesa with its laid-back driver. Although I would advise against using this option to get to your date on time.

Kalesa

Photo by Simon McGill

For speedier transportation, you might consider one of Manila’s many modified motorbikes, which each have their own charm and drawbacks. The occupant of this motorbike started out as a piglet and has been waiting patiently for the driver to get back.

Pig

Photo by Rudi Roels

Other alternatives cater for entire families. But please be sure to put on your family uniform before you set off on a trip, otherwise you won’t be allowed to sing songs from The Sound of Music.

Girls on motorbike

Photo by Rudi Roels

If you’re planning to rent your own wheels in the Philippines, please bear in mind that you’ll only need one motorbike for a family of four. Even if you’re travelling with pets.

Four-up on bike

Photo by Paul David Lewin

And if you eventually get tired of travelling on two, three or four wheels, head for the coast to escape Manila’s motor-powered madness. Rent a surfboard, go snorkelling or diving, and try not to forget the departure date on your return ticket.

Surfboard

Photo by Tommy Schultz

PS: I realise the above selection sketches a rather one-sided picture of the Philippines, so I hope readers will help set the record straight by sharing their own anecdotes and links to photos.

Thanks to photographers Jelte Sikkema, Danny Otanes, Simon McGill, Rudi Roels, Paul David Lewin and Tommy Schultz for allowing me to use their wonderful photos. (Click on their names to see more of their work.)

Posted by:   Richard de Nooy  | 
Join the conversation Show comments

Brifill

you will see the overloaded jeepneys, motorcycles, and tricycles  more in the provinces especially in the rural areas where transport services are significantly lower than in the cities.

you should try riding on top of the jeepney, its fun but dangerous. just be quick dogding those tree branches.

Joanne Yarre

Its nice to ride on top of the jeepney specially during early mornings going on top of the mountains.  You can have enough fresh air and morning sun.  Scenery are the best..  Try going to Sagada and the Mountain Provinces..

Brifill

you will see the overloaded jeepneys, motorcycles, and tricycles  more in the provinces especially in the rural areas where transport services are significantly lower than in the cities.

you should try riding on top of the jeepney, its fun but dangerous. just be quick dogding those tree branches.

Joanne Yarre

Its nice to ride on top of the jeepney specially during early mornings going on top of the mountains.  You can have enough fresh air and morning sun.  Scenery are the best..  Try going to Sagada and the Mountain Provinces..

Baby_benting

I like this wonderful bild…. 

Baby_benting

I like this wonderful bild…. 

Eli van Ingen

 What are “family uniforms” ?

and .. tourists should be very careful and perhaps even avoid using jeepneys in certain areas of Manila, however colourful they may be.

Eli van Ingen

 What are “family uniforms” ?

and .. tourists should be very careful and perhaps even avoid using jeepneys in certain areas of Manila, however colourful they may be.

T. O

about Rudi Roels PHOTO  I think this is not  family uniform,this uniform is school uniform.
In phillippines ,many student go to school by jeepney or tricycle .

T. O

about Rudi Roels PHOTO  I think this is not  family uniform,this uniform is school uniform.
In phillippines ,many student go to school by jeepney or tricycle .

Richard

Thanks for your comment and questions. The school uniforms worn by the girls in Rudi’s photo brought to mind those worn by the Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music. Admittedly, the joke becomes a little vague if you haven’t seen the movie.

http://sassygalglamour.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/sound-of-music.jpg

Richard

Thanks for your comment and questions. The school uniforms worn by the girls in Rudi’s photo brought to mind those worn by the Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music. Admittedly, the joke becomes a little vague if you haven’t seen the movie.

http://sassygalglamour.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/sound-of-music.jpg

Chaw_5600

Hi,just wanna know how many times does KLM air hostesses got the route from Amsterdam to Manila?thanks:)

Chaw_5600

Hi,just wanna know how many times does KLM air hostesses got the route from Amsterdam to Manila?thanks:)

saberkite

The jeepney actually has its roots in the US Army Jeeps left here after WWII. They were altered to fit more passengers, and eventually became a means for public transportation.

The tricycle is also another “evolved” form of public transportation similar to the tuk-tuks in Thailand. Designs vary, but it’s essentially created by attaching a cab to a motorbike. It’s also a popular choice for family transportation for the masses, as opposed to a car. The picture with girls in uniform is probably their version of the school bus.

Kat

The jeepney actually has its roots in the US Army Jeeps left here after WWII. They were altered to fit more passengers, and eventually became a means for public transportation.

The tricycle is also another “evolved” form of public transportation similar to the tuk-tuks in Thailand. Designs vary, but it’s essentially created by attaching a cab to a motorbike. It’s also a popular choice for family transportation for the masses, as opposed to a car. The picture with girls in uniform is probably their version of the school bus.

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