What Commuting in Philippines' Capital (Manila) is Like

When I talked to friends and the Life Where I'm From community about going to the capital city of the Philippines, Manila, many warned me about the traffic. One community member even offered to show me her commute, so of course, I jumped at the opportunity.

At first I thought, oh yeah, everyone complains about their area's drivers, and the congestion is bad, and you know, here it's the worst. But after reading some reports, traffic in the Philippines, and especially Manila, really is some of the worst in the world.

I've filmed a lot about the Philippines, so I might be making 2-3 more videos, and perhaps one that talks specifically about Manila's Traffic problem.

What's the commute like where you're from?

Other videos in the Philippines series:

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[LifeWhereImFrom]

I feel like it's obvious, but of course this video is only about a single person's commute. I'd be interested in hearing from other Filipinos, and other people around the world, about what their commute is like. Emiko, the lady in the video, leaves for work early as traffic is not as bad. I know some Japanese people who do the same thing, so that they can get a seat on the train. Like I say at the end of the video, I have 17 hours of footage and I actually cut out a lot of stuff I recorded about traffic in the Philippines. I kind of want to make a "Manila's Traffic Problem" video, although after reading some news articles and a couple reports doesn't make me at all qualified to say anything. I got to experience a lot in the Philippines thanks to many friendly locals who took me along and showed me their everyday lives. Thanks everyone! So you'll probably get a couple videos about my journey to the Philippines. Have a great day!

[ShAwTee]

I’m glad you mentioned that the price was half the daily minimum wage. It really shows why it’s a privilege to be able to ride in something we’d consider to be cheap.

[syuenartist]

Respect to Emiko..she is still very humble and nice and willing to teach with a smile although her life is on you Emiko for being a good, patient and a kind person.

[Milk_Bag]

You missed the anxiety as a kid where the jeep suddenly starts moving and your parents haven't gone on

[elkinshiner]

I will never complain about my daily commute in Toronto ever again.

[chaos_omega_zero]

If the roads were blood vessels, the city will die from stroke.

[allistrata]

What a sweet lady! I swear Filipinos are some of the nicest people. It's a shame her commute doesn't allow her to have much of a life outside of work.

[spkdagul]

Ahh Manila, where you need 2 hours to fly to the southern most part of the country, but a drive to the airport equates to 6 hours.

[ohdangmybad]

Damn, that is a tough commute. Props to everyone out there just trying to make a living.

[MpReDeH]

Someone mentioned how you'll never be alone when commuting here, which is something you'll really sympathize with when you live here.


I go home at night after college, riding a jeep to Antipolo after getting off the train. There has always been a long line just to get a jeep, not to mention a longer line to board a train so most of the time I sleep myself off after getting inside. This actually made me miss my stop a few times. But this one particular jeepney ride I had, I got woken up by a slight tap on my shoulders, I look over to find an old woman unknowingly sleeping on my shoulder. Then I saw pretty much every passenger inside was sleeping, most had their heads down while hanging on to the iron bars just so they won't fall off. Some were clutching their belongings placed on their laps while they rest. That sight gave off this strange yet comforting feeling. I was really tired, but I smiled, and thought that I wasn't alone when it comes to dealing with the hash daily basis of commuting in the country. A sense of camaraderie perhaps. I guess misery really does love company. :)

[jacquelinesmart]

Emiko goes through all that every working day with a beautiful smile on her face. This is why Filipinos can go and work anywhere in the world and flourish.

[loveaodai]

For someone who has to bear such a difficult life she is still so sweet!

[bobcee]

Have to mention that your camera is so stable while on the tricycle 😂

[deaderluv]

Lived in Manila for over 18 years then I came back to South Korea. And honestly I'm a bit scared because people here drive so fast and I'm used to jaywalking.

[awkwardpanda]

*Rules of thumb for public transport in Metro Manila:*

1. *Set out much earlier (30mins - 1hour) than your expected travel time for important engagements.*

2. *Keep your bags where you can see them.* Snatchers can sidle up to you in a cramped vehicle and steal your valuables. Some would even have knives to cut into the side of bags to make a hole they can exploit.

3. *The foot of a footbridge (or somewhere near) is unofficially a jeepney/UV/bus stop.* You can stand there and flag down public transpo vehicles by raising your hand.

4. *If you don't know how much the fare costs, quietly give a 50 or 100 peso bill* (fares are usually less than this so you can just wait for the change) or ask a fellow passenger instead of the driver. Sometimes drivers will tell you a higher price.

5. *If you don't know where to go and what to ride, ask a local street vendor.* A Barker (person whose job is to call out for passengers and/or collect fare) is also a good info source on routes in the area if you see one.

6. The "Zombies" rushing to a UV is actually a good methos to get a ride quick. If a vehicle is slowing down, it's either picking up or letting down a passenger which means room for you. So head over to it before it stops to get ahead of everyone.

7. *If you don't want to be hassled, just book a Grab.* Angkas (motorcycle booking service also a Filipino word) if you're really in a tight spot.

[xanh]

Having a friend like Emiko is a blessing. Very sweet and friendly girl.

[celcius_]

The 4K picture quality in your videos is always so crisp and clear!

[macdee]

LA: So much traffic...
MANILA: Hold my coconut juice...

[meh]

Hmm I’m starting to understand why Filipinos are late too. 3 hours sleep no thanks

[jedlaborada]

This is why growth is extremely slow in the Philippines, the economy is extremely inefficient, this is besides multiple factors such as corruption etc etc. Now know what Filipinos have to go through just to get their bare minimums in life hays.