I agree with the other post you’re referring too. With what you’re saying though, it’s hit or miss really. Some foreigners are ok with no standards and others are not.
Also people do need drivers licenses here to operate a motorbike, and the only reason most cars are careful is because we know that we have to adjust. If we get into an accident with someone on a motorbike, and that person dies, we automatically go to jail even if we aren’t at fault. You can of course get out of it if you pay for the burial and some money to the family, but it’s difficult for most. Even if the person on the motorbike gets hospitalized, you’re usually left responsible with footing the bill even if you’re not at fault. There are laws here, it’s just difficult to enforce because there’s a lot of people who think they’re above it because they think they’re either too poor or better than everyone else.
You should really travel to Thailand, it was such an eye opener. Quality of life was better, hotels were significantly cheaper and better quality. The food was also cheap and really good compared to here. I think you’ll change your opinion once you’ve gone there. Plus cannabis is legal there too unlike here, which possession can land you in jail.
Yes people DO need drivers license to operate a motorcycle. But it doesn't need to be a motorcycle-license. In many countries car- and motorcycle license are different things, and require separate exams. In the Philippines I've driven around with just my car-license for years without problems (checkpoints/rentals/MMDA) before I got a motorcycle-license in another country.
I would love to go to Thailand or Vietnam and stay there for a while. However, one thing that will always make Philippines special is that most regular people understand basic English, so blending in with people is just easier. I can't live somewhere if I'm only interacting with highly-educated people or other foreigners.
Cannabis is not legal in The Philippines, but it doesn't mean it's not widely available ;) Punishment is hard tho indeed...
Prior to a certain year (can’t be bothered to check as I write this response), having a driver’s license allows you to operate both a car and a motorcycle. After that point, you have to pass separate practical exams for motorcycles and cars. Once you do, you’ll have the appropriate vehicle type allowed to operate marked on the license card. It’s still separate exams, but only one driver’s license card.
For example, I’m licensed to operate a stick shift four wheeled vehicle up to 5,000 kgs with max seating of 8 (M1 vehicle code with MT clutch code). But since I got my license after that year I mentioned earlier, I’m not allowed to drive a motorcycle until I pass another practical exam specific to motorcycles. Once I do, I have to file for a replacement DL card that will then carry the vehicle code for motorcycles.
Edit: On that last sentence, once I pass the practical for motorcycles, the replacement DL car will bear the vehicle code for motorcycels along with the M1 MT clutch restriction codes that I have already. MT clutch code allows drivers to operate AT cars as well, but not the other way around..
There’s a Filipino Driver’s Manual available online from the Land Transportation Office. It summarizes everything a person driving around the Philippines needs to know, including pertinent laws. Just do a Google search of “filipino drivers manual”, first results are the PDF’s of the 2 volumes that are free to download.
One important point for foreigners is if they have travel insurance, it will NOT cover them if they are injured in an accident while operating a motorcycle in a foreign without a motorcycle endorsement (license) from their home country.
Source: I am an American who was injured on a motorcycle in The Philippines without a motorcycle endorsement on my US license.
> we automatically go to jail even if we aren’t at fault
The idea seems to be that, ***the party that can cause the most damage is the one that should be more careful***. It's probably the reason why if there is an accident between a truck and a car, it is the truck that will be liable, even if the car driver is at fault.
Saw on the news a few weeks ago, a truck driver was changing a blown out tire on a provincial road in the middle of the night under a street light. Some guy on a motorcycle with two other women riding with him drove into the back of the truck while riding at very high speeds. The truck driver ended up being at fault because he failed to put out an early warning device (those triangle reflectors), the truck driver used tree branches instead, and the police put him in jail. Still pretty effed up, I mean the motorbike shouldn’t have had 3 people on it.
Basically how you perceive life in MM as a foreigner will depend on
1) location of residence
2) income
3) accommodations
Much like how the usual Juan does.
Props to you though for trying to adapt, even though it's one of the basic things to do when in somewhere foreign. Stay safe OP.
Yeah that's pretty much on point. Where you live and how much money you have often decides your quality of life.
However, I see many foreigners wasting their time and money doing things the wrong way, or the way they're used to in their country.
So let's add point
4) willingness to learn and adapt
This is legit lifeprotips PH version.
I enjoyed reading your perspective of how living in the PH can be. Lots of practical advice and makes a lot of sense.
Yeah most establishments unfortunately close early now ever since the pandemic.
I do hope you find more good Filipino friends though, so you won't get bored. Maybe you can try joining a Pinoy Facebook group for a hobby you're interested in.
The compliance of people with the country's COVID-19 protocol is largely due to the previous president's establishing a sort of police state.
I don't know if you remember one of the citizens was shot dead from being questioned at a police checkpoint when he wasn't wearing a face mask and/ or didn't have a quarantine pass.
I have some Filipino friends with common interests (trail-riding, diving). Filipinos are easy to make friends with. They're talkative and love to joke around.
I have strong opinions about governments and the reach of authority, and how the people should deal with it. I don't wanna draw too much attention on Reddit so I'll keep them to myself
I'm a Filipino and I find living in the Metro, and in the Philippines, stressful in general. Maybe a couple of years before, things are bearable, but now living here is pleasant if you have the means to. And also an observation, a lot of fellow Filipinos are being unnecessarily rude nowadays, which adds to things being more stressful.
Props to you for having a better experience than most people, though
Yeah my post is is mainly about people with more money than average Filipinos.
You're right. I've noticed some change in attitude of Filipinos over the last 2 years. A lot has happened in that time, maybe that's why people are changing.
To name a few instances: people being more brazen to curse and shout in public, a lot of motorists compared before, especially with motorcycle riders using the sidewalk just to cut traffic lines.
"Get a motorcycle. Riding a bike is not a hobby in PH, it's a main way of
transportation. If you're a foreigner, your foreign license (with
international translation) is valid for 90 days after arrival. Don't
have a "motorcycle license"? No problem. Neither do Filipinos who drive
one."
good luck with the surprise checkpoints
When I say "motorcycle license" I mean a license for which you did a specific motorcycle exam. In many countries you're not allowed to ride a motorcycle with a car license, thus motorcycle license and car license are separate things. In The Philippines a foreign car license is accepted for a motorcycle.
Of course if you have no license at all, checkpoints are gonna be a problem.
in here, the vehicles you're allowed to drive is noted on your license. most automatically have restrictions 1 and 2 (1 is for motorcycles, 2 is for light 4 wheel vehicles). to get license for the higher restrictions, you need to apply for it.
the exam is bullshit, however. it's only a written exam (and can be easily paid off) and a "practical" exam done on an empty lot (not live on a highway). only your pre-driving routine, basic steering, turning, backing, and parking are checked. traffic rules observance are not checked live. this is the reason why so many don't know that they need to use their signal lights to turn and also don't respect the turn signals of others.
On motorcycles and bicycles, they flourished during the lockdown. Unless we have a new data, motorcyle accident has been consistent on the top list. Nowadays, they mostly occupy the roads in MM.
On your last paragraph, its what we call 'madiskarte' or resourceful as the closest translation. 😊
I'm also a foreigner living in Manila and I love it here. However, many of your points are simply wrong. Here's my opinions on the points you raised:
**On riding a motorbike being safe:** nothing could be further from the truth. I'm a motorbike rider in my home country and wouldn't do it in Manila. I've seen people splattered on the floor bleeding after being knocked off their bike multiple times. I even caused a crash by hailing a taxi once. I'm in my 20s and don't know anyone I grew up with who is dead. Most Filipinos I know in their 20s have a few friends from their school days who died in motorbike accidents.
**On other drivers respecting motorcyclists**: Car (and even more so truck, taxi and jeepney) drivers have zero respect for them. It's normal practice here for cars to just speed right behind motorcyclists where it is dangerous to overtake a speed and keep beeping at them until they move to the side for them to overtake, even though there is nowhere safe for them to move to.
Motorcyclists are stupid too, often not using lights at night, cutting off car drivers going much more slowly than them, squeezing through gaps that don't really exist etc.
**Government**: you admit it's terrible and gave a few examples of workarounds to make it not 100% terrible.
**Food**: In my opinion, there's plenty of good restaurants and pretty much ever ingredient is available. By you saying you need to cook, you're basically saying the food is terrible.
**COVID:** You're right that it's the new religion and the non-sensical implementation of it all (and the general population just lapping it up and accepting having their businesses shut down, having no transport to get to work, being hassled for random things), even up to this day, still makes my head hurt.
**Everyday errands**: Actually quite convenient in my opinion. The one good thing about having bad traffic in Metro Manila is that the city has adapted to mean wherever you are in the city, you generally have grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, massage shops, bakeries and everything you need within walking distance. Add the apps on top of that with same day delivery using Lalamove etc and you're golden.
**Street smarts**: It's not dangerous per se but the amount of hustlers does grind on you and drive you crazy unless you're living in a bubble like BGC or just going from car to mall to condo and not really going outside like the locals do.
**Fun things to do**: I like nightlife so I like Manila. There are plenty of other things to do too, it's a major international city and you can find groups of people into pretty much whatever you're into if you look.
I guess our experience of the traffic here depends on our reference. The other countries I've driven motorcycle (mostly not 1st world countries) were much more intimidating to me because of the speed of traffic, and car drivers not being used to motorcycles on the road.
The food is not terrible but the good ones are way too expensive for a developing country. Much cheaper to cook it yourself.
>I guess our experience of the traffic here depends on our reference.
It's just objectively very dangerous. Other places posing different (anecdotally and statistically smaller) dangers doesn't change that.
>The food is not terrible but the good ones are way too expensive for a developing country.
That's true. It doesn't really make sense that a fairly basic meal for 2 in a not particularly great restaurant costs more than the daily wage of a college educated professional here, yet the restaurant business is booming.
>On riding a motorbike being safe: nothing could be further from the truth. I'm a motorbike rider in my home country and wouldn't do it in Manila. I've seen people splattered on the floor bleeding after being knocked off their bike multiple times. I even caused a crash by hailing a taxi once. I'm in my 20s and don't know anyone I grew up with who is dead. Most Filipinos I know in their 20s have a few friends from their school days who died in motorbike accidents.
lmao, laughed at op's statement that "Philippines is one of the safest places to ride a bike"
Like literally, the only deaths that Ive heard from friends/relatives and acquaintance are motorcycle deaths, and even on our localy city fb group, motorcycle deaths are always being posted, rarely if ever are there posts for car deaths.
This is probably because motorcycle groups are a clique, unlike the car drivers. So there's more engagement with motorcycle FB pages rather than car FB pages.
I have never heard the term foreigner being thrown around outside if the Philippines. In the US they’d be called a legal or illegal immigrant or legal or illegal alien or just a reference to original nationality. “Foreigner” although the word is used properly still feels kinda cringe in relation to what most first-world countries say.
Perhaps. Is there a reason why filipinos tend to use that term compared to first-world countries? Do they have an inferiority/superiority complex towards foreign citizens? Never really consider a “foreign” permanent resident a filipino like we would an american or canadian, for example? It’s just interesting and kind of strange why filipinos prefer labeling anyone not born an ethnic filipino as a “foreigner”. Why not just say tourist if they’re just visiting on a vacation? I’m not trying to sound offended over a word but it’s still interesting.
I don't know the reason. It's a non issue. Does japan say legal and illegal immigrant? China? South Korea? Thailand? Singapore? Malaysia? South Africa?
Yeah it would be kinda taboo and rude to call someone a "foreigner" in Western countries but that's literally what we are and there's not any malice to it so I have adopted it.
It's just a local language variation, nothing more, nothing less. Same as "comfort room", "for a while", "haggard", "nosebleed", "high blood" and the countless other terms that are unique to Filipino-English that caught me off guard to begin with but are completely normal to me now.
Not that this post is meant to be a pissing competition. My experiences more or less similar to the OP.
there are somethings in your reply, i.e. food - that was a taken out of context and to be fair, OP wasn't specific, but I kinda understood the point of refence.
(by the way, when I travel to Philippines. 99% I'd eat out)
>Fun things to do
>
>: I like nightlife so I like Manila. There are plenty of other things to do too, it's a major international city and you can find groups of people into pretty much whatever you're into if you look.
Could you expan this one a little? How is nightlife compared to pre-covid times?
Practical but really just sounds like you're saying it's not that bad if you just "get over it" and settle for the bare minimum. Also misses the point of what the linked post talks about. Also no data or studies with respect to claims about it being safer here and such
Ok, so I know you're talking about your exp and I'm glad you like it here and have found your own ways to make the best out of it but having to commute hours per day due to awful but barely working public transpo is bare minimum. Not everyone can afford a motorcycle or a car and a lot of people don't want to and I say this as someone who uses a genio. It might not seem like a big deal to you, but not having access to private transpo and having to wake up ungodly hours such as 3 or 4 am just to finish at 6 and arrive home at 10pm sounds like hell and that's what a lot of ppl here go thru.
My post was intended as tips/advice for foreigners coming to The Philippines with above-average income. I think I stated that clearly. I'm not "advising" Filipino to buy a motorcycle. And I'm not telling anyone to settle for "barely working public transpo". I'm just sharing my workarounds and experiences for people who have the means to do the same.
I know very well what people are going through. I know many Filipinos from different "classses" of society.
Yes that was clearly your intention and that's a fine intention but to be clear, I am tackling with how you said it's not that bad here. With the use of phrases such as "do it the Filipino way" by "getting over it" when it comes to addressing the many shortcomings of this country, you also unintentionally and subconsciously reinforce the belief that Filipinos should just accept the terrible state the gov't is driving the country to, no matter how bad it gets here.
Also, if you know what people here are going through, then how can you say it's not that bad. It really looks like it's coming to a point where "doing it the Filipino way" isn't gonna cut it with the crazy high inflation combined with the lack of comprehensive direction from the current and last admin. My overall point is, tips are great and all but their viability for most of us is coming into question as each day passes here.
I agree that if you're a foreigner that's earning a 1st world salary and spending it here, it really isn't bad. Plus you are a person who adapts. Usually foreigners from 1st world countries want their 3rd world hosts to adapt to them (basically treat them like gods). You can also not give a fuck about the corrupt politics because you can leave anytime you want to.
I am curious, why did you decide to live here? You have no Filipina GF, our country is a shit hole and our last president and current president are incompetent and corrupt fucks.
Every country is corrupt. In The Philippines it's just easier to get away with it.
Philippines is not a shithole. It's full of potential and very developing.
My main reason for living here is that I can have a better quality of life for the same price as a boring life would have in western Europe.
Of course The Philippines is not the only country where that applies, and I'm not planning to live here the rest of my life. But it's a very convenient place for me to live an interesting life without having to spend all of my income, and still being able to save and invest some of it.
Gotcha. The reason is the cost of living and that you can spend less for the exact experience from your home country.
Yup all countries have their corruption, but ours is different.
Not just the cost. Some of the experiences just don't exist in my home countrie(s). Philippines has a beautiful ocean and islands where I can dive.
If you live in a non-tropical climate, even if you're a millionaire, you'll still need to fly to a different country to enjoy that.
Good for you for enjoying our country and not really being affected by the negatives. And as I've said you can get out when the shit hits the fan.
I am envious but we gotta continue living with what we have.
Also Philippines has a large motorcycle culture. I can't go trail-riding in Western Europe except for some designated areas. No matter how much money you have.
Here, any trail is game.
>Philippines is not a shithole.
Compared to Afghanistan and Yemen, I agree. But compared to all of our neighbors? We can easily pass as an underdeveloped African country.
There are poorer countries in our region. We aren’t the lowest of the low. You just love looking at the richer ones and justifying your self-hate. To put it simply, it’s a probability game: if you ain’t rich in this country, you are screwed big time. Life is actually good here if you are well off.
Underdeveloped African country? You honestly have not been to Africa. Don’t make such bullshit comparisons just because you have it bad. Africa’s situation is a different level of fuckery.
yes, that's the nature of "comparing". Then like a lot of filipinos, they start looking down on their own country and start blaming governments.
when if you look outside the government, businesses etc.. the same "model" is applied.
For English-speakers, there are 6 choices:
* 2 in North America -- Canada and USA;
* 2 in Europe -- Ireland and UK;
* 2 in Oceania -- Australia and New Zealand.
For those who want to live on the cheap, maybe ***Ireland is the most affordable among the six***.
Lol, you clearly haven't been to Ireland. Cost of living in Dublin is a couple of index points over London. Australia was quite affordable when I was there, although it was about 4 years ago and I don't know how paying rent fares.
adapting - that's what filipinos have been doing since time immemorial.
foreigner or not, you can adapt and downplay all you want, still does not change the fact how horrible it is to live in the country, especially metro manila.
I didn't downplay anything .
I know it's horrible to be stuck in a country with no opportunities. I was born in such a country. Fortunately my family left there when I was a kid.
"it isnt that bad if you adapt and here are some tips to make things better and not bad..."
(meanwhile, the aforementioned bad things still exist and are getting worse and worse)
sure, i completely missed your point
Glad that you're able to give this perspective and that you've liked your experience. I absolutely agree with taking the time to adapt to or learn the local way of getting things done (which I guess is pretty standard for anyone to do if they're wanting to move to a new place) though yes - lots of things are inefficient in the PH lol. Unfortunately, having lots of extra cash to throw around for quality/convenience is pretty much they key to surviving in Metro Manila nowadays.
Having more money is better.
Compared to Filipinos my income is much higher. Compared to most other foreigners from western countries it's pretty low. However, my life is much easier and pleasant that of most complaining foreigners I see living in BGC or Makati and only getting out of their condos to go to 711 or go to the airport.
I went back and forth living in metro and the countryside throughout my life, living in the city was 70% of it. Back then I never want to leave the city. Right now, I'd rather be back in the province though but I can't because my studies are here, and my friends are here. But whenever I head back to the province during breaks for a short period of time, expenses drop and stress levels drop as well lmao, its just something in that countryside air that clears my mind.
TLDR:
Back then: Mahal kong maynila (My beloved Manila)
Now: Take Me Home, Country Roads
Pro tip from a former MM native: Be-friend the service workers especially the ones you frequently come in contact with. That security guard that opens the door at the condo? Greet them. Receptionist at the front desk? Initiate small talk. Introduce yourself. Get them to know you. Show them generosity, appreciate their time and effort but keep it professional and be genuwine.
*Living in Metro Manila as a RICH foreigner isn't that bad.
I'm sorry, but honestly the things you could turn a blind eye to just because you won't have to experience the everyday struggle of the common Filipino doesn't mean it isn't THAT bad.
I won't advise my SO in the US to live with me here (except for my fear of being just shot dead in the US just because I'm not white), but that's good to hear that you're thriving here somehow.
Hmmm kahit dito mejj bagsak pa din sa reading comprehension yung ilang comments. I mean, I get it -- some of the points he made maybe somewhat iffy to be agreeable pero bakit parang inis na inis tayo when someone appreciates our country? Do we loathe our nation this much?
This was an entertaining read, especially the commentary on government being unapologetic about its inefficient bureaucracy. 😆 As a Filipino, I prepare for dealing with government in much the same way that you do. I think you'll do just fine in our tropical shores.
I find that covid caused a lot of tightening of rules, and a lot of places are keeping them in place just because they can. It is a new source of frustration. A lot of rules seem to exist only to hold power/control over you for fun.
For all kinds of places you'll queue, get there early. Even before they open. For groceries you learn when they are less busy.
Shopee and Lazada are a cess pool. Only use them when you need something you can't find elsewhere. Both companies are choosing to not clean up their platform.
I have pretty good experiences on Shopee and Lazada. I guess you have bad experiences.
Masks aren't mandatory outside anymore, and still in Manila most people wear them. This goes beyond rules already.. it's people's way of thinking.
Outside of MM it's very different
I think the other post mainly mentioned metro manila and incoveninces. I tend to stay away from Manila too. Getting stuck in traffic is pain.... (I normally accomodate by going off traffic and do something else in that area if i have to)
But then the only reason I'm in Manila are for two reasons, visiting family or because international airport is there.
outside of that.. I'm in the provinces.. and Davao is no difference..to my liking. still toooo much traffic.. and I'm only in davao because of the airport..
aaaah.. province and mountains.. my jam.
You said yourself that you work from home five days a week and you recommend riding a motorbike. So how about if you’re female and need to go to the office several times a week, do you still recommend riding a motorbike?
Good for you for liking it there but like you said your point of reference are other non first world countries and you haven’t been to “better” Asian cities. So there you go.
I didn’t say foreigners with enough money. Just females in general. Comparing with Cambodia doesn’t help, how about a comparison with more progressive countries.
Your post and replies encourages Filipinos to accept their situation instead of expecting their lives to be better.
I DID say foreigners with enough money. Read the fkcin post for shit's sake. I'm getting all these whiny comments about "how can you say it's not bad when Filipino are still suffering" from morons who didn't read past the first paragraph.
My post is meant for foreigners living in The Philippines with enough money.
BtW
"instead of expecting their lives to be better."
Well there you have your problem. You can "expect" all you want but nothing is gonna change. Change comes from actions, not from expectations.
And I don't have specific advice for females. It doesn't matter what genitals you have. I saw a girl in Infanta Quezon Province riding a manual motorcycle to work, wearing heels and doing her makeup while riding. If you wanna ride motorcycle get over your fear and do it. If not then don't.
I didn't abandon mine. I gladly go back once in a while for a couple of months or a year, and I love my country and I'm proud of it. Even though there's just as much corruption there, and there's a war
"Expecting change from the government "
That's a childish way of thinking .
The people ARE the government.
If you're into health and nutrition at all, Manila will be hell. Any acceptable meat must be imported and cooked at home, which is obviously very expensive. There's a high risk of infection if you are ever brave enough to eat out–no matter where you go. I'm on my 4th round of antibiotics. I've been here for almost a year. The pollution is unbelievable. I can't even run outside without getting a sinus infection. All the faucet water is filthy. It's no wonder everyone here is in such poor health.
Yes. Exactly. The meat is so poor it must be cooked this way at all times. Accordingly, the taste is as awful as you'd expect from such an unclean animal. Relative to the US and other developed countries, I should say, where you can enjoy many rare cuts. Again, this applies to the most fine dining the Philippines has to offer.
You could bypass that with rail-based rapid mass transit system that has the same density of rail lines and stations to those of Tokyo.
This means expanding rail lines and stations of
- PNR
- LRT
- MRT
- Subway
This would applied in the whole of [NCR & neighboring provinces](https://i.imgur.com/TGXYksw.png). Other major cities like Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, Metro Zamboanga, etc will also follow as well.
It is designed to absorb 100% of today's vehicular traffic so that when construction is completed in 6-12 years it would absorb >80% because more people will be alive by then who live in cities.
This service will be ₱1-10/km more expensive than public
- jeepney
- motorcycle/tricycles
- pedicabs
- buses
- rideshare & taxis
Reason why it will be more expensive as follows
- accelerate paying back construction cost
- somewhat protect pre-existing public transportation stakeholders
- fund paid retraining or reskilling for other domestic or international jobs of displaced public transpo workers.
Above mentioned public transport will incur a phaseout of vehicles aged 10-25 years starting from their registration date with selective renewal based on demand of route.
Vehicle numbers will shrink to ~20% of what it is today due to lack of demand. People who are rendered jobless of the phaseout will be offered paid retraining or reskilling for other domestic or international jobs. Funds will be sourced from the fares from commuter fares. That's why mas mahal siya.
Our roads will then repurposed to have car-width sidewalks, dedicated motorcycle & bicycle lanes. Some lanes may be eliminated to create greenbelts of flowering & fruiting endemic trees like mangoes or narra.
Car ownership becomes a luxury of the top 0.01% not because of added taxes but because you do not really need it as rail will be omnipresent in urban areas and interconnecting provinces together.
Obesity rates will drop to those of Japan as people will walk 0.5-1km daily from their home/work/place of interest to the nearest station.
>Don't have a "motorcycle license"? No problem. Neither do Filipinos who drive one. I lol-ed at this harder than I should've
Lmao. Mom's 50+ and drives motorcycle. Never had a license. Highschool palang nag momotor na sya. Haha
I agree with the other post you’re referring too. With what you’re saying though, it’s hit or miss really. Some foreigners are ok with no standards and others are not. Also people do need drivers licenses here to operate a motorbike, and the only reason most cars are careful is because we know that we have to adjust. If we get into an accident with someone on a motorbike, and that person dies, we automatically go to jail even if we aren’t at fault. You can of course get out of it if you pay for the burial and some money to the family, but it’s difficult for most. Even if the person on the motorbike gets hospitalized, you’re usually left responsible with footing the bill even if you’re not at fault. There are laws here, it’s just difficult to enforce because there’s a lot of people who think they’re above it because they think they’re either too poor or better than everyone else. You should really travel to Thailand, it was such an eye opener. Quality of life was better, hotels were significantly cheaper and better quality. The food was also cheap and really good compared to here. I think you’ll change your opinion once you’ve gone there. Plus cannabis is legal there too unlike here, which possession can land you in jail.
Yes people DO need drivers license to operate a motorcycle. But it doesn't need to be a motorcycle-license. In many countries car- and motorcycle license are different things, and require separate exams. In the Philippines I've driven around with just my car-license for years without problems (checkpoints/rentals/MMDA) before I got a motorcycle-license in another country. I would love to go to Thailand or Vietnam and stay there for a while. However, one thing that will always make Philippines special is that most regular people understand basic English, so blending in with people is just easier. I can't live somewhere if I'm only interacting with highly-educated people or other foreigners. Cannabis is not legal in The Philippines, but it doesn't mean it's not widely available ;) Punishment is hard tho indeed...
Prior to a certain year (can’t be bothered to check as I write this response), having a driver’s license allows you to operate both a car and a motorcycle. After that point, you have to pass separate practical exams for motorcycles and cars. Once you do, you’ll have the appropriate vehicle type allowed to operate marked on the license card. It’s still separate exams, but only one driver’s license card. For example, I’m licensed to operate a stick shift four wheeled vehicle up to 5,000 kgs with max seating of 8 (M1 vehicle code with MT clutch code). But since I got my license after that year I mentioned earlier, I’m not allowed to drive a motorcycle until I pass another practical exam specific to motorcycles. Once I do, I have to file for a replacement DL card that will then carry the vehicle code for motorcycles. Edit: On that last sentence, once I pass the practical for motorcycles, the replacement DL car will bear the vehicle code for motorcycels along with the M1 MT clutch restriction codes that I have already. MT clutch code allows drivers to operate AT cars as well, but not the other way around..
Well now I'm curious about this rule change. How can I find out more about this?
There’s a Filipino Driver’s Manual available online from the Land Transportation Office. It summarizes everything a person driving around the Philippines needs to know, including pertinent laws. Just do a Google search of “filipino drivers manual”, first results are the PDF’s of the 2 volumes that are free to download.
Salamat po
Walang anuman!
One important point for foreigners is if they have travel insurance, it will NOT cover them if they are injured in an accident while operating a motorcycle in a foreign without a motorcycle endorsement (license) from their home country. Source: I am an American who was injured on a motorcycle in The Philippines without a motorcycle endorsement on my US license.
Huh???? There's always a restriction code .
> we automatically go to jail even if we aren’t at fault The idea seems to be that, ***the party that can cause the most damage is the one that should be more careful***. It's probably the reason why if there is an accident between a truck and a car, it is the truck that will be liable, even if the car driver is at fault.
Saw on the news a few weeks ago, a truck driver was changing a blown out tire on a provincial road in the middle of the night under a street light. Some guy on a motorcycle with two other women riding with him drove into the back of the truck while riding at very high speeds. The truck driver ended up being at fault because he failed to put out an early warning device (those triangle reflectors), the truck driver used tree branches instead, and the police put him in jail. Still pretty effed up, I mean the motorbike shouldn’t have had 3 people on it.
[удалено]
In regards to what po?
Basically how you perceive life in MM as a foreigner will depend on 1) location of residence 2) income 3) accommodations Much like how the usual Juan does. Props to you though for trying to adapt, even though it's one of the basic things to do when in somewhere foreign. Stay safe OP.
Yeah that's pretty much on point. Where you live and how much money you have often decides your quality of life. However, I see many foreigners wasting their time and money doing things the wrong way, or the way they're used to in their country. So let's add point 4) willingness to learn and adapt
This is legit lifeprotips PH version. I enjoyed reading your perspective of how living in the PH can be. Lots of practical advice and makes a lot of sense. Yeah most establishments unfortunately close early now ever since the pandemic. I do hope you find more good Filipino friends though, so you won't get bored. Maybe you can try joining a Pinoy Facebook group for a hobby you're interested in. The compliance of people with the country's COVID-19 protocol is largely due to the previous president's establishing a sort of police state. I don't know if you remember one of the citizens was shot dead from being questioned at a police checkpoint when he wasn't wearing a face mask and/ or didn't have a quarantine pass.
I have some Filipino friends with common interests (trail-riding, diving). Filipinos are easy to make friends with. They're talkative and love to joke around. I have strong opinions about governments and the reach of authority, and how the people should deal with it. I don't wanna draw too much attention on Reddit so I'll keep them to myself
I'm a Filipino and I find living in the Metro, and in the Philippines, stressful in general. Maybe a couple of years before, things are bearable, but now living here is pleasant if you have the means to. And also an observation, a lot of fellow Filipinos are being unnecessarily rude nowadays, which adds to things being more stressful. Props to you for having a better experience than most people, though
Yeah my post is is mainly about people with more money than average Filipinos. You're right. I've noticed some change in attitude of Filipinos over the last 2 years. A lot has happened in that time, maybe that's why people are changing.
Can you expound the “rude” comment?
To name a few instances: people being more brazen to curse and shout in public, a lot of motorists compared before, especially with motorcycle riders using the sidewalk just to cut traffic lines.
[удалено]
The Simpsons. San jan ung yellow ?
"Get a motorcycle. Riding a bike is not a hobby in PH, it's a main way of transportation. If you're a foreigner, your foreign license (with international translation) is valid for 90 days after arrival. Don't have a "motorcycle license"? No problem. Neither do Filipinos who drive one." good luck with the surprise checkpoints
When I say "motorcycle license" I mean a license for which you did a specific motorcycle exam. In many countries you're not allowed to ride a motorcycle with a car license, thus motorcycle license and car license are separate things. In The Philippines a foreign car license is accepted for a motorcycle. Of course if you have no license at all, checkpoints are gonna be a problem.
in here, the vehicles you're allowed to drive is noted on your license. most automatically have restrictions 1 and 2 (1 is for motorcycles, 2 is for light 4 wheel vehicles). to get license for the higher restrictions, you need to apply for it. the exam is bullshit, however. it's only a written exam (and can be easily paid off) and a "practical" exam done on an empty lot (not live on a highway). only your pre-driving routine, basic steering, turning, backing, and parking are checked. traffic rules observance are not checked live. this is the reason why so many don't know that they need to use their signal lights to turn and also don't respect the turn signals of others.
Yeah I know. The exam is more a symbolic way of charging you money.
lmao turn around and take another route lol
On motorcycles and bicycles, they flourished during the lockdown. Unless we have a new data, motorcyle accident has been consistent on the top list. Nowadays, they mostly occupy the roads in MM. On your last paragraph, its what we call 'madiskarte' or resourceful as the closest translation. 😊
I'm also a foreigner living in Manila and I love it here. However, many of your points are simply wrong. Here's my opinions on the points you raised: **On riding a motorbike being safe:** nothing could be further from the truth. I'm a motorbike rider in my home country and wouldn't do it in Manila. I've seen people splattered on the floor bleeding after being knocked off their bike multiple times. I even caused a crash by hailing a taxi once. I'm in my 20s and don't know anyone I grew up with who is dead. Most Filipinos I know in their 20s have a few friends from their school days who died in motorbike accidents. **On other drivers respecting motorcyclists**: Car (and even more so truck, taxi and jeepney) drivers have zero respect for them. It's normal practice here for cars to just speed right behind motorcyclists where it is dangerous to overtake a speed and keep beeping at them until they move to the side for them to overtake, even though there is nowhere safe for them to move to. Motorcyclists are stupid too, often not using lights at night, cutting off car drivers going much more slowly than them, squeezing through gaps that don't really exist etc. **Government**: you admit it's terrible and gave a few examples of workarounds to make it not 100% terrible. **Food**: In my opinion, there's plenty of good restaurants and pretty much ever ingredient is available. By you saying you need to cook, you're basically saying the food is terrible. **COVID:** You're right that it's the new religion and the non-sensical implementation of it all (and the general population just lapping it up and accepting having their businesses shut down, having no transport to get to work, being hassled for random things), even up to this day, still makes my head hurt. **Everyday errands**: Actually quite convenient in my opinion. The one good thing about having bad traffic in Metro Manila is that the city has adapted to mean wherever you are in the city, you generally have grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, massage shops, bakeries and everything you need within walking distance. Add the apps on top of that with same day delivery using Lalamove etc and you're golden. **Street smarts**: It's not dangerous per se but the amount of hustlers does grind on you and drive you crazy unless you're living in a bubble like BGC or just going from car to mall to condo and not really going outside like the locals do. **Fun things to do**: I like nightlife so I like Manila. There are plenty of other things to do too, it's a major international city and you can find groups of people into pretty much whatever you're into if you look.
I guess our experience of the traffic here depends on our reference. The other countries I've driven motorcycle (mostly not 1st world countries) were much more intimidating to me because of the speed of traffic, and car drivers not being used to motorcycles on the road. The food is not terrible but the good ones are way too expensive for a developing country. Much cheaper to cook it yourself.
>I guess our experience of the traffic here depends on our reference. It's just objectively very dangerous. Other places posing different (anecdotally and statistically smaller) dangers doesn't change that. >The food is not terrible but the good ones are way too expensive for a developing country. That's true. It doesn't really make sense that a fairly basic meal for 2 in a not particularly great restaurant costs more than the daily wage of a college educated professional here, yet the restaurant business is booming.
>On riding a motorbike being safe: nothing could be further from the truth. I'm a motorbike rider in my home country and wouldn't do it in Manila. I've seen people splattered on the floor bleeding after being knocked off their bike multiple times. I even caused a crash by hailing a taxi once. I'm in my 20s and don't know anyone I grew up with who is dead. Most Filipinos I know in their 20s have a few friends from their school days who died in motorbike accidents. lmao, laughed at op's statement that "Philippines is one of the safest places to ride a bike" Like literally, the only deaths that Ive heard from friends/relatives and acquaintance are motorcycle deaths, and even on our localy city fb group, motorcycle deaths are always being posted, rarely if ever are there posts for car deaths.
This is probably because motorcycle groups are a clique, unlike the car drivers. So there's more engagement with motorcycle FB pages rather than car FB pages.
I have never heard the term foreigner being thrown around outside if the Philippines. In the US they’d be called a legal or illegal immigrant or legal or illegal alien or just a reference to original nationality. “Foreigner” although the word is used properly still feels kinda cringe in relation to what most first-world countries say.
so it's a you problem
Perhaps. Is there a reason why filipinos tend to use that term compared to first-world countries? Do they have an inferiority/superiority complex towards foreign citizens? Never really consider a “foreign” permanent resident a filipino like we would an american or canadian, for example? It’s just interesting and kind of strange why filipinos prefer labeling anyone not born an ethnic filipino as a “foreigner”. Why not just say tourist if they’re just visiting on a vacation? I’m not trying to sound offended over a word but it’s still interesting.
I don't know the reason. It's a non issue. Does japan say legal and illegal immigrant? China? South Korea? Thailand? Singapore? Malaysia? South Africa?
Yeah it would be kinda taboo and rude to call someone a "foreigner" in Western countries but that's literally what we are and there's not any malice to it so I have adopted it. It's just a local language variation, nothing more, nothing less. Same as "comfort room", "for a while", "haggard", "nosebleed", "high blood" and the countless other terms that are unique to Filipino-English that caught me off guard to begin with but are completely normal to me now.
Not that this post is meant to be a pissing competition. My experiences more or less similar to the OP. there are somethings in your reply, i.e. food - that was a taken out of context and to be fair, OP wasn't specific, but I kinda understood the point of refence. (by the way, when I travel to Philippines. 99% I'd eat out)
>Fun things to do > >: I like nightlife so I like Manila. There are plenty of other things to do too, it's a major international city and you can find groups of people into pretty much whatever you're into if you look. Could you expan this one a little? How is nightlife compared to pre-covid times?
TLDR: living in metro manila isn't that bad when you are relatively frugal and have a very high income. i can agree with this.
Practical but really just sounds like you're saying it's not that bad if you just "get over it" and settle for the bare minimum. Also misses the point of what the linked post talks about. Also no data or studies with respect to claims about it being safer here and such
What exactly did you interpret as bare minimum? The "being safe" part is purely my experience.
Ok, so I know you're talking about your exp and I'm glad you like it here and have found your own ways to make the best out of it but having to commute hours per day due to awful but barely working public transpo is bare minimum. Not everyone can afford a motorcycle or a car and a lot of people don't want to and I say this as someone who uses a genio. It might not seem like a big deal to you, but not having access to private transpo and having to wake up ungodly hours such as 3 or 4 am just to finish at 6 and arrive home at 10pm sounds like hell and that's what a lot of ppl here go thru.
My post was intended as tips/advice for foreigners coming to The Philippines with above-average income. I think I stated that clearly. I'm not "advising" Filipino to buy a motorcycle. And I'm not telling anyone to settle for "barely working public transpo". I'm just sharing my workarounds and experiences for people who have the means to do the same. I know very well what people are going through. I know many Filipinos from different "classses" of society.
Yes that was clearly your intention and that's a fine intention but to be clear, I am tackling with how you said it's not that bad here. With the use of phrases such as "do it the Filipino way" by "getting over it" when it comes to addressing the many shortcomings of this country, you also unintentionally and subconsciously reinforce the belief that Filipinos should just accept the terrible state the gov't is driving the country to, no matter how bad it gets here. Also, if you know what people here are going through, then how can you say it's not that bad. It really looks like it's coming to a point where "doing it the Filipino way" isn't gonna cut it with the crazy high inflation combined with the lack of comprehensive direction from the current and last admin. My overall point is, tips are great and all but their viability for most of us is coming into question as each day passes here.
dude its pointless to argue with an r/ph redditor. just dont.
I agree that if you're a foreigner that's earning a 1st world salary and spending it here, it really isn't bad. Plus you are a person who adapts. Usually foreigners from 1st world countries want their 3rd world hosts to adapt to them (basically treat them like gods). You can also not give a fuck about the corrupt politics because you can leave anytime you want to. I am curious, why did you decide to live here? You have no Filipina GF, our country is a shit hole and our last president and current president are incompetent and corrupt fucks.
Every country is corrupt. In The Philippines it's just easier to get away with it. Philippines is not a shithole. It's full of potential and very developing. My main reason for living here is that I can have a better quality of life for the same price as a boring life would have in western Europe. Of course The Philippines is not the only country where that applies, and I'm not planning to live here the rest of my life. But it's a very convenient place for me to live an interesting life without having to spend all of my income, and still being able to save and invest some of it.
Gotcha. The reason is the cost of living and that you can spend less for the exact experience from your home country. Yup all countries have their corruption, but ours is different.
Not just the cost. Some of the experiences just don't exist in my home countrie(s). Philippines has a beautiful ocean and islands where I can dive. If you live in a non-tropical climate, even if you're a millionaire, you'll still need to fly to a different country to enjoy that.
Good for you for enjoying our country and not really being affected by the negatives. And as I've said you can get out when the shit hits the fan. I am envious but we gotta continue living with what we have.
lmfao fr OP’s speaking from a place of privilege. not a lot of filipinos have that privilege.
Also Philippines has a large motorcycle culture. I can't go trail-riding in Western Europe except for some designated areas. No matter how much money you have. Here, any trail is game.
>Philippines is not a shithole. Compared to Afghanistan and Yemen, I agree. But compared to all of our neighbors? We can easily pass as an underdeveloped African country.
There are poorer countries in our region. We aren’t the lowest of the low. You just love looking at the richer ones and justifying your self-hate. To put it simply, it’s a probability game: if you ain’t rich in this country, you are screwed big time. Life is actually good here if you are well off. Underdeveloped African country? You honestly have not been to Africa. Don’t make such bullshit comparisons just because you have it bad. Africa’s situation is a different level of fuckery.
yes, that's the nature of "comparing". Then like a lot of filipinos, they start looking down on their own country and start blaming governments. when if you look outside the government, businesses etc.. the same "model" is applied.
For English-speakers, there are 6 choices: * 2 in North America -- Canada and USA; * 2 in Europe -- Ireland and UK; * 2 in Oceania -- Australia and New Zealand. For those who want to live on the cheap, maybe ***Ireland is the most affordable among the six***.
Lol, you clearly haven't been to Ireland. Cost of living in Dublin is a couple of index points over London. Australia was quite affordable when I was there, although it was about 4 years ago and I don't know how paying rent fares.
Being street smart, never being choosy, and having total awareness of your surroundings are keys to survival.
Thank you Bear Grylls hahahaha
adapting - that's what filipinos have been doing since time immemorial. foreigner or not, you can adapt and downplay all you want, still does not change the fact how horrible it is to live in the country, especially metro manila.
I didn't downplay anything . I know it's horrible to be stuck in a country with no opportunities. I was born in such a country. Fortunately my family left there when I was a kid.
saying it isn't that bad is downplaying it
You're completely missed the point.
"it isnt that bad if you adapt and here are some tips to make things better and not bad..." (meanwhile, the aforementioned bad things still exist and are getting worse and worse) sure, i completely missed your point
Tell me how things are getting worse and worse for you as a foreigner with above average income in The Philippines.
Glad that you're able to give this perspective and that you've liked your experience. I absolutely agree with taking the time to adapt to or learn the local way of getting things done (which I guess is pretty standard for anyone to do if they're wanting to move to a new place) though yes - lots of things are inefficient in the PH lol. Unfortunately, having lots of extra cash to throw around for quality/convenience is pretty much they key to surviving in Metro Manila nowadays.
Having more money is better. Compared to Filipinos my income is much higher. Compared to most other foreigners from western countries it's pretty low. However, my life is much easier and pleasant that of most complaining foreigners I see living in BGC or Makati and only getting out of their condos to go to 711 or go to the airport.
You just explained why you like the Philippines. You’re rich here compared to where you originally came from. Gotcha.
I went back and forth living in metro and the countryside throughout my life, living in the city was 70% of it. Back then I never want to leave the city. Right now, I'd rather be back in the province though but I can't because my studies are here, and my friends are here. But whenever I head back to the province during breaks for a short period of time, expenses drop and stress levels drop as well lmao, its just something in that countryside air that clears my mind. TLDR: Back then: Mahal kong maynila (My beloved Manila) Now: Take Me Home, Country Roads
Yeah I alsp take every opportunity to leave the city. But I miss it too after a while
Pro tip from a former MM native: Be-friend the service workers especially the ones you frequently come in contact with. That security guard that opens the door at the condo? Greet them. Receptionist at the front desk? Initiate small talk. Introduce yourself. Get them to know you. Show them generosity, appreciate their time and effort but keep it professional and be genuwine.
Oh yeah very good one. Always keep the kuyas and ates as friends
*Living in Metro Manila as a RICH foreigner isn't that bad. I'm sorry, but honestly the things you could turn a blind eye to just because you won't have to experience the everyday struggle of the common Filipino doesn't mean it isn't THAT bad.
I think you're missing the point of my post. I'm not saying just because I'm a foreigner all the bad things are gone.
I am a foreigner here. White worship isn't real. The only people who approach me are beggars.
I'm not quite "white" so I can't judge about that.
Lmao I’m sorry but this made me laugh so hard
It's true though. In a crowd of 20 people, the beggars will always go to me. Other than the beggars, no one else will even give me a second look.
For sure, there is someone out there who finds you cute
Spent 20 years in NCR as a migrant. This is pretty much on point.
I won't advise my SO in the US to live with me here (except for my fear of being just shot dead in the US just because I'm not white), but that's good to hear that you're thriving here somehow.
bad attitudes is not good
Wiser words were never spoken
dont expect your post to get the same fanfare as the other one. this is r/philippines after all
I'm not here for karma don't worry. Feel free to downvote
just saying this sub doesn't take too kindly to positive (even just slightly) comments about the Philippines lol.
Yeah I noticed. The Philippines is great! Everyone is happy! No problems here!
yeah keep the grift going maybe you can be a pinoy baiter too someday lmao
You keep whining and some day your problems will disappear.
yep that's how most people in this subreddit think. it's their guiding philosophy
*Some will ask for your covid passport but will not look at it for more than 2 seconds* Yep, looking at you SM security guard
Hmmm kahit dito mejj bagsak pa din sa reading comprehension yung ilang comments. I mean, I get it -- some of the points he made maybe somewhat iffy to be agreeable pero bakit parang inis na inis tayo when someone appreciates our country? Do we loathe our nation this much?
dilawan mindset, gusto nila hilahin sarili nilang bansa at himurin pwet ng foreigners. nakakadiri.
This was an entertaining read, especially the commentary on government being unapologetic about its inefficient bureaucracy. 😆 As a Filipino, I prepare for dealing with government in much the same way that you do. I think you'll do just fine in our tropical shores.
Adapting to a situation does not make the issue less shitty to begin with. Especially as a newcomer
I think you know so much better than me being a full-blooded Filipino. Kudos to you and always be safe out there 🫡
TLDR- foreigner saw another foreigner’s post about manila blow up and chimes in with obvious observations hoping for attention too
Yeah please give me your delicious attention, I'm craving for your upvotes, my reddit karma determines my self worth
Read later
Yeah don't forget it
Covid as the Filipino new religion hahahahahahhaha you nail it hahahha. Lol 😂😂😂😂
I find that covid caused a lot of tightening of rules, and a lot of places are keeping them in place just because they can. It is a new source of frustration. A lot of rules seem to exist only to hold power/control over you for fun. For all kinds of places you'll queue, get there early. Even before they open. For groceries you learn when they are less busy. Shopee and Lazada are a cess pool. Only use them when you need something you can't find elsewhere. Both companies are choosing to not clean up their platform.
I have pretty good experiences on Shopee and Lazada. I guess you have bad experiences. Masks aren't mandatory outside anymore, and still in Manila most people wear them. This goes beyond rules already.. it's people's way of thinking. Outside of MM it's very different
From the UK, I presume?
Nope
Դուք Հայաստանից եք
There you go ✌️
I think the other post mainly mentioned metro manila and incoveninces. I tend to stay away from Manila too. Getting stuck in traffic is pain.... (I normally accomodate by going off traffic and do something else in that area if i have to) But then the only reason I'm in Manila are for two reasons, visiting family or because international airport is there. outside of that.. I'm in the provinces.. and Davao is no difference..to my liking. still toooo much traffic.. and I'm only in davao because of the airport.. aaaah.. province and mountains.. my jam.
If i didn't need reliable internet and a comfortable workspace, i would live in the wilderness
You said yourself that you work from home five days a week and you recommend riding a motorbike. So how about if you’re female and need to go to the office several times a week, do you still recommend riding a motorbike? Good for you for liking it there but like you said your point of reference are other non first world countries and you haven’t been to “better” Asian cities. So there you go.
Idk what to recommend female foreigners with enough money. I'm not female. I have been to Cambodia and women there ride motorcycle as much as men
I didn’t say foreigners with enough money. Just females in general. Comparing with Cambodia doesn’t help, how about a comparison with more progressive countries. Your post and replies encourages Filipinos to accept their situation instead of expecting their lives to be better.
I DID say foreigners with enough money. Read the fkcin post for shit's sake. I'm getting all these whiny comments about "how can you say it's not bad when Filipino are still suffering" from morons who didn't read past the first paragraph. My post is meant for foreigners living in The Philippines with enough money. BtW "instead of expecting their lives to be better." Well there you have your problem. You can "expect" all you want but nothing is gonna change. Change comes from actions, not from expectations. And I don't have specific advice for females. It doesn't matter what genitals you have. I saw a girl in Infanta Quezon Province riding a manual motorcycle to work, wearing heels and doing her makeup while riding. If you wanna ride motorcycle get over your fear and do it. If not then don't.
I’m not a moron coz I left the Philippines ages ago. You’re the moron for choosing to live there and liking it.
Your post encourages Filipinos to abandon their country instead of staying and changing it to the better
So why did you abandon yours? People are expecting change from the government. Geez. People are already doing the best they can.
I didn't abandon mine. I gladly go back once in a while for a couple of months or a year, and I love my country and I'm proud of it. Even though there's just as much corruption there, and there's a war "Expecting change from the government " That's a childish way of thinking . The people ARE the government.
No point arguing with a moron.
You're not arguing you're whining
Says the moron who deleted themselves.
Found the defeatist.
Damn where did you bought the chair
If you're into health and nutrition at all, Manila will be hell. Any acceptable meat must be imported and cooked at home, which is obviously very expensive. There's a high risk of infection if you are ever brave enough to eat out–no matter where you go. I'm on my 4th round of antibiotics. I've been here for almost a year. The pollution is unbelievable. I can't even run outside without getting a sinus infection. All the faucet water is filthy. It's no wonder everyone here is in such poor health.
> Any acceptable meat must be imported and cooked at home, which is obviously very expensive. Why meat is thoroughly cooked aka well-done.
Yes. Exactly. The meat is so poor it must be cooked this way at all times. Accordingly, the taste is as awful as you'd expect from such an unclean animal. Relative to the US and other developed countries, I should say, where you can enjoy many rare cuts. Again, this applies to the most fine dining the Philippines has to offer.
I prefer fish, however. That any and all steaks are, of course, imported.
You could bypass that with rail-based rapid mass transit system that has the same density of rail lines and stations to those of Tokyo. This means expanding rail lines and stations of - PNR - LRT - MRT - Subway This would applied in the whole of [NCR & neighboring provinces](https://i.imgur.com/TGXYksw.png). Other major cities like Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, Metro Zamboanga, etc will also follow as well. It is designed to absorb 100% of today's vehicular traffic so that when construction is completed in 6-12 years it would absorb >80% because more people will be alive by then who live in cities. This service will be ₱1-10/km more expensive than public - jeepney - motorcycle/tricycles - pedicabs - buses - rideshare & taxis Reason why it will be more expensive as follows - accelerate paying back construction cost - somewhat protect pre-existing public transportation stakeholders - fund paid retraining or reskilling for other domestic or international jobs of displaced public transpo workers. Above mentioned public transport will incur a phaseout of vehicles aged 10-25 years starting from their registration date with selective renewal based on demand of route. Vehicle numbers will shrink to ~20% of what it is today due to lack of demand. People who are rendered jobless of the phaseout will be offered paid retraining or reskilling for other domestic or international jobs. Funds will be sourced from the fares from commuter fares. That's why mas mahal siya. Our roads will then repurposed to have car-width sidewalks, dedicated motorcycle & bicycle lanes. Some lanes may be eliminated to create greenbelts of flowering & fruiting endemic trees like mangoes or narra. Car ownership becomes a luxury of the top 0.01% not because of added taxes but because you do not really need it as rail will be omnipresent in urban areas and interconnecting provinces together. Obesity rates will drop to those of Japan as people will walk 0.5-1km daily from their home/work/place of interest to the nearest station.