Philippines is divided into 3 major group of islands. The largest island in the north with Palawan in the east is called Luzon. The second largest island in the south together with the group of smaller islands southwest of it is called Mindanao. The rest of the islands in the middle is called Visayas.
Each major group of Islands has a large city. Manila(the country's capital) in Luzon, Cebu city in Visayas and Davao City in Mindanao.
In each city are thousands of amazing sites and amazing things to do. To access all of this, you don't need to ride a plain anymore or giant buses. You can choose to ride a taxi if you want a little privacy and comfort. Better yet, Philippines offer you jeepneys...
[WHAT IS A JEEPNEY?]
According to wikipedia, jeepney's ancestors are the military jeeps that the American troops left in the country at the end of the second world war. Thousands of surplus jeeps were sold to local Filipinos by that time. To maximize it's usefulness, the Filipinos tried to improve it such that it can accommodate more passengers and they also added metal roof. Being naturally creative, they also added colorful designs in all sides of the vehicle. In front of the wind shield, you can also see metal poles which until now i don't know what it is for. And of course, the jeepney will not be completed without the small metal horse or horses in front near the metal poles and some trumpet horns. I didn't know the meaning of those horses until i read it from a book by Bob Ong. It is said there that the horses symbolizes kalesa which was being off beaten by the jeepney when it started to become the hari ng kalsada(king of the road).[RIDING A JEEPNEY]
You can't just ride at any jeepney you see. First, you should consider where you are going. To check if a jeepney is going on your way, look at the signs attached on its windshield or read its route that's written on its side. If you're still not sure, ask the driver or the conductor if they will pass on the place you want to go to.Expect that there are jeepney drivers who will not proceed in their destinations unless the jeepney is full. Don't believe easily when they say aalis na! aalis na!(ready to go! ready to go!). Most of this pesky drivers and conductors say that just to attract more passengers. (Tip: Choose old drivers or drivers without conductors)
When you are already inside, expect that most of the people will look at you(specially if you are a foreigner) since the seats are facing each other. Also prepare to rub your thighs and shoulders with other passengers you meet for the first time. It's normal specially with the jeepney is more than full. Yes that's right. More than full because some drivers accept passengers more than the seating capacity.
Other jeepneys, specially those that are bound to go to rural areas or beaches, let passengers ride on the roof top. Not only that, there are also passengers we call sabit(hang). These are the ones who hang at the back of the jeep and cover the entrance.
[PAYING]
When paying, just indicate the place where you get in the jeepney and the place where you will get off. It's normal to pass the money to other passengers so that it would reach the driver or the conductor. You don't have to worry about your money. It will reach the right place without decreasing. Same thing about your change when it goes back. Filipinos are honest people. No matter how many hands will touch your money, none of those hands will try to steal it or some of it.
Be sure to pay few distances before you get off or it will cause delay. It is also better to pain coins that to pay large bills. If your destination is near, you can pay by the time you set your butt on the seat. If it's far, it's a wise decision not to pay yet until you think that you're already near. This is to keep your money safe in case of unexpected things. Most of the time, there are no refunds.
[USEFUL PHRASES]
Below are some useful phrases when riding a jeepney. I copied them from wikipedia.org. Please take note that Philippines has 111 different dialects so this phrases might not be common to other places. They still understand it though.
- Bayad (po)
- Here's the fare (Sir).
- Paki-abot lang/Pakisuyo (yung bayad).
- Please pass (the fare).
- Para (po/lang)
- (Please) stop.
- Saan (po/ho)?
- (Mam/Sir, ) to where?
- Saan bababa (po/ho)?
- (Mam/Sir,) Where are you getting off?
- Papunta saan (po/ho) to?
- (Sir,) To where is this bound for?/What is the destination?
- Sa _____ (po/ho)
- To _____ (Sir/Mam).
- May bababa?
- Is there anyone getting off?
- Mayroon / Meron
- (Yes) There is. (In response to the above inquiry.)
- Wala
- (No) There is no one. (In response to the above inquiry. 'Wala' literally means 'nothing'. or you may not respond at all.)
- Sandali lang (po/ho)
- One moment (please).
IMPORTANT: If the driver asks if there's anyone getting of, you may answer YES if you do but do not answer NO if you don't. You may not respond instead 'coz there might be someone other than you wants to get off.
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