Muffled Noise

So we had two guests over from Hong Kong — they were here for 3 days on a business trip. Naturally I had to give them a few tips for their stay, tell them what’s what, at least what they really needed to know to get around. One of those days, the three of us needed to attend a whole-day meeting in Makati. These are the things I had to explain to them about getting around in Metro Manila, most of them given during that trip. Of course, most if not all of my readers know this already, but I myself never really gave any thought to these things until I had to explain them. So I’m gonna try to contribute to society by sharing them, here goes.

1. If you’re going by cab, you have to choose carefully.
   • Reason: Some of them charge extra when traffic is heavy, and some just decline when they know it’s a tough drive to your destination.
   • Tips: It’s always best to tell them where you’re going first before getting on, to avoid having to get off if they decline, and to avoid surprise charges. Also, try to pick the company-owned cabs (they’re not white — some of them are MGE, R&E, EMP and Sturdy). They generally don’t decline and don’t charge extra. If they do, try to negotiate and make sure you know when it’s too much. Sometimes, Filipinos are willing to give up to Php20 (in extreme cases, Php30) extra to cab drivers if they know traffic is really that heavy. Never agree to a no-meter run, that is NEVER allowed, no matter how they try to convince you (they sometimes do that to trick foreigners).
   • Story: The day after the meeting, they were fooled into paying Php200 for a Php100 trip, because the driver told them that he wasn’t running on a meter. In fact, he charged P250 but finally accepted Php200.
2. Cabs usually don’t give change if it’s less than Php10, maybe even Php20.
   • Reason: It’s considered a tip, whether or not you intended to give any. It’s the custom and in general, nobody complains. I guess it’s pakikisama, the Pinoy concept of getting along with others (meaning, don’t go fighting with him over Php5).
   • Tips: Just try to be reasonable. Remember the denominations — Php5, 10, 20, 50. If you have the exact fare (by exact we mean anything with an extra of not more than Php10), then pay that. If not, prepare to let go of anything under P20. Try to read his body language for a second too — if he looks like he’s reaching for change, then wait for it. If not, let it go. Ask for anything over Php20, unless you agreed on paying extra for traffic beforehand. Better yet, you can also just give a tip of around 10%, less hassle.
   • Story: One of them took a cab somewhere the day before our meeting. After paying, he was waiting for his Php16 change. The driver wondered what he was waiting for, and asked in a mean voice “Change?”. He realized the driver didn’t want to give it back so he just declined and got off.
3. In most cases, cabs don’t have receipts.
   • Reason: The system hasn’t been officially rolled out until recently (last year), and implementation will take a while.
   • Tips: If you need your fare reimbursed, just write down the plate number, taxi name and fare. Driver name if you think it’s necessary, they won’t mind. Afterwards, have it signed by the driver.
   • Story: Our guests thought all cabs had receipts, because airport taxis right now have them.
4. Jeepneys and busses can stop anywhere, sometimes even in the middle of the road.
   • Reason: One reason is that in most cases, it’s really okay to stop anywhere (as long as you move to the side). Another reason is because vehicle stops in general aren’t observed that much, except when there are traffic police around. Another is that many drivers just don’t think about the trouble they could cause others when they do that. It’s worse for busses since they’re at least three times the size of jeeps. Also, we do have bus stops, but again unless there are cops, they usually aren’t followed.
   • Tip: Just say “Para” where you want to get down. If the jeep/bus isn’t on the right side already, it’s best to say “Sa tabi lang po” which literally means “Just at the side”, but connotes something like “Please move to the side so I can get down.” Otherwise they might stop right there. You can also just tell the conductor or driver where you need to get down when you’re near. That way they can plan a “legal” stop for you. If the vehicle is stuck in traffic, it’ll most likely open the doors for anyone who wants to get down, even if you’re not at a stop. You can get off, it’s completely fine, but be careful and watch where you step — get to the sidewalk as soon as you can.
   • Story: They didn’t get to ride either of these, but they were absolutely fascinated (or confused) by this idea. Continue reading