Commuting in the Philippines hasn't been pleasurable since I don't know when. For one, we lack wide roads so even major highways are clogged-up by jeepneys & buses which cause endless traffic especially when school year is on-going. Yes, the traffic these days don't care if it's rush hour or not. Most of the time, it's heavy traffic the whole freakin' day. Metro Manila was able to put up three light rail transit lines traversing north to south, then east to west. But their condition isn't that pleasing either. Most of the time, if not everytime, commuters of these light rail transits have to endure long lines, delayed trains, and too much crowded coaches.
Yesterday, I chanced upon a student lying on the platform when I took off at Pureza station. She must have passed out for maybe one of the following reasons: too much heat, she's not feeling well, or maybe she lack sleep and hasn't taken her breakfast before hitting the road going to school. For whatever reason, I felt sorry for her condition. Good thing the security personnel of LRT line 2 were alert so they immediately assisted the poor lady.
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| The student was immediately assisted by security personnel. |
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| Since the lifts in (almost) ALL of the train stations are not functioning, they have to carry the patient using the stairs. |
Some tips when commuting in Metro Manila:
1) Be ready to go to a "battle." Especially during rush hours, you will need to fight your way into getting a ride. Jeepneys are full, buses are standing room only, and train rides are way too crowded that you need to queue for a long time in some stations just to get up the platform.
2) Fill up yourself. When you feel you are hungry, make sure you eat right before going out. You will have no idea how long will it take you commuting before you can grab a snack wherever. If it's not too much for you, always carry a bottle of water. Fill up you wallet as well if you plan to book Uber or Grab. Prices are sky rocketing during rush hours, and as they say, when there is "high demand."
3) Bring a towel. Not only for air pollution to cover your nose but also for the amount of sweat that your body will release when commuting. It may be good if you can bring an extra shirt which you can change after you reach your destination so you'd remain "fresh."
4) Bring a fan. Those folding fans or those rechargeable mini fans--- they help a lot. Especially when you ride LRT 1, (MRT) 2, and 3.
5) Always be on guard. This is an old but is always a useful tip. Pickpockets are anywhere. Guard your things and pockets and stay alert all the time. They know where you keep those expensive gadgets.
6) Pray. Always ask for God's guidance whenever you leave home, that He may keep you safe throughout your journey, until you come back home safely to your family.
