Last week on Monday I dropped my New Old Honda at the shop for general maintained. I was informed by Kuya Greg that it would be a few hours. Being that I had no desire to “Please Wait” I decided to just go home and come back in the morning.
Being that it was now 0830 I took a Trike down the hill to the Victory Liner Station and walked over to the market to catch a Jeepney home. I was thinking it had been a long time since I rode public transportation, but the rules popped right back into my head.
For those who do not live in my area the first rule is to board the correct Jeepney. Since I’ll assume one knows where one is going, you just read on the side the starting and stopping point. Reverse it if you’re going in the other direction. Or if you live in Olongapo City, and thanks to Senator Dick Gordon, who when he was the Mayor of our fine city, he color coded all the Jeepney’s. I do mean color and not numbers, as in the color coding in Manila. So to go to my house up the hill, I take the Brown Jeepney.
The reason for the color coding goes back to the heady days of when Olongapo was a sailor town and Jeepney’s went where they wanted to, which translates as to the busiest routes. which made the Driver the most money. The downside of the driver’s side of the plan was that a lot of areas had little or no transportation service.
If sailors boarded a Jeepney the driver would ask them where they were going and if they said the Barrio he would discharge all other passengers’ and take the sailors there, at a higher fare of course. Hence the new and fairer system, in which the driver had to stick to the route as per the color of his vehicle
Alright; so I’m at the market and the Red, Yellow and Brown Jeepney’s are lined up, I board the brown one and slide up behind the driver because I’ll be riding it until it turns around at Tipo which is as far as it goes. (Market-Tipo)
Do not pay right away because you might not know the cost, wait and see what the other people going to your destination are paying. As they hand the money forward they will say; “Tipo or Check Point” (The names could be different where you live, but I doubt it) and the now driver now knows what to charge.
When the money is passed forward, do not assume it is now yours, you accept it and pass it to the driver or his assistant. The change will be given back to you to pass along. It will seem confusing at first but this system has worked very well for longer than most of us have been alive. Plus by handling the money you now know how much to pay. Plus if the Jeepney breaks down you can exit and grab the next one without paying twice. Do not ever expect a refund.
Personal space; it is no longer there, the guy wedged against you has now invaded it. Which is the norm, his hand on your leg or in your pocket is not the norm, but a forceful “HOY” will solve that problem quickly.
Even if the driver is smoking, you may not. The why of this ruling has never been explained, but know that it’s true.
I noticed over the years that the lady sitting across from you on that hot March morning will always have fish in her bag, as noted by the tail fins protruding from the top. So you are not only jammed in like a sardine, but smelling them also. Oh joy to us!
When wanting to disembark you simple tap a coin (Or your knuckles) on the roof and say “Para” the driver will stop exactly where you want to exit, so after you see someone get off, let the driver move ten to twelve feet and then you request to get off. That also is the norm. The same rule applies when boarding Jeepney’s along the highway, If you’re traveling in a group try spacing each member about twenty feet apart, and watch as the driver will move to each one to pick them up.
The old or young lady with all the sacks on the floor in front of you, yes the one with the fish, when she exits it is deemed polite to assist her by sliding the sacks towards the rear. Don’t get up, as others will help pass them on behind you and she will never have to move to get them, tailgate delivery. It’s a nice thing to do.
Albeit I enjoy the freedom my car affords me, I still enjoy the Jeepney rides once in a while. As a matter of fact, due to poor infrastructure in Olongapo I will leave my car parked where I found a parking space and ride a Jeepney or Trike to other places I must get to. For 9 out of 10 times the only way to get a parking space here is to buy a parked car.
So anyway that is a broad overview on Jeepney riding, if I’ve omitted anything I’m sure our fellow readers here on LiP will chime in, and add to the discussion. It’s one of the reasons I so much enjoy reading and writing on Bob’s site.
Bayad-O
The capacity of a Jeepney is: “One More”
Now for the rest of the story: My car was not ready the next morning, this I knew because Lolet the billing lady at the shop texted me and stated; “Kuya Paul, your car is not ready today!” Well that about summed it up, it was as clear as mud, but the text did cover the ground.
So I called and asked the reason; it seems that a special part that goes on my car that is called a speed sensor, had to be shipped down from… You guessed it, “MEGA MANILA.” So three days later on Friday afternoon at 1500 I received word that the car was done and running great once more. I told them I’d pick it up on Saturday; let them wait for me one time. I didn’t get to say “Please Wait.”
So after starting this article I it dawned on me that I would be on a Jeepney a few more times this week. Oh well that is life here in the Philippines and I wouldn’t trade for a sack of crazy monkeys! But the New Old Honda is back in fine shape once again. And my world is within its norm.
A trip over the Zig-Zag road in a brown Jeepney for less than a Disney Ride–Living in the PH definatly has advantages.
Loren;
Definitely an “E” Ticket ride, it’s why I always check to see if I can see the air in the tires before I board.
Paul: Excellent explanation. Riding a jeep can be intimidating the first time you do it, if you don’t know the “rules”, but they can be a really good way to get where you are going. I use them for short trips, though Rebecca will often use them for much longer journeys (That involve a “change” of jeeps… You pay both).
The Manila jeeps have the route painted on the side, but I’ve found that most Filipinos are very helpful if you are confused about where to get on / off or if whether a jeep passes your destination. Just asking will usually result in help.
John;
So true they are easy and fun once you figure them out. Back in the 70’s an older man got of the Jeepney with me to show me which Jeepney I had to take next, a small act of kindness that I’ll never forget.
Hilarious Paul…I use Jeepneys almost everyday , the places I go are always “parking lot” challenged so I leave the car at home often. If I ride them after dark I like to hang on the back where the “barker” hangs out and collecting the fare and yelling out destinations…I usually will take part of his job over and yell out the next destination to people we pass by on the sidewalks…he gets a good laugh and the passengers always get a kick out of it to !
Brian;
Having fun while riding is another part of the experience, I’ve not gone as far as you but I’d get a smile if I saw a Kano doing that also.
The capacity of a Jeepney is: “One More”…. got me belly laughing on a Monday morning!!
Simon;
Anytime I’m at a party I’ll ask any Pinoy I meet that question, they love it also! Try it!
Paul,
Got a good laugh as usual. Good way to save money and interact/meet people. Paul have you ever rode on the roof after drinking a few cold ones lol. Have a nice day.
PapaDuck;
I admit that I’ve never rode on the roof, but I did pay for six fares and slept on the bench seat. We used to hire a special to the Barrio and make the driver pick up good lookin’ girls on the way and let them ride for free.
This write up is a joy to read……
Kris;
Thank you, I’m pleased I gave you a smile. Enjoy life as much as you can.
I once made the rookie mistake of getting on an ‘Express’ jeepney and ended up at the end of a scenic journey (they don’t stop except at the destination). That turned out to be an expensive (relative) mistake as I had to retrace the route with two other jeepneys and a trike! And yes, it was an alcohol related incident.
Randy;
The alcohol related incidents is what my trips were all about in the first place, I’ve boarded the wrong jeepney a couple of time and ended up turning it into a “Special” at the end of my trip, and having the driver stop for beers along the way.
Yup, I never let a good jeepney mistake go to waste.
Randy;
I like the way you look at it!
Senior,
You had me reliving the past when I was stationed in salior town the guys ani I.
Asawa’s and girlfriends included would hijack a jeepney and pay a stupid amount of money to go to Angles to party or barrio berreto, Subic. This jeepney was our desinated driver and boy did he make out.
Can’t wait to relive that ride again this time on the on the true fare, but they will still get their tips with the old saying No Change Sir even though you can see a box full. See you in Oct.
Bruce;
Ah those famous road trips to AC, I did it in a Trike one time in the 70’s, a trip never to be repeated. But my buddies cracked up when I showed up in AC at the Red Baron Bar with an Olongapo Trike and driver. Oh those young and foolish days!
Senior,
I’ve got a question I’m bigger than the average Filipino by far. Will they charge me double for taking up two seats or can my Asawa just sit on my lap. 🙂
Bruce;
The real question is; “Will you pay it if they try?” As for the wife on your lap….. (That was funny!)
Senior,
She’ll always get a rise out of me weather she like it or not. 🙂 🙂 :0
Bruce;
So you wife doesn’t read LiP? (lol)
Senior,
Not really because if she did she would love me for some comments,
but kill me or cut me off for the others. 🙁
Bruce;
You are truly a wise man.
Bruce,
I sent you an e-mail, did you receive it.
That was great! Thank you!
David:
You are most welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Paul- Ha ha.. me laughing! 🙂 you gotta commute more.. you get to scrutinized different kinds of people inside the jeep.. here’s tip, don’t stare at drunk guy, sit like there no more space left, if not…. they’re going to squeeze one more person. Always have the exact fare ( 8.50) and always count your change.. because.. right change is not exactly right. If you’re in Manila. ( again), how about riding a bus at EDSA? I’m LOL imagining your reactions.. he he 🙂
To ride a bus at edsa the first and most important thing to know is the meaning of IBABAW and ILALIN eheheh
🙂
Sergio;
Ibabaw+ Stop
Ilalin= I thought meant under?
Help an old Kano out…(lol)
eehhehe Paul 🙂
yes, you are right. Take the right bus or you will see the place where you are going to from the top of a bridge! ehehee
🙂
Cubao Ilalin >>>> the bus will pass some bus stops in cubao and neighbor locations.
Cubao Ibabaw >> the bus will get off the bridge and stop only at the main cubao bus stop.
🙂
“Ilalim”, Sergio, “M” instead of “N”. Minor corrections, hope you don’t mind.
Mars
oh! thank you Mars! 🙂
Sergio & Mars;
So translated to English it means: don’t ride that damn bus! (lol)
Sugar;
When we’re in the Honda and I want my wife to stop, I tap the roof with a coin. When I’m in Manila (As we will be again next week) I stick with a van and driver, I’ll leave the rest to others.
Being tall adds an extra dimension to the trip (I’m 6’3″). I have to bend over double while shuffling to my seat. Sometimes there is a bolt or screw sticking down from the roof and I have ruined a few shirts and got some scratches from those. Fun, Fun, Fun!
Mark;
They are not made for guys your size, so I see the problem you have. I have a friend 6’1″ 295 Lbs. Some times a driver wants to charge him double fare, he’s not paid it yet!
No Paul!!!
I take it everyday!!! Buses are the faster transportation in Manila!!! But, dont forget to fast your seat belt!, dont smoke and in case of decompression masks will fall in front of you ahahahahh lol!!!!!
😛
Sergio;
It sounds like a ride from Disneyland. I’ll be over by “It’s a Small World” listening to the music.
Senior,
Great article on the trials and tribulations of proper jeepney operations. I’m sure you have a “Bictory Liner” or “Saulog” bus storey hidden somewhere. You remember the old buses with no aircon, slid up windows and stopping at every town or road side stand along the way. Now those were “E” ticket rides on steroids and a good way to see the P.I.
John D.
John:
Are you talking about the buses made of wood? The one with the slick tire and plywood windows? Or the Victory Liners that would slow sown at the edge of a village to take on the vendors and let them off as they exited the village? It’s been so many years since I’ve rode a bus and probably will never do it again. But if I do…
Senior,
Those are the ones 🙂 . But of course being young and full of it back then we were all bullet proof and invincible, so those trips were a blast. Now a days I’m like you…”a bus?…are you frigging nuts?”
John D.
John;
A wise man, I’ve seen to many of them off the road plowed into some poor guys house, with the driver running down the road faster than his bus ever went!
Your story reminded me of a youtube clip i saw a while ago titled
“How to ride the jeepney in the Philippines” posted by moymoypalaboy
check it out, these guys are seriously wacky funny.
Best wishes to you from downunder, Anthony
Anthony;
That is funny, and people think the Pinoy can’t poke fun at themselves.
Paul,
This is so funny. Trike from ‘Gapo to AC? :-)))
Alex
Alex;
Try it sometime, the beer stops were great!
Hey Senior, I’m Retired CB Chief Builder headed your way late summer. Can I ask you about hotels on the old base? Planning to spend a month at one, while looking for a good rental.
Mitch;
Go online and look at Casa Blanca Hotel owned and ran by a Scandinavian, very big rooms and and you’ll like it.BTW all the others are online also.
I remember a the SeaBees marching into downtown on Diego Garcia back in 1980, Damn, sailors can’t march can they. When you hit town, let’s do lunch?
I was supose to be with that group on D.G. in 1980, but was able to spend my deployment at Camp Shields at Subic Naval Base over by the gate area…. the “silver single wide moble homes” were our baracks when I was there Jan-Aug 80 & Mar-Oct 81. Then the detailer called me and asked if I wanted pcs orders to the base from eairly 82 – mid 85….. took um. Would love to do lunch in between rain storms…..
Mitch;
Believe me when I say that all the places we go in this area have had their roofs checked for leaking, and if they do leak, we know how to sit so it doesn’t get into our beer.
The BUCS with base maintenance was having cocktails at the Chief’s barracks when the Battalion was marching into town; he turned and said to us; “Damn now I know why you say they look like attack turtles dressed in green with a sea of green helmets bobbing in the wind!” Then we had another drink!
I should have said Camp Jefferies at Subic. No sailors or seabees can’t march LOL
I have been married for more than 25 years and been residing in the States since 1985. Tonight my wife said I was not a gentleman when I was courting her since I usually get into the jeepney ahead of her. She said the right etiquette was for her to go in first. I thought I should go in first, we make way for her as go through a group of people. What is the right etiquette then?