When you live in the Philippines, do you intend to have a driver? Generally, I have always liked driving myself, although I’ve had a driver twice during my time of living here.
The first time that we had a driver, it was in 2001, after I had been sick (I had a stroke in November 2001). I credit the driver with speeding up my recovery from my illness, because I absolutely hated having him drive me around! I didn’t like his style of driving, and stubbornly, I wanted to drive myself. Honestly, I was not capable of driving at the time, and that is why Feyma hired the driver. I recovered more quickly, because I wanted to get behind that wheel so badly, that I really pushed myself hard!
That driver only lasted for a month or two, I guess. I have another driver right now, though, and I am liking it a little more. Actually, it is my nephew, Deo who is our driver now. You see, a few months ago, my friend Gene was moving back to the States. He had a number of belongings after living here for 6 or 7 years, and one of the things that he had was a Nissan Pickup truck. He made me a good deal on it, so I purchased it. I already had a Mitsubishi Adventure (an Asian Utility Vehicle) that I drove.
Why did I decide to buy the pickup? Well, for a few reasons. Firstly, with our business, our employees are out and about a lot, which means that we were spending a considerable amount on taxis to take our employees around town doing company business. Secondly, I thought that we could use a pickup truck when we begin building our house on Samal, we would inevitably need to haul stuff over there. So, I decided to get the pickup. The next thing was that I wanted our nephew to learn how to drive, so that he could drive the pickup around, hauling our employees or whatever around town.
Having Deo learn to drive was not the easiest thing. The first thing that we did was send him to a local driving school. Honestly, I found that experience disappointing. After the driving school signed off that his training was complete, I went for a ride with him, and it scared me to death! I couldn’t believe that the driving school had certified him, as in a 10 minute drive we narrowly missed 3 or 4 accidents. Our next step was to have Deo spend almost two weeks with an acquaintance who was a good driver. She went with Deo every day for at least a half day, and sometimes the full day, just driving around in Davao, so that Deo could get comfortable driving. Since then, I have ridden with him and found his skills to be greatly improved.
Yesterday, I wanted to go for a haircut. Deo’s twin brother, Leo is visiting us right now, so I decided to make it a “boy’s day out” and took Leo, my oldest son Chris and Deo to all go for a haircut, then out for lunch. I told Deo that he would be our driver for the day. I was really impressed at Deo’s abilities behind the wheel! He has had a lot of practice already, because he has been driving for Feyma – taking many trips to Samal Island and such. Deo drove me to the barber shop, then we went to Victoria Plaza Mall, because I needed to go to the ATM machine, and finally to the restaurant for lunch. Hey, I would have driven slightly differently from Deo, but I can’t complain about the way he drove.
You know what? I actually enjoyed being able to go around town and not be behind the wheel myself! It was nice to be able to just watch the scenery around me, while leaving the driving to Deo! In the back of my mind, I am even thinking that when I want to go somewhere, unless Deo is driving somebody else (like Feyma or one of my employees) I will have him drive me. It’s more relaxing!
Deo has come a long way with his driving! And, I have to pat myself on the back too, because in the past I absolutely hated not being behind the wheel myself. I think it shows a little more patience on my part that I can be comfortable letting somebody else take care of that chore for me!
hello bob
once again i can relate to your post here,me and my landlord borrowed her friends jeep for a trip to her farm in the province.she was so nervous about me driving the highway and tryed to get me there via back roads.i said wait a minute do you know how to drive?she said no of course.i then told her i been driving since i was 12 in my uncles truck cutting firewood.so i told her im the captian of this ship so hang on.we went down the highway honking like everybody else.after our return she said wow your a great driver.i said of course try driving in newyork or orlando and this is easy.although it was my second trip there and i did pay attention of how the traffic is in davao.
salamat bob
Hi Ron W – Ha ha.. I can picture that scene! In fact, I think I remember you… you almost ran me off the highway! 😯 Just kidding, my friend!
Bob,
I understand about relaxing and seeing things around you. When I first started driving here I would need Elena to tell me where to go and turn even though we had been there before. That was because I needed to watch every car around me. Over time I have been able to look up but still with the drivers and motorcycles cutting you off, you need to watch everything. A few times usung a taxi I enjoyed looking at the views around me.
Hi Bruce – Yes, driving here is a full time job, not something that you do casually. Having a deep conversation, watching the scenery and such is not something that is easy to do while driving here.
😆 hahaha bob ya and kids hanging off the jeep as well,hahaha not something im used to for sure,i did feel safer than the motorcycle coming from the farm with believe it or not 7 adults and a baby on the gas tank,unbelievable in my eyes
salamat kayuuu
Hi Ron W – Oh, I believe you about the 7 adults and a baby! I've seen up to a total of 9 people on a single motorcycle, and most of those are just 125cc bikes too! I don't know how the bikes can handle the load! of course, the people on the motorcycles are a little smaller than I am! 😆
Bob
When I get to Cebu I plan on letting somone else do the driving for at least the first year. I have been to Cebu 4 time and I just barly know my way around a few areas. Maybe after I have been on the islands for 8 years I will do more of my own driving.
PS Happy independence day
Hi Larry – I think it is wise to let somebody else do the driving initially. I think that is especially true in a busy area like Cebu or Manila. That said, though, I believe that nobody can really learn their way around a town until they drive, that is when you get to know the area very well.
Good luck!
beep beep…say ..do you have any grey poupon???
Hi Brian – Oh! Now I get it! Yesterday when i was riding with Deo, somebody pulled up and rolled down the window. They asked me if I had any Balut! Ha ha.. when in Rome….. 😆
😉 its a good feeling Bob! right? just sitting at the back and relaxing… i can fully relate with this because I got my license (here) before my husband did (he was so busy and had difficult time in applying during that time), and i was driving for him/us for almost 2years.
When he finally got his license! I was very happy! because I can relax and enjoy the ride!
Enjoy your ride!
Hi Maryg – Absolutely! The only difference from what you said is that I was sitting in the front! 😆
Hi Bob- I think Marilou is dreading me driving in the Phil's she says I'm too fast and impatient. In fact she has suggested many times "Lang-ga perhaps we should just get a driver and you can enjoy the scenery".
Well I will see but I just like to be independant and not relay on anyone unless we were going on a several day journey or something like that. But like you I would much prefer a relative than a stranger if I was going to have someone drive for me even though it may be only occassionally. Only time will tell.
Hello Bob,my husband always drives in the Philippines whenever we are there.He even drived the first time he arrived in Davao City.I was amazed how he coped and adjusted the driving style of Filipinos :)He said,do the Filipino style too or else you can't drive around 🙂
When we were there last year,sometimes my father would drive us but still I was nervous because even my father sometimes didn't follow traffic rules,much more the other drivers.I guess I just have to used the driving a la Filipino.
Hi Bob,
Having a driver is bliss! You don't have to wash the car, look for parking, carry the groceries to the car, etc. All you have to do is text him and he's there waiting for you. I looooove having a driver. This is why Ken calls me "Miss Daisy". I don't drive if I can help it. 😆
Hi Jim Cunningham – I think you'll be like me. At first, you will really want to drive, because it is what you are used to. Over time, you may desire to turn it over to a driver. I guess both are good for me.
Hi Amor – That is kind of how I was too. Just 3 weeks or so after moving here, I bought a car and started driving. I was pretty good with dealing with the way traffic works here right from the start, although I am really good now! 😆
Hi Tina – Yeah, I am beginning to see some advantages! I'm a slow learning, I think! 😆
Hello Bob,
Good post.
We will arriving in the Philippines next month and have decided to drive from Manila to Naga because we are bringing our pet and prefer, for various reasons, not to fly her on a domestic flight. We are thinking on renting a van with a driver at the airport. Seems to a nice option. What are your thoughts on this?
Hi Lon – I think you are making a good choice there. For me, I prefer land travel, unless the distance is just too far, or you have to cross an ocean and land travel is not possible. Land is preferable to me because you see a lot of interesting sights along the way, things that you would have never even thought of on an airplane!
Have a great trip!
Like you, Bob, I (mostly) enjoy driving here, but there are many times I would prefer to have a driver … and I'm on the look out for one, actually … but not searching diligently. When my son came to visit recently he and I drove and drove every day. When he left to go back to the US we used a neighbor who hires himself and his van out to take us to the airport (wonders of color coding in Mnaila, you can't drive your car whenever you want to). The neighbor, Alvin, is a nice guy and doesn't really drive badly, but I frankly prefer my own driving.
My son surprised me when he said, "Dad, I have no idea why you don't have a driver, it's so much better to ride and chat without you fighting the traffic." I did see a lot more on the trip, I will have to admit.
There is also the aspect of all the other chores you get from a driver … keeping the car clean, yardwork, housework, and a very big benefit, parking. The driver can drop you ate the door of your destination and then the car is his worry until you text him to come pick you up. The right person can be a very handy fellow to have around.
Hi Dave Starr – While I had not put this in the highest position, or even considered it all that much, I believe that your last paragraph is indeed the very best reason to have a driver. You don't have to hassle with searching out a parking place! The driver can drop you at the front door of where you are going, and he can search for a parking place, or if you are going to be relatively quick, he can even park behind other cars temporarily. He will be there to move if the other car wants out anyway. Good point, Dave.
a driver is good thing to have , my son is learning to drive now so i enjoy riding around . he is learning and i can see more sights …and in the pines my wife has a drivers license So I have a driver . 😀 ..Phil R.
Hi Phil R – Sounds like you have a winning combo there! 😆
Hi Bob and to all the others – as I always stated before; I (we) enjoy having a driver (my two brothers-in-law). The reason is not so important, "who will clean the car' – I (we) only like to relax and enjoy our travelling – and, honestly, sometimes I am just to tired to drive myself. Yesterday our German friend took over while we enjoyed the whole route from Santa Maria ("Little Boracay") back to Davao). Only a heavy thunderstorm hindered us to go on up to General Santos City. Maybe next time… 😉
Hi Klaus – I hope that you enjoyed your time in Santa Maria. Little Boracay is a place that I love myself. 😀
Bob, Good ariticle. What type of auto insurance do you need to cover family and driver. Just putting his name on the policy? See you soon Bob. Keith
Hi Keith – The way auto insurance works in the Philippines, the owner of the car is insured, then anybody who drives the car is covered, provided they had the permission of the owner to drive.
Take care!