When I lived in Puerto Rico I knew to never ask direction from a local, as it was at best, a crap shoot. If they knew, they would gladly head you in the right direction. But, if they had no idea, then they would just send you somewhere. They were not being malicious, but, machismo would prevent them admitting that they didn’t know.
While have lunch with a friend, we were talking about this dilemma here in the Philippines, why does no one know where they are, or where something is? My friend (and I paraphrase) pointed out it was all a frame of reference. We Westerners are used to driving and the Pinoy is not. They know what Jeepney to take and they get to their destination without having to understand the mechanics of what it took to get there. They also know that the road out of their town drops off the face of the Earth, as all that went, never came back.
I drove north from my house for a weekend at Hundred Island’s Pangasinan, maps being a rare treat here, and then only showing major roads, the one I used I took from my World Atlas, I won’t say I was lost, as you can’t be lost if you gas tank is full. Yet, I did lower the volume on my Stereo (That’s as close to an admission that I’m lost, that you’ll ever be from me). There I was, not lost, but the road I was on came to a “T” junction, its 50-50 now whether to go left or right. I sat and pondered. The family was no help, as they were lost within the first 20 minutes on the road to Eba. I’m in Podunk Philippines, and not a human being in sight. Then behind me I see a Trike with no less than 12 school kids hanging off every conceivable part of the machine. I hailed the driver and asked if he knew the way to the town of Alaminos, on Lingayen Gulf, or the Hundred Islands National Park, and he scratched his head, I knew I was doomed. So I asked; “What direction are you going to take?” He pointed to the right, my wife asked the kids if they had ever been to Hundred Islands, and they all responded in the negative. Conclusion, Hundred Islands must be to the left.
Taking the road less traveled I forged on for about 20 more minutes and entered this quaint village all build in the Spanish Colonial style, I spied 15 to 20 Harley Davidson Motorcycles at the side of the road and stopped. I spoke with one of the riders and found out they were all from Manila, members of “The Mad Dog Motorcycle Club”, on Weekend Run. I smiled and asked where they were going, and was pleased to find out it was Hundred Islands, about 30 miles straight up this road. I thanked them for the help, and went on my way. They were a Great bunch of guys.
The Family had a wonderful weekend, there, boat trips every day out to the Islands, (not so many at high tide) to see the sights and swim, great seafood dinners every meal. My wife and the girls gave the trip six thumbs up. I went home on Monday via Baguio and the express way, I’d seen Podunk, and didn’t need to see it again.
If you think this would give me pause to not venture out again and again on trips around Luzon, you would be so wrong, I keep the gas tank full and the volume low and somehow seem to get to our destination, albeit late, but then that is the way, here in Paradise.
Senior,
Your a Brave man going on a quest like that with all women glad it worked out. What would of happened if you made the wrong turn? In my case getting lost is half of the adventure.
Next quest Yamashita’s hidden gold are you up to it. 🙂
test
Bruce;
Wrong turns are my direction of choice.
Senior,
I think I’m getting the picture here your retired so as long as you have para in the pocket and a full tank of gas.Who cares if you go right or left. The island is round and you’ll get there sooner or later. Just like Hawaii I could go east or west and still end up home.
Paul are you a gambling man because you sure know how to play the odds. 50/50 shot at the crossroads and you come up a winner. To bad they don’t have the lotto in the PI or do they?
Bruce;
The trike driver was going right, he had no idea where 100 Islands were, so going left made perfect sense to me.
I was driving in Hawaii in a rental car, I asked a local how to get to downtown Honolulu he said to get on the interstate; I asked which state it was connected to?
Oh yes we have a lotto here, ask my wife!
This comment of yours deserves a reply; “he said to get on the interstate; I asked which state it was connected to?”. I like your sense of humor!
Similarly, South Expressway in RP is… . . . not.
Jade;
It just made me laugh, also in Hawaii I wondered why they put “Hawaii” on the tag? Hell I knew where I was.
Paul: That’s the great thing about living on an island: Eventually, somewhere, if you keep going, you’ll find the beach.
John;
So true, as I found out in Puerto Rico. I’d drive to San Juan and remember “Water to the right”
Someday I may try driving around these beautiful islands until that time I’ll rely on folks like you to give me the low down, lol. I’m still learning where everything is locally, hehe. Another entertaining post Paul.
Mark;
For all that’s holy don’t ever rely on me. I get lost in my back yard. But driving here on trips is fun, give it a try.
Paul get a gamin http://openstreetmap.org.ph/. We downloaded the maps on last visit to Davao and used them effectively in Davao I hear the Luzon and zebu maps are even better
Rich;
I’ll take a look at Zebu Maps and let you know, I’m heading north to Vigan this weekend, wish me luck.
Cebu 🙂
Manila if I remember correctly even already has voice turn by turn
Hi Paul – Making your way around Ilocandia isn’t as bad. If there is just one road, it will be because nature prohibits further road construction. You can’t get lost – you just keep driving!
Until the National Highway was constructed, travel to the “North Coast” from Manila would take at least a week during dry season. Sometimes, near the end of rainy season, the same trip would take weeks for the bold to make, providing bridges weren’t washed out, landslides didn’t cover the road or path, and mud pools dried up enough to be shallow and strong enough to ford.
Gee, I miss “Home”! 😉
Hey Paul;
As I said above I’ll be close to your neck of the woods Saturday. Road trip, I hope the creek don’t rise!
Tropical storm scheduled to pass through the area on the 15th, or so PAGASA is prediction. Might want to bring a Mae West with you!
I’m in one now, got trash and branches everywhere. Brownout for the last 24 hours. I love my generator!
Hola buenos dias Tommo.
Spent a few days in a small hotel near the wharf about 4 years ago. Quite peacefull and relaxing and worth the visit . Would i go again yes i would as its only an hour from my wifes home town of Lingayen which is a really boring place.You and me would be in hell thereas not even a decent pub.
Frank;
There is now, it’s called the trunk (boot) of my car. It’s the best Pub in town!
Excellent post Paul. The 100 hundred islands is another destination that’s not well promoted. Never been there, but have heard of it from many locals. As for getting lost, I’m learning how to handle getting lost since you’re bound to hit a village here and there. I gather you went via Zambales coast? The country compared to where I am is so tiny, sometimes getting lost is part of the fun. And what the name of this colonial village? I’ve heard of the Spanish lighthouse on the coast that’s off the beaten track but Lonely Planet has written about. Alex
Alex;
You’re right and it’s a shame, the place is fantastic. As for the village, I can’t remember it’s name. The coast road is great, but I’m taking the Tarlac road this weekend.
Haha Paul, while you were in Podunk, RP heading towards the Hundred Islands, you went right by the house.I mean literally right by, like 20 meters or so fro our front door. My wifes home is on the main road called the Iba-Zambales Highway just south of Dasol about 5 kms.
While the drive along that highway is kind of nice (scenery and lack of traffic), it does give you the feeling of “maybe its just around this next corner” time and time again.
I think I may have already told you guys that we’re in the Boon-doc. 🙂
Oh, FWIW I am actually wearing my Hundred Islands T-Shit this morning.
Doug;
Were you the guy that put the rice on the road? Next time put out a cold beer and I’ll slow down. I can’t find my Hundred Islands T-Shirt, I’ll bet on of the girls took it to sleep in.
I use a Garmin Nuvi GPS and download the free maps from here for it, http://roadguide.ph/
it works pretty well especialy for Manila 🙂 either that or make the driver find it and sleep the whole way hehe. BTW I love the part where you said “there I was Not lost” I LMAO at that one.
Jack;
GPS? I’m not that high-tech. As I said you’re not lost if the gas tank is full. My Dad taught me that piece of wisdom. I only hire a driver if I’m going into Mega-Manila.
Do you know if they have a version for the TomTom? Mine is pretty much a paperweight here in the Philippines.
These maps are not official maps from the companies they are user created maps from gps groups in the pi the reason for gamin is that it allows u to load “non official” maps onto the device
Yes, we have all had similar experiences with getting directions here. Same in Indonesia. Don’t like to admit that they do not know. In Indonesia when i lived there for three years, I had a great driver. Only problem, he was an ex-taxi driver who prided himself on knowing all the streets and places and would not admit he was ever lost (if any of you have ever been to Jakarta, you will know how difficult the street system is).
Here, when you ask directions, they often wave over their shoulders and say, “Over there.” After many years of marriage (to me), my wife has become expert at getting them to say exactly where “over there” is, or eventually admit that they don’t know.
Congratulations on getting out of the house and experiencing one of the delights of this country. I am surprised at how little the ex pats I know travel around the country, especially since I live near Dipolog, not exactly the heart of the tourist belt, so nothing to do except “hang out” and drink beer.
I have often thought that it would be a good idea for us to put together a set of “places to see and places to stay” beyond what is in Boraquay and Bagio. Any takers?
ProfDon;
This weekend I’m on another road trip, up north to Vigan. Every two months we like to get out and see something new. I love the wave over the shoulder trick also, it tells me I’m on my own! My Purok is kind of boring also, and pretty much boon-dok like. Thank the stars that Subic is but a 15 minute drive away.
hey prof one of my fav places to go is Sorsogon to the whale shark (Butanding) diving. I go just about everytime we visit the philippines. If you have a group of people you can rent a boat (the price is set by tourism) Be sure to rent some snorkle gear for everyone (Wash the mouth peice before use I got sick once) and they will basicaly chase the giant shark till they see one and you jump in and swim like hell to see it and if your lucky pet it!(beware they are huge, scared me the first time i did it lol) I find it to be very peaceful experience, the whole comune with nature thing i guess. Its well worth it!
Good luck this weekend Paul; the first typhoon of the season is forecast to exit over Zambales tomorrow. Hopefully it will be well away by Saturday.
My experiences with getting directions are mixed; occasionally I’ve been lucky but generally they are worse than useless. This is the case even in Metro Manila when you’re looking for something you know is close, like the LTO. Taxi drivers are no use – before I bought a car I’ve been driven all over the NCR by taxi drivers who didn’t have a clue where they were going and wouldn’t admit it.
To make matters worse, I’ve yet to meet a Filipino who understands how to read a map, and road signs are practically non-existent. Maps seem to be regarded much the same way I regard crystal balls or tarot cards – meaningless symbols that are only for the superstitious.
Leave lots of time for the journey and don’t get stressed is my philosophy, which seems to be yours too.
Ken;
Just my luck and my great planning too. I’ll go on line and track the typhoon. I can always adjust my plans, because I’m gainfully unemployed and flexible.
I rode in one taxi in Manila and never laughed so hard in my life, the guy wasn’t even sure he was in Manila.
Map reading is a lost art, thank the stars that I can also read charts, and know the difference between north and south. If I don’t get to Vigan, I know I’ll get to somewhere, and that could also be fun. You’re so right about stress; it won’t get to me, 120 over 80 constant, and my Doctors smile when I tell them prior to their reading. No matter when I end up, it will make a great story.
Hey, that was good logic: go left given that the kids have never been to 100 islands and they were going right. I’ll be in Subic on Wednesday – Thursday, wanna get some coffee?
Keven;
We’re in a typhoo here today, I’l have to pass on the coffee. Next time for sure.
Oh, so I hear. I meant to say for next week. Let me know.
Kevin;
Hopefully I’ll get to Vigan this weekend, be home by Tuesday, if Thursday or Friday is good, heres my cell 09175079109
Hey Paul,
I’ve always wondered why street maps aren’t a big deal in the philippines? Why do we park in driveways and drive on parkways? On a seperate note…
I was in CDO once and there was the festival of the black Nazerene, and all the roads back to my hotel were blocked. But the taxi driver knew another way…. We headed down this dirt road which was more like a trail. Then all of a sudden we came to this brand-new 6 lane concrete bridge over the river. I mean a beautiful bridge in the middle of nowhere. We crossed it and continued on the dirt trail on the other side. I gave him a nice tip for getting me back to my hotel.
I did the same thing the first time we went to Baguio. The hired driver took us there (7 hours or so) and I navigated us home (2.5 hours). He was sure that I lied about never visiting beforehand. 🙂
Hudson;
That was here in the Philippines? I thought you were talking about Alaska’s “Bridge To Nowhere”.
Paul,
Every time I ask directions I get the same answer. “Just go straight, straight!” It never fails. I am just like a few others on here and just enjoy the adventure of getting out. I am not lost, I just have not found out where I am going yet.
It is funny trying to get Filipino’s here in Kuwait to find their houses on Google Earth. It amazes me that most can not find their house. I use Google to see where I am going first a lot of times. I have been several places with my family there and they think that I have been to the place before. It is hard to explain how I know where to turn and stuff just from looking at it on a computer.
Hope the typhoon does not ruin your trip!
Steve;
There are days (like yesterday) when I can’t find my house and I’m on my street. The wind is picking up now 5:56 am 14 July. I just took down the tent in the back yard at 4 am, as I like to plan ahead.
This post was supposed to be under Steve”s post, sorry guys/gals.
I did the same thing the first time we went to Baguio. The hired driver took us there (7 hours or so) and I navigated us home (2.5 hours). He was sure that I lied about never visiting beforehand. 🙂
Hi Paul,
my rule of thumb is, as long as there is a road, a full tank of gas, and people you can ask whether they know the place of not, I am not scared of getting lost and will continue to venture out.
Dans;
That’s the way to do it! Remember to drop the volume on your music also.
Hi Paul,
I enjoyed your article and the comments. Daisy and I always enjoy taking road trips and have been to many places in Luzon. We are both enthusiastic to see a new place. A few years ago ago we took a similar trip to and past Pangasinan and Lingayen, finally ending up in Baguio and finally to Sagada. Our experiences with maps and asking directions have been similar to many I’ve read in the comments and in the article. Getting ‘lost’ is never a problem, navigation vs map reading (going north on the coast highway to Pangasinan a left turn at the fork in the road ‘should’ take you back to the coast unless it is a dead end and a right turn might not Ha Ha). Daisy is very cautious about traveling past dark, and I respect her concerns. But inevitably at times you do not get to the place you intended to get to by nightfall. I remember particularly when we took the route from Baguio to Sagada/Bontoc along the crest of the Cordillera mountain range, the road was slow and patchy (understatement – in a ’96 Nissan Sentra with not much ground clearance). It was already dark at 8:30pm and we were not there yet. Daisy was becoming quite frantic and I was concerned about getting there too late to find lodging, we stopped and asked directions many times at Daisy’s insistence and got to Bontoc by 9:45 and checked into a ‘rustic’ hotel just before they closed the check in desk. We made it! The route was strikingly beautiful and is one our best memories! Our next vehicle will be an SUV with high ground clearance! Can’t wait until we can do it again!
John of many names;
My wife is the same about being off the road before dark, and I fully agree with her. It sounds like you had quite a trip there. The SUV with a cow catcher on the front is the way to go. This weekend if the “Phoon” lets us we’ll be in my friends new SUV, I’ll leave the Honda at home.
I was confused about the requirement of ‘real name’
I will talk to Bob about getting the name reduced to only Jade!
read my comment about car repair…
Jade;
Just funnin’ ya!
Paul,
Yeah, I know you were.
I hope to be able to stop by and see you when Daisy and I are back together this fall, my favorite is SM Cerveza Negra (reminds me a bit of ‘Cream Soda’… so smooth) and I’ll bring a case along with. Daisy even likes it and she doesn’t drink!
I’ve had my MMD since 1968 and have been working in marine electrical repair as a contractor for more than 30 years so we will have much to talk about… ha ha. Been around the world so many times that I’m dizzy … or is that the SMB?
Jade;
The beer sounds good, but then don’t they all! My father asked me years a go, if it’s true, that a sailor has a girl in every port? Really Dad, what sailor has been to every port? See you in the fall!
Hi Paul,
I hope I didn’t sound too forward in my previous comment. I feel like I know you well from your posts. I’ve read them all in the past 6 months. But only a week ago did I get brave enough to register and begin my comments. Probably too many. Guess I had felt I had a backlog of things to say… he he.
Girl in every port? … the dreams of ones youth… well once there had been a time…
Meeting Daisy in Singapore on July 21, 2001 changed my life for better than I could have dreamed, and I feel that I needn’t say more than that!
Jade;
Jade;
Since I’ve been on lip I’ve met with mny of the members, who have visited the Subic area, had a good time each time, even if just lunch and a couple of beers. So forward, keep it up!
I know Bob is glad you joined, and we welcome you. I’m looking forward to meeting you and your lady next time your here, and I know that it will be fun.
I’ve been homeported in Singapore off and on for years, I love the place, so much that my youngest girl is working there and I’m not worried, as I know it’s safe. Again, I hope to meet ya in the fall.
Hey Paul great article reminded me of when I decided to ride my motorcycle from cavite to bobon samar damn did I get close to being lost took me 37 hours of driving to get there but I was lucky there was plenty of places to stop and have a cold sanmig
Jason;
That’s a real road trip!!!!
Jason;
That’s what I call a real road trip!
Hi Paul,
It was nice to have an update about this beautiful place after a long time, been there way back in the early 90’s but never had the opportunity to visit again, hopefully the local gov’t. of Alaminos are doing something to restore and preserve the beauty of this once very popular tourist destination in Northern Luzon. Very nice pics, i wonder if you had the chance to get a good breakfast of Alaminos longanisa with rice and eggs (Longsilog) of course.
Regards.
Miles;
The area has improved from the 90’s, even with some new hotels. The Islands are still very clean and relaxing. Oh! I’ve never eaten rice with breakfast, the Irish in me just won’t allow it. (lol) But longganisa I’ll eat in a heartbeat.
Hi Paul,
Better to include 100islands in my list for a visit after the rainy seasons then. I’m a little curious on how you will eat longanisa without the rice, but i know some friends would have it with some bread, even slicing it thinly and mixed it with some pasta he he, but anyways we all have our own ways with things. Though i’d still prefer to have it with sinangag and itlog.
Be well.
Miles;
Because it’s so sweet, I like it later in the day on bread. And I agree that 100 Islands in the rain is not much fun.