Transport in the Philippines. Small modes of land public transport
You have already got familiar with “bigger” means of land public transport in the Philippines (if not, click here). This time we come with the second part of our description of land transport in the country – which we colloquially can call “smaller”. Are you ready to take a ride with us?
Motor is crucial!
The smallest forms of transportation in the Philippines are motor-run vehicles. They usually come with two to three wheels (with some exceptions) and seat up to 7 passengers. A common denominator between all of them is the motorcycle. They are ubiquitous in the country, especially in rural areas. These places often have rough terrain, narrow roads (or no concrete roads at all) and frequently are flooded and muddy. These circumstances make it difficult for other modes of transportation to navigate. What types of transport do we have there then?
Tricycle- motorcycle with… a cabin
Other countries in South and South-East Asia have tuk-tuks, rickshaws… but not the Philippines. They have tricycles there. Similarly to jeepneys, tricycles are a cultural thing in the country. On contrary to other Asian vehicles they are a motorcycle with the cabin attached on it. Again, the common denominator with jeepneys is their origins reaching the II World War. They simply originated from motorcycles with sidecars.
Tricycles are more of a symbol of the provinces. In many smaller provincial towns it is the main means of public transport. They function as taxis. Tricycles differ in design between towns, regions and provinces. Alike jeepneys, they are also often a ‘piece of art’ with colourful graphic designs as well as Bible verses. Along with different designs comes different capacities. Tricycles can accommodate between 2 to more than 6 passengers. They are open-air, but don’t worry about the bad weather. Both jeepneys and tricycles have plastic cover or “curtains” that would ensure you’re dry after the ride.
Price? It’s complicated
Tricycles are cheaper than a taxi (yes, bigger cities have taxis, but as they are they same as everywhere, we don’t mention them here), yet more expensive than a jeepney ride. Not always, though. It depends on the distance as well as number of people. Why? Because very often a tricycle can be shared by strangers and then the fare is divided by fellow passengers. However, it can be very expensive as well. In the touristic areas the fare is usually much higher. The ride is also more expensive in remote areas (far from the provincial capital or a major city). For example, Anda in Bohol fulfills both criteria mentioned…
How to catch a tricycle? Usually, there are stands/places/parkings where you can choose your driver/tricycle. That does not prevent you from catching your “taxi” on the road (provided it’s not already occupied of course).
Motorela – “mini-jeepney”
Motorela is nothing more than a motorcycle with an integrated trailer. In practice it’s a mini-jeepney, yet not enormously bigger than a tricycle. What differentiates it from the latter is four wheels – 2 from the motorcycle and 2 on the sides of the back of the trailer. Analogically, it can carry more passengers than tricycles and less than a jeepney. In many towns it is a very popular public transport between villages. This vehicle was invented in 1964 in Cagayan the Oro (a major city in the northern part of Mindanao Island) by Rafael D. Floirendo Sr. And what about the name? The name motorela originated from two words: motorized and “caritela” (kalesa/calesa). What’s the latter then? A two-wheeled carriage that was attached to a horse – a typical means of transport in the Spanish era of the Philippines, which was replaced by jeepneys and tricycles after II World War.
Habal-habal – an adventure (not only) for two
We will end this article with a regular two-wheeler motorcycle with seating modifications. These alterations are usually elongation of the seat beyond the end of the motorcycle as well as adding foot rails to make the ride more comfortable for passengers. Thanks to these modifications habal-habal can take up to 2 passengers (or even more, which is an adventure!). Since it’s the smallest of all means of transport we described, it is usually used where others cannot reach. Which is mainly remote areas in the provinces. However, they are used in the big cities, like Metro Cebu, as well. Fare depends on the distance, remoteness, number of passengers and difficulty of terrain/steepness.
But… you might wonder what this fancy name ‘habal-habal’ means. This is actually extremely interesting and funny. It’s a duplication of one word in Cebuano – habal. Which means… to mate, to copulate! Any idea why? Imagine that you’re in a remote area, there is no concrete road, many bumps… you are closely embracing the driver with your legs and you are bouncing… Well, we will let you imagine this picture and with this optimistic touch we will finish the article.
As you could have seen, there are many modes of transport to choose from. You were in the Philippines and you didn’t try them all? Then it is like you weren’t in the Philippines 🙂 Soooo, you have to come back!
Author: Kristina M. Dumadag (USC’s Student) i Filip Wojciechowski (Kahibalo Foundation)