At 6 or 7 am, many Filipinos leave their homes to go to school or work. We reach our destinations through various means, but you have probably commuted on your way there. Maybe you haven’t experienced it, though. Maybe you were a passenger princess, a former “hatid-sundo” who never had to deal with routes or bus changes. Maybe going on the MRT and LRT is still exciting for you.
The task may seem daunting, considering the city’s various travel options to get where you need to be. To seasoned veterans, commuting in this city may not be difficult, but it might overwhelm a first-timer.
Luckily, this guide was made just for you. It will take some practice to conquer the jungle of Manila commuting, but these tips will hopefully make the learning process much smoother. Soon, you won’t even bat an eye and will commute to work quite smoothly.
1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
The hectic schedules of our everyday lives might immediately make this tip seem unfeasible, but it is best to adhere to this simple rule as much as you can. Our lives are filled with meetings, responsibilities, and tasks that we juggle from sunrise to sunset. The best preparation you can give your body is to ensure it gets a good night’s rest to function better in the morning. You deserve it.
2. Be very familiar with your route
Something that might unexpectedly cause you trouble is knowing which public transportation you’ll need to take. It’s not just about knowing the routes; sometimes, it’s about knowing that jeepneys only stop for pickups at specific intersections, or that the LRT route you need is on the left side instead of the right, or that the bus stop for your route is on the other side of the station.
If possible, try to run a trial of the routes and rides you need to take to and from your destination. It’s better than suddenly needing to use a rideshare app and spending more than you planned. A little preparation goes a long way, and your mornings will be much smoother once you get the hang of things.
3. Prepare your money
Whether it’s the coins you use for a tricycle, bills for the bus conductor, or the digital amount loaded onto your Beep card, make sure you have the necessary funds for your commute. Organize your money according to the denominations you’ll need for each trip, from digital to cash—from 1000 peso bills to 20 peso coins.
This will save time for both the conductor and yourself, avoiding the need to buy small items or run to an ATM to make it to your destination on time.
4. Consider a change of clothes
For employees heading to offices in Makati or Ortigas, consider changing clothes upon arrival, especially if there’s a nearby restroom where you can freshen up before starting work. The Philippine weather is unpredictable, swinging between hot and cold. Instead of arriving with your office attire soaked in sweat, consider wearing something more comfortable and preserving your day’s fashion.
5. Choose your bag wisely
Since you’ll likely endure cramped jeeps, small seats in FX PUVs, or standing-only LRTs, balance what you absolutely need for school or work with items you can do without. Opt for a bag that allows easy access to your money while making it difficult for others to access. If possible, choose a smaller bag, or if not, choose the most comfortable option available. Manila traffic is notoriously hectic, so make your daily commute as easy as possible.
6. Prepare some form of entertainment
Headphones or earphones are your best friends while waiting in traffic. Prepare a playlist of songs you enjoy, preferably available offline. Choose music that puts you in the right mood, or even try audiobooks if that’s your current interest. Again, Manila traffic can be intense, so find ways to pass the time on your journey.
7. Relax, but stay alert
Manila traffic—enough said. Many people are walking and trying to reach their destinations. Keep your important belongings with you at all times. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if the MRT breaks down, the FX takes an unexpected turn, or a crowded jeep is approaching.
Once you’re inside and traveling, take a breath. The jeep/train/bus might be moving slowly now, so the best you can do is relax. Traffic and the morning commute will always bring stress and challenges, but there are ways to make it easier for yourself. The morning commute is just the beginning of your long day, so find ways to make it as bearable and pleasant as possible.
