City road traffic in the Philippines has to be experienced.
There is no other word that fits. It is actually an
experience that is
remembered. Generally driving is on the right side of the road. The accent
there is on the
word “generally”. If the left side is vacant, use it. That’s
just common sense.
Taxis, motor cycles, Jeepnees, tricycles, bicycles, people
and occasional animals zip or manoeuvre between the trucks, busses and each
other while beeping their horns as if it would make a difference. Maybe it does
because I have yet to see an accident.
Manila isn’t the only city where back streets and alleyways
have become fully fledged streets. The hotel I stayed at in Cebu bordered a
sleepy long laneway but became a pedestrian’s horror during peak hours. It is
not a matter of driving by the road rules as much as being inventive in getting
from A to B.
People share the road and cars would share the footpaths if
it wasn’t for the power poles and street stalls that also share the road. When
crossing a major road on foot do it in a group or become very agile.
Philippines Gay Tourist offers transport to all your
destinations so you can sit back and witness the mayhem in safety. We hope.
