A bloody red jeepney, captured by Sally Abella

They come in different colors! - photo by Rory Alcantara

Nice to know:

The most inexpensive way to travel in the Metro. For just 8 pesos or roughly US$0.15, one can cover a distance of up to 4 kilometers. Add 1.50 pesos or US$0.03 for every kilometer beyond that.

It is the undisputed “King of the Road” because the drivers of these jeepneys make up their own rules. They can (and will) stop anywhere they please: intersections, pedestrians’ lanes, in front of your car, etc. Depending on your participation, this audacity can be either a blessing or a curse. It can be quite convenient because you can hop off  and land near your destination… a blessing. But if you’re driving and your car is right behind one… you curse.

Why it’s in the list:

For the everyday frugal commuter, the jeepney is an ever-dependable mode of transportation.

If you can't wait for the next jeepney...

If the jeepney is packed and you can’t wait for another one, you can  sabit or hang on to any of the rusty bars and handles. But if you decide to do so, you must literally hang on for dear life as it rumbles and weaves through traffic. You should really try this death-defying stunt at least once in your lifetime.

So that's what it looks like! We usually see it in the form of a necklace.

Why it’s in the list:

It’s our national flower.

Unlike other flowers, its sweet smell doesn’t cause dizziness (to me, at least).

A Sun-tanned Carabao (photo by Sally Abella)

Nice to know:

Kalabaw = carabao… the Philippines’ national animal.

Why it’s in the list:

Slow but steady. Doesn’t complain. The Pinoy farmer’s best friend.

photo by Sally Abella

Just so you know:

This three-wheeled personal transporter is also called “padyak, which roughly translates to “stomp”. You can probably guess why.

Why it’s in the list:

Though they sometimes serve as moving obstacles for other vehicles, they’re heaven-sent to “short range” commuters. Especially during flash floods and scorching hot days!

Since they are still considered as pedestrians and are not rigidly restricted by traffic rules, they can take you wherever you want to go: through alleys, across foot bridges, and all those too-cramped-for-a-car areas (given the right price, of course).

The Philippine Flag in action - photo by Sally Abella

This is how the Philippine flag should be vertically displayed.

Why it’s in the list:

The Philippine national flag looks gorgeous!