My early morning tour
@chipesterkhan (2925)
Philippines
June 14, 2010 7:23pm CST
Took a cab today from Bambang, STa. Cruz cause my car's still in the shop.
I had a 7:30 obligation and it was already 6:10AM
I didn't know it was the first day of classes in Manila
and boy traffic was everywhere
and the taxi i rode in had strange rattling, clunking noises
but the taxi driver was extra friendly and quite informative
I let him take whatever route he fancied just as long as i'd reach my destination on time
so he did
and off i went on an adventure that brought me to the underside of Nagtahan bridge, so i got a view of where the Flood Control place is, and then Pureza
A few quick maneuvers and we were in V Mapa, and traffic there was worse so he headed for Manalo (I'm trying to remember all the streets we passed through) which was clearer
He told me that this place was underwater during the "Ondoy". I wonder if people still remember that...
A few more dodgy sidesteps and we were in San Juan... and I was mesmerized by the feeling of being in a really old place. He pointed out houses owned by the Estradas, the Marcoses, The Manalos etcetera etcetera all the while weaving in and out of traffic. Gotta admire the multitasking ability of this guy.
He drove and talked history as if it was the easiest thing to do and he had answers to my questions. Very rare to be in a cab that has a driver with that quality.
We finally exited very near the flyover going to One San Miguel and arrived in Tektite at 7:28. All in all my travel time took around an hour and 8 minutes
Paid the guy 200 pesos for all his trouble. The bill on the meter wasn't that much though, about 130. Had to give a generous tip since he went through all the trouble of getting me to my destination on time and being an impromptu tour guide.
Every cent spent on that ride was all worth it!
1 person likes this
6 responses
@pabreen (237)
• Philippines
15 Jun 10
I'm glad you had a good experience with that taxi driver. Often times when I go down I happen to come across taxi drivers who would pass by routes which are very far from my destination. Perhaps because they saw my innocence on the roads of metro manila, thus forcing me to pay more than the expected bill.
But, if I was able to ride a taxi with a cordial driver I would not hesitate to give more than my actual bill to show appreciation on his gesture. How I wish we have more concerned taxi drivers like him.
1 person likes this
@hexeduser22 (7253)
• Philippines
15 Jun 10
That was one great adventure. I sure hope all the cab drivers in the country are like him.
If I were in your position I would also do the same, if and only if my budget is not that tight
I wont be caught in traffic later but surely I'm gonna be squeezed in the LRT
I wont be caught in traffic later but surely I'm gonna be squeezed in the LRT1 person likes this
@CJscott (4187)
• Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
26 Jun 10
Sounds like quite the taxi ride, I personally would get a little nervous with such a cabby, though I would love all the information and the being on time thing.
Sounds like you had a good time, perhaps you should think to call him personally or request his services next time you use that cab company, I used to specifically ask for drivers when I took cabs on a semi-regular basis.
Sincerely and With Appreciation.
@labea17 (443)
• Philippines
15 Jun 10
Oh yeah, traffic is really everywhere today.
About the taxi that you rode, must be really fun. He is definitely like a tour guide. Some taxi drivers are arrogant and would charge you a lot of money and their reason would be because they had to take different routes just to avoid traffic, but the one you rode was different. Lucky you!
@pinoyblogger (397)
• Philippines
15 Jun 10
Traffic is really a major concern in the Metro. The taxi driver was really good. Some drivers though won't maneuver you out of the traffic. Instead, they will join the traffic jam to gain more money. I had a experience on these kind of taxi drivers. I hope more and more taxi drivers will be like the taxi driver who drove you to your destination.
