Manila Commuter

Breastfeeding in the Jeepney

Manila Commuter — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:18:23 +0000

On 10 May 2012, a family of four, consisting of a mom, dad, baby and a young boy, boarded the jeep that I was in and sat across me near the tail end. As the passengers alighted, a cursory gaze suddenly made me aware that the mother across me had pulled up her shirt to bare her left breast in order to breastfeed her baby.

I quickly checked who the other passengers were. Mostly were female, a fact which may have emboldened the woman to breastfeed, especially since her husband was right beside her.

Nevertheless, I would have felt more comfortable if she had placed a small towel across her shoulder, one that’s long enough to loosely drape over her breast and baby’s head to give her some privacy. I was tempted to offer my own towel, but I was apprehensive as to how it may be received, and I didn’t want to bring more attention to the situation, so I desisted.

To Take the Katipunan Jeep or Tricycle to Sweet Inspirations Restaurant

Manila Commuter — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:09:09 +0000

Courtesy of WorldNomads.com

A Sunday Breakfast Buffet I was supposed to meet my family for a Sunday breakfast buffet at Sweet Inspirations on Katipunan Avenue last 06 May 2012. My brother vaguely gave its location as being across Gate 3 of Ateneo University.

Katipunan Jeep So I decided to take the Katipunan jeep. The Katipunan jeepney station is located near the corner of Aurora Blvd. and Katipunan Ave., right under the flyover. There is now a pedestrian bridge across Aurora Blvd. so it was easy to get across. However, I was delayed from boarding the jeep because I didn’t know the Php 8.50 fare would be collected beforehand.

Ateneo Gate 3 Pedestrian Bridge When I alighted, I saw a pedestrian bridge that allows people to get from Ateneo Gate 3 (which is bordered by a wire fence and guarded by security) to the other side.

Jeep or Tricycle It would have been okay if Sweet Inspirations was near the pedestrian bridge. However, after passing KFC, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, etc., I realized belatedly that I should have taken a tricycle because the restaurant was too far from the bridge. The tricycle would have cost me more at Php 17, but I’d rather pay double than slowly bake while trudging along in the sweltering morning heat.

So, on the way back to Aurora Blvd. from Sweet Inspirations, that’s what my sister and I did. We hailed a passing tricycle and squeezed in. And I should remember that when my Katipunan destination is located between Ateneo and Aurora, I should opt for the tricycle.

Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago vs. Mon Tulfo Fight Video

Manila Commuter — Mon, 07 May 2012 07:33:50 +0000

Courtesy of docbengsy21

I heard on the radio while riding the FX that a video had surfaced of the altercation between Claudine Barretto, Raymart Santiago and Mon Tulfo, which I immediately searched for when I got home. Thanks to docbengsy21, there is now a visual documentation of what had been a matter of much heated debate.

Taking Video in Public I have two major concerns. One, the question has been raised about taking video in public without the subject’s permission. I personally use video for my protection. When someone harasses me (such as the police when I used to drive), I whip it out.

In our present culture, it has become the means to document public behavior. Of course, there are times when such videos have caused embarrassment, but there have also been times when they have created opportunities wherein norms can be questioned and improvements encouraged.

In the Claudine - Raymart - Tulfo brouhaha, I think the fact that the airport is a public venue (unless it’s for security reasons) taking of video is acceptable and should be expected, especially of such prominent figures. With Claudine Barretto reportedly creating a scene with her berating a Cebu Pacific Philippines ground steward, she shouldn’t have been surprised when somebody took her video at such a heated moment. And she and her husband had no right to try and take away Tulfo’s cell phone.

Violation of Human Rights My second concern is: what if it had not been Tulfo? What if it had been a more nondescript ordinary run-of-the-mill person? What would have Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago done? Both were ready to physically assault Mon Tulfo without compunction. How could such a person been protected of his human rights?

Thanks to Top 8 Trends for the video link.

Starbucks Philippines Offers Frappuccino at 50% Off During Happy Hour

Manila Commuter — Sat, 05 May 2012 22:28:59 +0000

Tomorrow is Monday, which means you might want to pass by any Starbucks Philippines branch between 2-6pm to avail of the 50% discount on all Frappuccino drinks. This promo is available every Monday till 28 May 2012. Enjoy!

Taking the LRT for the Lea Salonga & Lisa Macuja & Cecile Licad CCP Show

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:25:23 +0000

Courtesy of Lea Salonga

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at the SM Mall of Asia had been creating standstill traffic in the CCP area every Saturday during the months of February and March of 2012. That’s why it was a relief to learn that The Legends and the Classics, starring international artists Cecile Licad, Lisa Macuja and Lea Salonga, suddenly had an additional show on Sunday: 18 March 2012 at 6pm.

Although it would be a longer route than the MRT, I took the purple line or LRT 2 from Cubao all the way to the last station in Recto, before I boarded the LRT 1 at the Doroteo Jose station and then alighted at the Vito Cruz station, where I grabbed a cab to the CCP.

After the show, the way home was the same except I spied the orange CCP jeep, which I boarded eagerly, since the Php 8.50 fare would be much cheaper than the Php 50 or more taxi rate to and from the Vito Cruz LRT 1 station.

With the LRT, the Cultural Center of the Philippines shows have become much more accessible, especially those scheduled in the morning, afternoon, and early evening.

FX to Antipolo Church to Visit Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage

Manila Commuter — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:19:27 +0000

It’s summer and Antipolo is a favorite destination during this period. I found out that it’s very easy to get to the heart of Antipolo with the FX from Cubao (another option is the jeep). The Antipolo Simbahan FX station is the parking lot across Farmer’s Market (flower stalls side) on EDSA. The rate for the 45 minute morning trip on 26 April 2012 was Php 50. The FX station in Antipolo is walking distance from the church, so it’s easy to go back as well.

Tonight, on 30 April 2012, devotees of the Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje will walk from the Quiapo Church at 8pm, to arrive in the early morning hours in Antipolo on 01 May 2012.

Also, something to mark on your calendars is the annual Flores de Mayo on 12 May 2012, where five sagalas from each Ministry will take part in the parade, starting from the famous Antipolo Church at 5pm. You may arrive earlier to attend Mass at 4pm.

From 1-31 May 2012, there will be daily masses for people who wish to make the pilgrimage to Antipolo Church, which houses the revered Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or Birhen ng Antipolo.

Antipolo Church Daily Mass Schedule for 1-31 May 2012
Monday to Friday Masses
AM 5am, 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12nn
PM 4pm, 5pm, 6pm
Saturday Masses
AM 5am, 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12nn
PM 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm
Sunday Masses
AM 4am, 5am, 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12nn
PM 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm

Anne Curtis Volunteers to be Philippines Local Transport Ambassador

Manila Commuter — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:05:31 +0000

Anne Curtis was so committed to honoring her call time that she decided to take the MRT at the BONI station on 17 April 2012 in order to get to the Quezon Avenue station, the nearest to the ABS-CBN studios. PEP reports.

“Nag-MRT ako kasi late na ako na-pullout from Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw, and we were taping all the way in NAIA, so para umabot sa Showtime, nag-MRT ako. I was late siguro mga 10-15 minutes lang.”

When PEP asked the actress as to what her reaction would be if the government offered her the position of ambassador for local public transport, she immediately replied, “Why not? I think it’s so much fun!”

Snackman Hero An All-State Wrestler in High School

Manila Commuter — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:42:55 +0000

Courtesy of CNN

Charles Sonder now has a moniker for his brave actions in the New York subway in March 2012: Snackman.

The 24-year-old architect calmly stepped into the line of fire between a kicking and cursing pair who, thankfully, stopped with his quiet intervention, which he accomplished while munching on potato chips, hence the nickname.

In my opinion, Charles Sonder is an excellent example of how sports can have a positive effect on a person’s character development. Being an all-state wrestler in high school in Rhode Island, Charles Sonder was confident and calm in handling the situation, most probably stemming from an awareness of his own physical capabilities and having faced numerous physical encounters.

MRT & LRT Resume Operations After 2012 Holy Week

Manila Commuter — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:48:51 +0000

Courtesy of Philippine Railways

Holy Week is traditionally the maintenance period of the LRT and MRT lines, closing from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. However, the year 2012 has the unusual occurrence of Monday also being a holiday, resulting in a five day weekend, making our family wonder as to when the LRT and MRT lines will resume. Thankfully, Atty. Hernando Cabrera, spokesperson of the LRT and MRT, tweeted about the situation.

LRT1, LRT2 & MRT3 will resume operations tomorrow Monday April 9. LRT stations will open at 5:00 AM. MRT3 stations will open at 5:30 AM.

Farmers Market Araneta Center Not So Smelly in the Mornings

Manila Commuter — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:30:36 +0000

I dread going to the MRT Araneta Center Cubao station early in the morning (like 6am) because the walkway between Farmers Plaza and Gateway Mall is not yet open, meaning, I have to pass Farmers Market to access the MRT. But there were two delightful surprises on 24 November 2011:

Farmers Market wasn’t so stinky and had limited liquid secretions from unknown sources at around 6am on the morning of 24 November 2011.
The walkway between Farmers Plaza and Gateway Mall is open much earlier than I thought. I passed by around 7.30am of 24 November 2011. I was trying to find a security guard to ask about the exact time, but they were all too busy dealing with the morning commuter traffic so I didn’t disturb them.

LRT 2 Katipunan Station Will Kill Your Cell Phone Signal

Manila Commuter — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:53:50 +0000

Courtesy of Philippine Railways

The LRT 2 Katipunan station has the distinction of being the only station on the purple line that’s underground. So, a few seconds into the tunnel, most cell phone signals will be disrupted before totally disappearing as the train slides beside the Katipunan platform, cutting the mobile phone call completely. This has been my personal experience, and I’ve also seen it happen numerous times with other LRT 2 passengers.

So, if you have an important phone conversation and just a few seconds away from the LRT 2 Katipunan station, make sure to wrap it up, warn the other person and advise that you’ll call back.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 DVD Purchase at Gateway Mall

Manila Commuter — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:47:45 +0000

Courtesy of Warner Brothers Pictures

A spur of the moment decision to buy the recently released DVD of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was aided by the fact that the LRT 2 Araneta Center Cubao station is attached to Gateway Mall, making it a simple process to just walk over to Fully Booked, where it wasn’t available, to Odyssey, where thankfully it was. While I was at it, a Php 199 sale on The Twilight Saga New Moon DVDs prompted me to make an additional purchase.

LRT 2 Santolan Station Manual vs. X-ray Machine Check

Manila Commuter — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:40:52 +0000

Manual Inspection vs. X-ray Machine Scan I find something strange at the LRT 2 Santolan station. Even at peak periods, like 7.30am, majority of the commuters prefer to line up at the longer queues leading to an X-ray machine that checks belongings, even if the manual inspection lines are much shorter.

Non-Exposure to X-rays Personally, the thought of my stuff absorbing minute amounts of X-rays over a prolonged period of time is disturbing, so I always prefer the manual inspection. The only time I subject my bags to the X-ray machine is when I’m forced to do so when it’s the only one available.

Getting the Habit of Throwing Trash in the Trash Can

Manila Commuter — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 02:23:20 +0000

Courtesy of Team Bayani

When I rode a jeep in November 2011, I observed a couple across from me. The man opened a single candy package, put the sweet in his mouth, and then casually let the plastic packaging slip from his fingers through the long “window” opening of the jeepney, to be carried away by the rushing wind.

In contrast, his female companion also opened a piece of candy, but threw the wrapper in the makeshift trash can at the front of the jeepney, which, ironically, was also near the man, making it quite clear that throwing trash in the proper receptacle is a habit. She had it, he didn’t.

And, when a trash can is not available, it would be timely to remember — “Kaonting basura, ibulsa muna (Just pocket small rubbish)” — the signs of which I first saw in the Marikina area before being put up by the MMDA throughout the whole of Metro Manila.

Chopstick House Cubao

Manila Commuter — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:58:40 +0000

Courtesy of Chopstick House

When I exited the LRT 2 Araneta Center Cubao station on 01 November 2011, a trail of Chopstick House ads led me from the station to the fast food restaurant. To my relief, it was open even though it was early and a declared holiday.

Since it was my first time, I was overwhelmed with the choices, so I settled for the simplest — siopao and siomai. The siomai, in particular, was really good. I’m going to go back for some more in the near future. And try out something else.

The Priority Reserved Seat in the MRT Singapore

Manila Commuter — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 01:08:23 +0000

Courtesy of everyday rant & rave

When I rode the LRT 2 or the purple line in the Philippines on 08 November 2011, a mature woman boarded at the Anonas station. I offered her my seat, since it’s my habit to do so.

The incident reminded me of the priority seat in all the MRT trains in Singapore, which basically reserves the ends of each row of seats for the elderly, pregnant, physically challenged and mothers with children.

Most of the time, it does stay empty, waiting for its designated passenger. However, there are times when it will be used by others who are not intended for it. Some of them do give up the seat when a passenger fitting the description for the reserved seat boards the train. And there are times when they do not.

In the Philippines, the elderly, pregnant, physically challenged and parents with children must go to the first coach of the LRT and MRT, where an area is cordoned off for them.

FX Health Concern

Manila Commuter — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:26:37 +0000

To get to the Cogeo area from Cubao, I have the option of taking a Cogeo FX at the Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, which would be more convenient than if I took the LRT, since there’s no need to alight at the Santolan station, and then take a jeep to Cogeo.

However, I’m rethinking this. When I boarded the Cogeo FX today, 01 November 2011, the man beside me coughed terribly, the kind that had phlegm in the lungs. Moreover, he was the gregarious kind, so he kept on conversing with his friend, expelling germs with every word that he spoke.

The danger of inhaling germs in enclosed air did it. I cannot take the chance of catching something that would make me go to the doctor and spend thousands of pesos on medicine.

From tomorrow onward, I’ll take the LRT, where if there was a coughing person, I’ll have the option of simply walking away.

Pregnant Singer Jewel Credits Her Cadillac For Saving Her Life

Manila Commuter — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 06:48:03 +0000

Photo Courtesy of RadarOnline.com
Photo: Getty Images

A Harbin Volunteer Fire Department truck was careening down a Texas street with lights and sirens on full blast when it was stopped on its tracks by a traveling Cadillac SRX. A pregnant woman was inside, who, thankfully, only suffered minor injuries after the accident. It turned out to be famous singer Jewel, who was pregnant with her first child. In a tweet, Jewel credits her Cadillac SRX for her life.

1 thing I do know is my car saved my & my baby’s life. Definitely going to get another Cadillac SRX! It absorbed all the damage and kept me safe!

MRT Singapore Security Measures Against Terrorism

Manila Commuter — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:21:45 +0000

Videos Informing the Public While I was waiting at the Tiong Bahru MRT station, a video was shown of scenes of terrorism in train stations from all over the world. Through acted out scenarios, the public was also informed on what to do just in case there is a suspected incident and what they can do to prevent any act of terrorism.

Eagle Eyed Security Personnel I’ve always wondered why there were no security points upon entry into the MRT stations. An experience by fellow Filipino Marvin Tomandao showed why these were not necessary.

When Marvin innocently had his picture taken inside the MRT station, five security personnel “appeared out of nowhere” to question him and his friends. They were “released” with a warning.

Upon closer scrutiny, one will note that there are numerous security cameras tracking the flow of passengers to and from the stations, and, with vigilant security personnel behind them, there is no need for the physical presence of the guards themselves unless necessary.

MRT Singapore Multi-level Train Stations

Manila Commuter — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:34:57 +0000

Thank goodness I take the MRT and LRT in Manila all the time. Otherwise, I think I would have been totally bamboozled by the MRT Singapore lines.

There are three lines that traverse the city, with certain stations that connect two or even three lines. This implies that four different trains can come into one station at the same time, since the MRT stations are multi-level structures built underground.

What’s nice is that most of the time the different lines are housed within the same station, so that one only needs to go across the same level or take the escalator to a different level.

Several glances at the MRT map are essential for me since I’m still not that familiar with the directions. Also, I do check on a Singapore city map before I go out, which has resulted in correct train choices.

Manila Commuter Relocates to Singapore

Manila Commuter — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:37:43 +0000

I have taken on a job in Singapore. Consequently, my posts will shift from Manila conditions to the ones in Singapore. Inevitably, comparisons will arise since all my experiences are from the Philippines.

In a nutshell, I’m enjoying myself tremendously taking the MRT lines that encompass Singapore. There are three: the green East West line, the red North South line and the purple North East line. Details coming soon.

LRT 1 & 2 with Berso sa Metro from Instituto Cervantes Manila

Manila Commuter — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:01:02 +0000

Since I am presently studying how to write and speak Spanish at the Instituto Cervantes Manila, my eyes are usually drawn to the Berso sa Metro on the LRT trains’ upper walls where they are prominently displayed, reading them silently to find out if I have progressed enough to understand the Spanish poems without resorting to reading the Filipino translations.

Here’s the quotation from the play of celebrated Spanish playwright Pedro Calderon de la Barca (1600-1681) La vida es sueño (Life is a Dream), which was translated into Filipino for the Berso sa Metro campaign.

La vida es sueño

¿Qué es la vida? Un frenesí.
Ano nga ba ang buhay? Isang kahibangan;
¿Qué es la vida? Una ilusión,
Ano nga ba ang buhay? Isang ilusyon;
una sombra, una ficción,
Isang anino, isang kasinungalingan,
y el mayor bien es pequeño;
At ang malalaking biyaya’y maliliit pa rin,
que toda la vida es sueño,
Dahil ang buhay ay isa lamang pangarap
y los sueños, sueños son.
At ang mga pangarap ay pangarap lamang.

And, even though I only started studying Spanish recently (finishing two out of the ten to fifteen Spanish levels that I am planning to take), I discover with great pleasure that I can understand enough to get the gist of what the Berso sa Metro poems are saying.

The promotional reading campaign of the Berso sa Metro project is spearheaded by Instituto Cervantes in collaboration with the Light Rail Transit Authority, the Metrostar Express, the National Historic Institute and the Committee for the Filipino-Spanish Friendship Day.

No LRT 1 Trains for Eight Minutes

Manila Commuter — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:16:47 +0000

12 October 2009 was a strange day, LRT wise. Although I left almost at the same time, the LRT 2 was fuller than usual, plus, I saw grade school children accompanied by parents, something that I don’t remember seeing before.

And then, when I entered the LRT 1 Doroteo Jose station, I was met with the sight of at least three feet deep of waiting passengers. It was 7.02am, approximately the same time that I have arrived on the mornings for the past month.

The cause of the situation became clear when no LRT 1 train arrived within the next few minutes. With the number of passengers increasing to almost five feet deep, I made a decision to exit the station at 7.10am, eight minutes after having entered the LRT 1 station.

Although I was charged Php 12, I did not bother to argue the deduction, since I had to be on Gen. Malvar St. by 7.30am. Thankfully, I guessed correctly as to which jeep to take and arrived on time.

LRT 2 Araneta Center Cubao Station Overzealous Bag Checkers

Manila Commuter — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:26:16 +0000

If you board the LRT 2 at the Araneta Center Cubao station, then you’ll probably know what I’m talking about — the long lines that form in front of the security staff during the peak hours. It’s because the security staff members search the bags meticulously. Too meticulously, I think.

Of course, security is an important matter, but, it can be taken to unnecessary heights. I think observation of the person and his demeanor is also important.

So, if you have to board the LRT 2 at this particular station, allot a period for the inspection if you go during the peak hours. The longest I’ve stayed in line is around 8-10 minutes. Curiously, this does not occur in any other MRT or LRT station, not even its counterpart in the MRT Araneta Center Cubao station.

Shanties Seen From the LRT 1 & 2 Walkway

Manila Commuter — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:50:35 +0000

As I walk through the LRT 1 and 2 covered walkway, I always feel astounded at the architecture of the shanties that are right beside the structure. These mini condominiums rise approximately at least between 3-5 stories, each one comparable to a miniscule studio.

Somehow, electricity is funneled into these “buildings” because the sounds of a TV show or loud music can be sporadically heard, while the presence of light bulbs can also be discerned.

And, even with the onslaught of the destructive Typhoon Ondoy, these shanties remain upright, teetering somehow amidst the winds and rains. Remarkable!