Driving in the Philippines is an adventure every time I get behind the wheel. Expect the unexpected is an understatement. Driving here is a game of inches.. Driving laws if they exist are useless. If you drive here forget About how you use to drive. Pretend you are in a giant video game and try not to kill anyone, smash into jeepneys, trikes, motorcycles, and pedicabs. Learn to avoid obsticals like motorcycles carrying 3 adults and 2 babies. This is only the beginning.
The first time I rode a bike in the Philippines, I was going home at night in the province. Even with my helmet on, I could hear a noise and it was getting louder. At the last second, the approaching jeepney driver turned on his lights. Scared the sh*t out of me. But my brother in law told me that it's common because they're trying to save the headlight globe life. I have ridden all my life and my job required me to pass a safe rider course every 2 years, so I consider myself a very safe rider. But that means nothing to the idiots I've seen on the roads of the Philippines.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 I was leaving Moalboal and a Cebu taxi had just dropped a customer off, so I approached him and got a good deal for him to take me back with him. I sat in the back with my headphones on and zoned out. I woke up because the car was jerking to a halt every so often. I asked the driver if there was a problem but he said, no problem sir. We made it down the mountain to Carcar then headed on the highway towards Naga. After more stopping and starting, I was getting worried because we were drifting into the oncoming lanes. And then it happened, we came to a complete stop in the fast lane. I looked in the mirror and saw that the driver was asleep :-) I woke him up, told him to pull over and I would drive the rest of the way. He bought a bottle of water and splashed some on his face and we got to my hotel. When they say they work 24 hours on and 24 hours off, it's true.
Here in Bacolod, we have traffic lights at most major intersections. They are turned on at 6am and off at 10pm and we have quite few that are just off. Virtually no traffic enforcement. I have only had one accident and it wasn’t with another vehicle, a carabao didn’t like my red hyundai so he attacked. 7 years and 80,000 kms, driving here keeps me young, you have to be focused.
The thing that bugs me is that people will nearly always pull into the lane without so much as a glance over thier shoulder. Just pull right out . F .u if you have to slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid them . That is why everytime a person is on the side of the road the ones passing beep the horn . They know what is coming . Then the offender is surprised when they pull into a large truck and get run over . For me after a few years it's no more Mr nice guy . Cut me off im at least blowing my horn .
The key word is expectation’s. If you do something other drivers don’t expect there will be a problem. When you are a guest in their country you need to adjust to their expectations.
What happens is, the person pays the down payment and has a new car. They then make the payments for maybe 6 months then stop making the payments. About 12-18 months later the bank contacts them asking where the payments are. The person tells them that due to some financial difficulties they can no longer make the payments and wish the surrender the vehicle. This process then takes about 1 year before the bank contacts them to repossess the car. So basically they get a free car for about 2-3 years. As long as they inform the bank they cannot make the payments and wish to surrender, it doesn't affect their credit rating. And then the circle starts over again. My advice as well get a dashcam for cars and helmet cam for motorcycles. That way if you have an accident you have video proof, whether it's your fault or not.
When we were traveling around Mindanao I liked to ride the little airport-style bus but my wife had friends there, one of whom was a "professional" driver. In the Philippines this is the worst possible option. We ended up involved in an accident and a five-hour trip to Cagayan d'Oro became NINE hours. The reason is easy to understand. Professional drivers are paid per trip. If they can make eight trips per shift, they are paid for eight. If they can make twelve trips? Yes, 50% more income. They drive as if possessed.
Rod, recently I sat at a red light here on Guam for over 3 minutes with NO opposing traffic. Talk about frustrating! Traffic lights only mess things up in the Philippines... look at Manila! But I do enjoy driving there (most days)... it's good mental exercise!
Hi,Rod so you drive a motorbike,that's great that's more encouragement for me to start I haven't driven since I left US I had a couple different Harleys few years back I want to get small Suzuki ✌️ thanks Rod
I regret to say, but I'm not all that keen on the driving standards in the Philippines. The authorities certainly do have their work cut out by reeling in unlicensed / uninsured driver's & motorcyclists. You as a foreigner have a mishap with any uninsured driver or rider you will be required by their law to settle the damages and shoulder liability. Not fare by any means.
We can just text while driving.. Was just keeping safe officer. Had to make few illegal turns to stay away from active cases. Just following IATF, DOH standards Sir.
That was a nice ride and talk, thanks Rod I always enjoy them. I like to hire a scooter when I’m in the Philippines but I have no ambition to drive one around the city, so I’m grateful to you for that experience.
I had to take tricycles everywhere the first two trips i took to the Phils. Just to figure out what they were doing and try to understand the "traffic culture". My conclusion. Forget everything they taught us in "the west". No one follows the "right of way from the right". No one stops for pedestrians, unless a traffic officer stops them. It's simply. Who dares wins.
Just got back from Luzon. " Who dares Wins" I can identify with that. My impression is that when you come to an uncontrolled intersection, the rule is "don't hit anybody and don't get hit". You truly need a sixth sense.
Organized chaos, agressive defensive is driving in the Philippines. Driving outside of the cities is totally different in the provinces. Helmets are optional, most people pass on helmets 4-5 people on a scooter is common. most common road rules are ignored, yielding, right of way, tailgaiting, passing in corners. Looiking before pulling into traffic is seldom done. Even with 25 years of driving an 18 wheeler, it's always an experience just to go to the store. I have stopped driving at night. Easily 40-50% of scooters do not have headlights and half of those have no lights at all. LOL, it is always easy to be warned of a license/registration checkpoint ahead. Ther will be two dozen or more scooters stopped on the side of the road waiting for the officers to go to lunch or close the checkpoint. There was a brgy or two that actually banned wearing helmets, too many drive by robberies, snatch and goes and shootings, couldn't ID the bad guys
Good description of driving in Philippines, did drive also in Manila and suroundings, i like the driving there, it's more fun then in Europe. There are almost no rules but everyone is just carefull on the road, that's my impression
Another great video I like driving here in cebu, its always adventure, and you have be aware of your surroundings, never be in a hurry, other than that no problem. Thank you again my friend
I can tell by the light traffic, this video was shot on Sunday. If the local gov cares about public road safety, every major road intersections should have a timer traffic light that are program correctly. So really your driving patience is tested here to say the least.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 hence the words, "program correctly" based on time of day. Btw, since you go to IT Park a lot, notice the traffic light they installed in there before the pandemic outbreak. It's never been use out there. It's like a decoration. That picture itself is worth a thousand words and so as many crossings you'll see around town.
You're not wrong Rod. We got crashed into at Damulog whilst left turning towards the Hardware store on our little Kawasaki 100cc. A habalhabal young fellow overtook us at speed on the incorrect side, (left). Lina and i ended up on the road, me with the bike on top of me. A couple of helpful young men lifted the bike off me. Lina was looking for a piece of 2x4 to break it over the habalhabal guys head, LOL We got grazes and bruises from that. Police were involved but i declined the offer to press charges on the young guy who possibly had no money. Had it been the other way around, i shudder to think what it would have cost us. LOL.
I am British and I have a Philippine driving license, LTO have become very strict now there rules are as good as other countries like UK for safety, but I found a lot of the drivers if they was to take the test again would fail... especially the trike and jeepneys they dont indicate and just pull out..
@@AmazingPhilippines1 yes, you will always get fixers and dodgy papers, but when I done my test it was all above board! I done it legally through the correct channels, I did get stunned by a 7k dodgy license in the past but learnt from that scam, so i just done it all legal .. LTO and indeed Philippine government really clamping down now... which is needed tbh
I wish they would really enforce this, but then it seems like if they do this, there is indeed significant amount of people will fail and will cause protest thinking that test become anti-poor. So doing this is really unpopular for any politician to do if they wish to remain in political career. So politically government seems purposefully making it lax even though they can literally collect fines out of it, means revenue for the government. I hope at least generation by generation, newer drivers will be better and more discipline than the old batch. What's hard is how many old drivers that will still drive recklessly as they used to. Its a long wait but a sad reality.
Given that I had years of driving experience in Manila and traffic was way worse there than this, I don't think I have the confidence to drive there anymore road rage, traffic, unsafe u-turns. They just feel super weird now that I've gotten used to a very safe driving environment, I was born in the Philippines and I was used to how Filipinos drive around, especially the PUV's that feels like they own the road haha, but like after migrating I was shocked of how unusual the driving environment is compared to the PH but not just Canada but other countries as well, Though in Canada I liked it very well and got used to it after a few months, speed is also another factor in the Philippines, where here in Canada you have to match the traffic flow so that you won't experience traffic congestions but in the Philippines however, they just roll whatever they want overtaking is unsafe there as well because I saw drivers mostly motorcycle drivers tend to overtake on solid white/yellow lines they even jump along the sidewalk as they see fit if there's no civilian, as long as they get from point A to B and that's because as you've said it's rare to find traffic enforcers on the road and road rage is pretty common there.
Stayed just behind the Country Mall at Montebello Villa Hotel. Very nice & affordable. Great breakfast to order next to the Olympic pool. Convenient to Country Mall. Sunday Drivers! lol Thumbs up Rod.
I live in Cebu. I can't imagine subways as being a viable option for them. There is flooding from rains too often. Overhead rails would make much more sense to me.
All of my siblings know how to ride motorcycles, but not me; nor will I. Anyway, I also had road rage a couple of times because of the motorcycle riders overtaking on the shoulders: I was trying to join traffic in a busy street and I have my hazards on, but I guess nobody knows how they work or what it meant anyway.
Thanks again rod. I know it's pure chaos but I still kind of miss it. In general the drivers seem to be pretty good in terms of a "miss as good as a mile"! It would be interesting to know the fatality and injuries statistics considering that most people are in motorbikes that have no protection compared to places like the US. Last time I was there I saw one wreck happen but in three other previous visits I didn't see a single wreck. Each time I drove quite a bit around the NCR as well as throughout the island of Luzon. When I got back I saw three accidents on my way home in the first 15 miles of driving, go figure.
I have been surprise also at how few accidents there seems to be. Part of it is the slower speeds generally perhaps. I looked for vehicles with damages and seldom see any. Probably lots of "minor" bumps though.
How they think ? they're scared to actually drive (they steer) because they've never really learned how and afraid to admit it. Combine that with arrogance along with "Face" and you have the quintessential male driver here. The drivers here DEMAND respect but refuse to give it to others. The bigger the vehicle the more right of way they feel they have. The new municipal buses are the worst (ex-Jeepny drivers) Been driving in Cebu and Bohol for 5 years. Multi-cab , tinted windows, automatic. Been scraped 9 times. Traffic is so slow they're just scrapes. They naturally assume I'm a Filipino - see the no respect comment. Sand, spray paint, wax. Which is why I bought a multicab instead of a much more expensive car. I do have 2, 4 total, front and rear dash cams. As I said - scraped 9 times - get hit, step out, as soon as they see I'm a Kano, they start yelling about calling PNP. Show them the dash cams, They back off and leave. I did also install 2 sets 3 trumpet truck horns. I notice that road rage is becoming mush more prevalent here. Simple "toot" dosen't work like it did 5 years ago when a car is doing something stupid - right turn directly into left lane - because motor is turning with them on inside - as you're left turning into same lane - or left turn when we're oncoming and up to speed going straight. Only real chance of serious accident is on Bohol. Stupid fecking van and SUV drivers will do 100 KmH at night and pass others on blind curves. When I do walk at night have an extremely bright "strobe" flashlight I use. Otherwise they pay no attention to pedestrians. Even old ladies with a walker. Correct about checkpoints - Tagbilaran - incoming from Tubigan - only on main road.
Luckily the speeds at which people drive there in the Philippines aren't what they are here in the states so I believe accidents are typically fender benders there in the Philippines compared to the mangled wrecks we see here.
wear some motocycle boots Rod.....and might consider put littl alarm siren for horn......i put on all my scooters a alarm siren horn and it really gets attention......never hesitate to use it......
i wish you just get rid motobike altogether Rod....( maybe once in awhile out in province .....but > ..esp in cebu city...there is no such thing as you get in any kinda collision....it is deemed your fault and why would you gamble that kind of liability.? ....c'mon Rod........move out to province life ......if you wanna scoot.....
On Bahol a couple of years ago at a check point, the officer In charge, proudly announced that 50% of bikers now have a driving licence, which presumably means some also have some sort of Insurance. I'm not sure, If he was Including the dozens of bikes parked up 1/4 of a mile either side of the checkpoint In his calculations, waiting for the police to go to lunch so they could continue their journey. More fun In the Philippine's... Where the hell do you come from then!😊
A lot of people here Rod don't seem to follow the rules when it comes to driving it's insane I don't drive here I get road rage too easliy LOL. Driving here in the Philippines is like the complete opposite of how you would drive in America
I have never seen Cebu roads with less traffic on, I still have my high bar custom V Max Yamaha 1200cc bike in Lapu Lapu in storage...good video, Ray in the UK.... I shall return...where is BILLY'S new club/bar please ? I know Billy quite well...cheers
I stopped by Billy's last night with a friend Ray. Billy's is on Escario St east of Gorordo Ave a block or 2. Pretty quiet last night at 3 places we stopped at.
Hey Rod. You are my goto guy and have been for some time. I'm just about ready to finally retire need some info about shipping my Harley down there. Hopefully you or one of your followers know a trustworthy co.
I have heard that it is very expensive with huge customs fees John. Yesterday a guy told me customs would be about 110% so he decided not to ship. Not sure of the accuracy but I have heard similar from other commenters.
Cool Jeffrey. Nice bike. I paid 500 pesos for liability. A friend paid about 4000 pesos for more full coverage and I would suggest getting it. They tightened the license laws a few years ago. LTO is the agency that handle this. I have heard it is easier to get in the province than in the city offices.
Each nation handles that differently Gordon. I have heard it is useless here and someone stated it helped them pass a checkpoint, probably because the PNP member didn't know what he was looking at.
Hi rod. Great video great information and very informative.beautifull day there today. When I was back in Cebu we had to go too keeple house for Arlene's visa application for coming to Australia. The lady there at the Australian and New Zealand consalute. Told me to be paitent and I said well tell all thetge jeepney drivers and bus and taxi drivers to stop beeping there horns.she said they do that to let tricycle and others that there beeping to tell them that there coming through hehehehee I said ok lang heheheheee Hoping to get home next year have a great day .I enjoy your videos and it's great to see home again rod. 🇵🇭 Scott expat in the Philippines 🇵🇭 arleneINDAYLYNZ 🌴🌴🌴🌴🇵🇭🤠🇦🇺🌴🌴🌴🌴
i agree with you i agree with you Rod there crazy drivers in Bogo they just go straight through red lights we do have lights in the town now 3 sets and may of times they just dont give way when coming out on the main roads there suppose to give way to the hiway nope they don't i swore at a guy tooting me and so on he was just Buang (Crazy in filipino) we only have 25 million people in Australia might be 26 by now though !!!!Yes Rod also i swore at man in front was turning but no signal to turn on his lights he got a mouth fall from me to idiot he was !!!!!
@@sillystuff6247 they don’t require oil or gas just plug them in and hopefully I can get another battery to charge it while I’m rolling with it not there yet in august I be there
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Driving in the Philippines is an adventure every time I get behind the wheel. Expect the unexpected is an understatement. Driving here is a game of inches.. Driving laws if they exist are useless. If you drive here forget About how you use to drive. Pretend you are in a giant video game and try not to kill anyone, smash into jeepneys, trikes, motorcycles, and pedicabs. Learn to avoid obsticals like motorcycles carrying 3 adults and 2 babies. This is only the beginning.
LOL! All very good points!
The first time I rode a bike in the Philippines, I was going home at night in the province. Even with my helmet on, I could hear a noise and it was getting louder. At the last second, the approaching jeepney driver turned on his lights. Scared the sh*t out of me. But my brother in law told me that it's common because they're trying to save the headlight globe life.
I have ridden all my life and my job required me to pass a safe rider course every 2 years, so I consider myself a very safe rider. But that means nothing to the idiots I've seen on the roads of the Philippines.
LOL. I have been told they don't need lights because they know the road also Alex. Crazy!
@@AmazingPhilippines1 I was leaving Moalboal and a Cebu taxi had just dropped a customer off, so I approached him and got a good deal for him to take me back with him. I sat in the back with my headphones on and zoned out. I woke up because the car was jerking to a halt every so often. I asked the driver if there was a problem but he said, no problem sir. We made it down the mountain to Carcar then headed on the highway towards Naga. After more stopping and starting, I was getting worried because we were drifting into the oncoming lanes. And then it happened, we came to a complete stop in the fast lane. I looked in the mirror and saw that the driver was asleep :-) I woke him up, told him to pull over and I would drive the rest of the way. He bought a bottle of water and splashed some on his face and we got to my hotel. When they say they work 24 hours on and 24 hours off, it's true.
Here in Bacolod, we have traffic lights at most major intersections. They are turned on at 6am and off at 10pm and we have quite few that are just off. Virtually no traffic enforcement. I have only had one accident and it wasn’t with another vehicle, a carabao didn’t like my red hyundai so he attacked. 7 years and 80,000 kms, driving here keeps me young, you have to be focused.
LOL! Poor carabao! Interesting info about Bacolod Gordy.
The thing that bugs me is that people will nearly always pull into the lane without so much as a glance over thier shoulder. Just pull right out . F .u if you have to slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid them .
That is why everytime a person is on the side of the road the ones passing beep the horn . They know what is coming .
Then the offender is surprised when they pull into a large truck and get run over .
For me after a few years it's no more Mr nice guy . Cut me off im at least blowing my horn .
The key word is expectation’s. If you do something other drivers don’t expect there will be a problem. When you are a guest in their country you need to adjust to their expectations.
Well said Robert.
What happens is, the person pays the down payment and has a new car. They then make the payments for maybe 6 months then stop making the payments. About 12-18 months later the bank contacts them asking where the payments are. The person tells them that due to some financial difficulties they can no longer make the payments and wish the surrender the vehicle. This process then takes about 1 year before the bank contacts them to repossess the car. So basically they get a free car for about 2-3 years. As long as they inform the bank they cannot make the payments and wish to surrender, it doesn't affect their credit rating. And then the circle starts over again. My advice as well get a dashcam for cars and helmet cam for motorcycles. That way if you have an accident you have video proof, whether it's your fault or not.
Interesting information. Dashcam is a must here, I agree.
I drive for a living and my experience in Manila and Cebu was nothing short of scary. When we relocate there I will hire a driver.
I'm planning to visit my good friend Airen in about 7 months. This video was helpful to prepare driving in the Philippines.
Cool! Enjoy your trip Ronda!
When we were traveling around Mindanao I liked to ride the little airport-style bus but my wife had friends there, one of whom was a "professional" driver. In the Philippines this is the worst possible option. We ended up involved in an accident and a five-hour trip to Cagayan d'Oro became NINE hours.
The reason is easy to understand. Professional drivers are paid per trip. If they can make eight trips per shift, they are paid for eight. If they can make twelve trips? Yes, 50% more income. They drive as if possessed.
I have used the Vhires on occasion also and they often drive very aggressively, taking many unnecessary risks Joe.
Rod, recently I sat at a red light here on Guam for over 3 minutes with NO opposing traffic. Talk about frustrating! Traffic lights only mess things up in the Philippines... look at Manila! But I do enjoy driving there (most days)... it's good mental exercise!
Thanks for the driving lesson in the circle! That was a great demo of what can go wrong.
That close call has happened to me twice and have only been on the circle 4 times, so 50% of the time Gary. Not a good risk factor.
Hi,Rod so you drive a motorbike,that's great that's more encouragement for me to start I haven't driven since I left US I had a couple different Harleys few years back I want to get small Suzuki ✌️ thanks Rod
I regret to say, but I'm not all that keen on the driving standards in the Philippines. The authorities certainly do have their work cut out by reeling in unlicensed / uninsured driver's & motorcyclists. You as a foreigner have a mishap with any uninsured driver or rider you will be required by their law to settle the damages and shoulder liability. Not fare by any means.
We can just text while driving..
Was just keeping safe officer.
Had to make few illegal turns to stay away from active cases.
Just following IATF, DOH standards Sir.
That was a nice ride and talk, thanks Rod I always enjoy them. I like to hire a scooter when I’m in the Philippines but I have no ambition to drive one around the city, so I’m grateful to you for that experience.
I don't usually ride in the city either Brian. Sundays are less traffic usually...unless it was payday and more people out spending.
I had to take tricycles everywhere the first two trips i took to the Phils. Just to figure out what they were doing and try to understand the "traffic culture". My conclusion. Forget everything they taught us in "the west". No one follows the "right of way from the right". No one stops for pedestrians, unless a traffic officer stops them. It's simply. Who dares wins.
LOL! Good points John.
Just got back from Luzon. " Who dares Wins" I can identify with that. My impression is that when you come to an uncontrolled intersection, the rule is "don't hit anybody and don't get hit". You truly need a sixth sense.
Organized chaos, agressive defensive is driving in the Philippines. Driving outside of the cities is totally different in the provinces. Helmets are optional, most people pass on helmets 4-5 people on a scooter is common. most common road rules are ignored, yielding, right of way, tailgaiting, passing in corners. Looiking before pulling into traffic is seldom done. Even with 25 years of driving an 18 wheeler, it's always an experience just to go to the store. I have stopped driving at night. Easily 40-50% of scooters do not have headlights and half of those have no lights at all. LOL, it is always easy to be warned of a license/registration checkpoint ahead. Ther will be two dozen or more scooters stopped on the side of the road waiting for the officers to go to lunch or close the checkpoint. There was a brgy or two that actually banned wearing helmets, too many drive by robberies, snatch and goes and shootings, couldn't ID the bad guys
Better to drive at night with NV goggles - passive safety features lol
LOL! I agree with the no driving at night. Too many obstacles and no lights for many.
Good description of driving in Philippines, did drive also in Manila and suroundings, i like the driving there, it's more fun then in Europe. There are almost no rules but everyone is just carefull on the road, that's my impression
I could drive here but prefer not to most of the time Peter.
Another great video I like driving here in cebu, its always adventure, and you have be aware of your surroundings, never be in a hurry, other than that no problem. Thank you again my friend
Glad you enjoyed it/
I can tell by the light traffic, this video was shot on Sunday. If the local gov cares about public road safety, every major road intersections should have a timer traffic light that are program correctly. So really your driving patience is tested here to say the least.
The lights that are working in the city are very long also Elmer, and you are correct, they should be timed.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 hence the words, "program correctly" based on time of day. Btw, since you go to IT Park a lot, notice the traffic light they installed in there before the pandemic outbreak. It's never been use out there. It's like a decoration. That picture itself is worth a thousand words and so as many crossings you'll see around town.
You're not wrong Rod. We got crashed into at Damulog whilst left turning towards the Hardware store on our little Kawasaki 100cc. A habalhabal young fellow overtook us at speed on the incorrect side, (left). Lina and i ended up on the road, me with the bike on top of me. A couple of helpful young men lifted the bike off me. Lina was looking for a piece of 2x4 to break it over the habalhabal guys head, LOL We got grazes and bruises from that. Police were involved but i declined the offer to press charges on the young guy who possibly had no money. Had it been the other way around, i shudder to think what it would have cost us. LOL.
LOL! I have an experienced rider American friend here also who has told me about several "surprises" by other riders Bob.
That ride wasn't too bad. It's not exactly safe there, but it's doable once you know how things go out on the road.
It was on a Sunday with much less traffic Terry. It is doable, I agree.
I am British and I have a Philippine driving license, LTO have become very strict now there rules are as good as other countries like UK for safety, but I found a lot of the drivers if they was to take the test again would fail... especially the trike and jeepneys they dont indicate and just pull out..
Interesting. It varies by region I think and still a lot of "fixers" and selling of licenses.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 yes, you will always get fixers and dodgy papers, but when I done my test it was all above board! I done it legally through the correct channels, I did get stunned by a 7k dodgy license in the past but learnt from that scam, so i just done it all legal .. LTO and indeed Philippine government really clamping down now... which is needed tbh
I wish they would really enforce this, but then it seems like if they do this, there is indeed significant amount of people will fail and will cause protest thinking that test become anti-poor. So doing this is really unpopular for any politician to do if they wish to remain in political career. So politically government seems purposefully making it lax even though they can literally collect fines out of it, means revenue for the government.
I hope at least generation by generation, newer drivers will be better and more discipline than the old batch. What's hard is how many old drivers that will still drive recklessly as they used to. Its a long wait but a sad reality.
do we have to keep off the road one day a week depending on your registration number in Dagupan
City
Given that I had years of driving experience in Manila and traffic was way worse there than this, I don't think I have the confidence to drive there anymore road rage, traffic, unsafe u-turns. They just feel super weird now that I've gotten used to a very safe driving environment, I was born in the Philippines and I was used to how Filipinos drive around, especially the PUV's that feels like they own the road haha, but like after migrating I was shocked of how unusual the driving environment is compared to the PH but not just Canada but other countries as well, Though in Canada I liked it very well and got used to it after a few months, speed is also another factor in the Philippines, where here in Canada you have to match the traffic flow so that you won't experience traffic congestions but in the Philippines however, they just roll whatever they want overtaking is unsafe there as well because I saw drivers mostly motorcycle drivers tend to overtake on solid white/yellow lines they even jump along the sidewalk as they see fit if there's no civilian, as long as they get from point A to B and that's because as you've said it's rare to find traffic enforcers on the road and road rage is pretty common there.
You make many good points and it is difficult to adjust to the "few rules observed" here while driving. I don't think it will change any time soon.
In the provinces, the only driving rule is that if you drive slow enough you can do anything you want. It's all a game of Chicken.
LOL!
Stayed just behind the Country Mall at Montebello Villa Hotel. Very nice & affordable. Great breakfast to order next to the Olympic pool. Convenient to Country Mall. Sunday Drivers! lol Thumbs up Rod.
Montebello is a very nice place Don. I will have to get back over there one day for a visit.
I live in Cebu. I can't imagine subways as being a viable option for them. There is flooding from rains too often. Overhead rails would make much more sense to me.
I think the overhead rail is being studied now.
All of my siblings know how to ride motorcycles, but not me; nor will I. Anyway, I also had road rage a couple of times because of the motorcycle riders overtaking on the shoulders: I was trying to join traffic in a busy street and I have my hazards on, but I guess nobody knows how they work or what it meant anyway.
Few people know the rules here or obey them Harold. Crazy.
Thanks again rod. I know it's pure chaos but I still kind of miss it. In general the drivers seem to be pretty good in terms of a "miss as good as a mile"! It would be interesting to know the fatality and injuries statistics considering that most people are in motorbikes that have no protection compared to places like the US. Last time I was there I saw one wreck happen but in three other previous visits I didn't see a single wreck. Each time I drove quite a bit around the NCR as well as throughout the island of Luzon. When I got back I saw three accidents on my way home in the first 15 miles of driving, go figure.
I have been surprise also at how few accidents there seems to be. Part of it is the slower speeds generally perhaps. I looked for vehicles with damages and seldom see any. Probably lots of "minor" bumps though.
How they think ? they're scared to actually drive (they steer) because they've never really learned how and afraid to admit it. Combine that with arrogance along with "Face" and you have the quintessential male driver here.
The drivers here DEMAND respect but refuse to give it to others. The bigger the vehicle the more right of way they feel they have. The new municipal buses are the worst (ex-Jeepny drivers)
Been driving in Cebu and Bohol for 5 years. Multi-cab , tinted windows, automatic. Been scraped 9 times. Traffic is so slow they're just scrapes. They naturally assume I'm a Filipino - see the no respect comment. Sand, spray paint, wax. Which is why I bought a multicab instead of a much more expensive car.
I do have 2, 4 total, front and rear dash cams. As I said - scraped 9 times - get hit, step out, as soon as they see I'm a Kano, they start yelling about calling PNP. Show them the dash cams, They back off and leave. I did also install 2 sets 3 trumpet truck horns.
I notice that road rage is becoming mush more prevalent here. Simple "toot" dosen't work like it did 5 years ago when a car is doing something stupid - right turn directly into left lane - because motor is turning with them on inside - as you're left turning into same lane - or left turn when we're oncoming and up to speed going straight.
Only real chance of serious accident is on Bohol. Stupid fecking van and SUV drivers will do 100 KmH at night and pass others on blind curves.
When I do walk at night have an extremely bright "strobe" flashlight I use. Otherwise they pay no attention to pedestrians. Even old ladies with a walker.
Correct about checkpoints - Tagbilaran - incoming from Tubigan - only on main road.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience Lamoe. I pretty much refuse to drive at night. Too many hazards and no lights on many vehicles.
Luckily the speeds at which people drive there in the Philippines aren't what they are here in the states so I believe accidents are typically fender benders there in the Philippines compared to the mangled wrecks we see here.
You are correct. Speed has a big impact on impacts. LOL!
I am dismayed at the city here in Bayawan putting up five new stoplights. Time to move to a smaller city soon…
LOL! Some times traffic signals just slow the traffic Tony.
wear some motocycle boots Rod.....and might consider put littl alarm siren for horn......i put on all my scooters a alarm siren horn and it really gets attention......never hesitate to use it......
Yes, I need some protective clothing matteo. There are so many load horns out there now, one would think it was a train station.
i wish you just get rid motobike altogether Rod....( maybe once in awhile out in province .....but > ..esp in cebu city...there is no such thing as you get in any kinda collision....it is deemed your fault and why would you gamble that kind of liability.? ....c'mon Rod........move out to province life ......if you wanna scoot.....
Video on best places to drive in? Strictest cities to drive in? Grab available in cebu city?
On Bahol a couple of years ago at a check point, the officer In charge, proudly announced that 50% of bikers now have a driving licence, which presumably means some also have some sort of Insurance. I'm not sure, If he was Including the dozens of bikes parked up 1/4 of a mile either side of the checkpoint In his calculations, waiting for the police to go to lunch so they could continue their journey. More fun In the Philippine's... Where the hell do you come from then!😊
LOL! 50% might be a bit high but I know it is common for people to "buy" their license here using "agents".
Nice tour
Thanks Michael.
A lot of people here Rod don't seem to follow the rules when it comes to driving it's insane I don't drive here I get road rage too easliy LOL. Driving here in the Philippines is like the complete opposite of how you would drive in America
LOL! That is life in the Philippines. Lots of tolerance.
No one follow the rules because no one enforce the law.
Then dont drive
Yeah I enjoyed the river taxi's when I was in Thailand 👍
Wow I can not believe how light the traffic is there now?!
The economy is slowly recovering but a long way to go.
After living and driving in Viet Nam I find the driving in The Philippines to be a crashing bore by comparison.
I understand. Everyone has a bike in Vietnam, like ants swarming, even on the sidewalks.
LOL. New rules. No rules 😅. It's WILD WEST experience brother if you are driving in the Philippines 😅.
LOL! You are correct.
I have never seen Cebu roads with less traffic on, I still have my high bar custom V Max Yamaha 1200cc bike in Lapu Lapu in storage...good video, Ray in the UK.... I shall return...where is BILLY'S new club/bar please ? I know Billy quite well...cheers
I stopped by Billy's last night with a friend Ray. Billy's is on Escario St east of Gorordo Ave a block or 2. Pretty quiet last night at 3 places we stopped at.
Let me know if you ever want to sell your Vmax
@@AmazingPhilippines1 Thank you so much for that, how is the old dog ?..
@@AmazingPhilippines1, well the airfairs now have zoomed up in price, to get to the Philippines . will be only the very rich soon to be able to fly..
Hey Rod. You are my goto guy and have been for some time. I'm just about ready to finally retire need some info about shipping my Harley down there. Hopefully you or one of your followers know a trustworthy co.
I have heard that it is very expensive with huge customs fees John. Yesterday a guy told me customs would be about 110% so he decided not to ship. Not sure of the accuracy but I have heard similar from other commenters.
110% of the value of the bike?
Good old church. Get that many people so you can pay peanuts. As there is always someone to take your job.
I just got an Yamaha Nmax, Do you suggest insurance? Also how do you get a Philippines Dr License? Thanks
Cool Jeffrey. Nice bike. I paid 500 pesos for liability. A friend paid about 4000 pesos for more full coverage and I would suggest getting it. They tightened the license laws a few years ago. LTO is the agency that handle this. I have heard it is easier to get in the province than in the city offices.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 Thank You the response. I have 1 quote for 11,000 pesos, full coverage it just seemed overkill.
Beautiful 👌
Hi I have a international license can I drive with that in Philippines ?
Thanks
Each nation handles that differently Gordon. I have heard it is useless here and someone stated it helped them pass a checkpoint, probably because the PNP member didn't know what he was looking at.
👍✅👍
Thanks Mr Macau!
take your ride I your own hands there .
Sundays usually have much less traffic but I do not like driving in the city too often Stephen.
Be safe out there. You are developing a good defensive attitude.
I tend to be very defensive Tom but these close calls are a bit scary.
It's more fun driving in the Philippines !!!! bwahahaha
More updates mmda they have in philippines
I haven't heard anything new about travel yet Angelo.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 just keep up to date I heard there scrapped Health passed restrictions
@@AmazingPhilippines1 maybe November opening up Philippines slow process
@@AmazingPhilippines1 Chris in cebu went that circle
Hi rod. Great video great information and very informative.beautifull day there today. When I was back in Cebu we had to go too keeple house for Arlene's visa application for coming to Australia. The lady there at the Australian and New Zealand consalute. Told me to be paitent and I said well tell all thetge jeepney drivers and bus and taxi drivers to stop beeping there horns.she said they do that to let tricycle and others that there beeping to tell them that there coming through hehehehee I said ok lang heheheheee
Hoping to get home next year have a great day .I enjoy your videos and it's great to see home again rod.
🇵🇭 Scott expat in the Philippines 🇵🇭
arleneINDAYLYNZ
🌴🌴🌴🌴🇵🇭🤠🇦🇺🌴🌴🌴🌴
LOL! Thanks for the update Scott.
.Is cebusss girl bars, I would not want to be there alone.
They have "bikini bars" Mika.
i agree with you
i agree with you Rod there crazy drivers in Bogo they just go straight through red lights we do have lights in the town now 3 sets and may of times they just dont give way when coming out on the main roads there suppose to give way to the hiway nope they don't i swore at a guy tooting me and so on he was just Buang (Crazy in filipino) we only have 25 million people in Australia might be 26 by now though !!!!Yes Rod also i swore at man in front was turning but no signal to turn on his lights he got a mouth fall from me to idiot he was !!!!!
LOL! It is easy to get very upset at those creating the close calls Kriss.
Cool beans. 🙃
Cebu roads are better than Luzon
Interesting Alex. Hope to visit later this year.
I like electric scooter 🛴 it’s fast enough in the city and don’t need a license or anything to drive it cops typically leave you alone
Cool! One politician wanted to ban some types a while back. Not sure if he had any success.
@@sillystuff6247 they don’t require oil or gas just plug them in and hopefully I can get another battery to charge it while I’m rolling with it not there yet in august I be there