Foods Americans Like In Philippines

Foods Americans like in the Philippines

Filipino Foods Americans Like

Update January 18, 2025, Order Marienda now! 

As of now I no longer endorse any of my former food blogs.

I went Vegan in 2013.

I have lived in the Philippines for over 5 years. Have seen a lot of Filipino food. Have tried some and liked some. But the ones I like the most are Chicken Adobo, Chicken Inasal, Lugaw, Lumpiang Shanghai, Fried Bananas, and Halo Halo. I think I am typical of most Americans. We are not accustomed to and therefor don't like strong fish taste, like Bagoong. If you are going to entertain an American it will probably be a good idea to serve some of the following foods.

Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo is one of my favorite main courses. Marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, black pepper and optional jalapeno pepper.

Chicken Inasal as served at Mang Inasal restaurants (found in most malls in the Philippines) and at stand alone locations. It is chicken that has been marinated to perfection with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon grass, and a mixture of half lime and lemon juice.
Another favorite. Wow, what flavor! And served with unlimited rice at Mang Inasal. About $2 US for large bar-b-q chicken breast served hot with unlimited rice on a banana leaf. Additional free rice servings come wrapped in banana leaves also. On the table are vinegar, calamansi (small lemons) and more so that you may mix your own additional sauce to dip your chicken and rice in.

Lugaw

I really enjoy a bowl of Lugaw. It is a type of Congee or Rice Porridge that I find very tasty and filling.
It may have small strips of white meat chicken or pork and spices on top. Can be found in restaurants, canteens and in food kiosks inside larger grocery stores (for example: in SM Hypermarkets).

Lumpiang Shanghai - pictured with beef filling.

Lumpiang Shanghai This is another food I really like. It consists of spring rolls stuffed with and meat and some veggies. They may be stuffed with pork, beef or chicken. And they are served with a red sweet and sour sauce to dip them in. I prefer then stuffed with chicken. You can find the chicken variety at Tropical Hut in food courts in malls or at stand-alone Tropical Hut grocery stores (they have small restaurants attached.)

Mung Bean Hopia are like Hopia Dice
but are larger and round.

Hopia Dice - Mong Bean
or "Mongo" is available 

Mung Bean Hopia and Hopia Dice These are available in grocery stores and in convenience stores like 7-11 and MiniStop.
Try them and you will probably buy more. Good between meal snacks. Convenient to carry when traveling and very filling. But, the pastry dough will stick to your teeth.

Green Mango Salad

Green Mango Salad Made of slices of green mango, with lime juice and more.

"Corn on the Cob" vendor

Corn on the Cob Sold by street vendors. The corn is kept cooking in a giant pot with a top on it. In 2012 it cost 15 Pesos. The vendor sticks a bamboo skewer into the end so you can carry and eat it. I have eaten it and never got sick. The pot is kept boiling all day, as far as I can see. The vendor will brush margarine on it and shake salt on it if you choose. Yummy. Usually the corn is boiling and the top is on the pot. I think the corn is being displayed just for this picture. I would not want to eat it if it were exposed to passing people and traffic fumes and dust.

Since I last ate it I have learned about GMO. Have not discovered yet if the corn being served is GMO or not. 

Filipino Desserts Americans Like and Desserts Europeans Like

Fried Bananas

My favorite deserts are Fried Bananas and Halo Halo (pronounced "Hollow, Hollow").

Halo Halo as served at Chowking
restaurants in the Philippines.

Halo Halo (pronounced 'hollow hollow') is made with shaved ice, candied fruits and beans (red mung beans and kidney beans), milk, purple yam, coconut, banana slices, a piece of leche flan, a scoop of ube ice cream and optional scoop of another flavor ice cream. Fantastic on a really hot day!

Read about American restaurants in the Philippines. 

You will find all the foods above in most of the leading malls in the Philippines.

Go shopping at grocery stores in the Philippines.

You will be well advised to check out my article about
foods to avoid in the Philippines.

Dining at a friend's house.

When visiting General Santos City on the Island of Mindanao we were visiting a chat mate. She took us to her parents farm and there we ate outdoors with them. Dinner was served on a wooden picnic table. I was offered a small fish that had been grilled. It was an eight inch Swordfish and was very good.

Update: Since writing this page I have switched to a vegetarian diet.

Read more about why at my vegetarian article.

If you are considering buying real estate in the Philippines.

If you are an US citizen American or a European, please comment below and share your favorite Filipino dishes with other readers.

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Please check back to read more about Filipino foods Americans and European foods. This article last updated June 4, 2022.

American Buffet Angeles City

Westerner buffet in Angeles City

Best Buffet Restaurants in Angeles City, Philippines

As of now I no longer endorse any of my former food blogs.

I went Vegan in 2013.

Visit our online Vegan Tribe Cafe and order now.

Build your own buffet at "Oh! Live Green"

plant-based cafe.

"Oh! Live Green" Menu (click to enlarge)

             Breakfast and Dinner Buffet

Having lived in Angeles City for about 2 years we have tried quite a few restaurants there. We were on a budget, so we often ate at fast food restaurants in the area. However, once in a while we would dine at popular full-service restaurants.

Dining room
at Clarkton Hotel, Don Juico Ave.,
Angeles City, Philippines

In my opinion, the best restaurant we have dined at is at the Clarkton Hotel on Don Juico Ave. in the Balibago section (follow Fields Ave. going West, away from MacArthur Highway).

Buffet service has apparently been suspended. Contact Clarkton to inquire about food service.

Now there is a large new menu and dining service at Clarkton.

The German chef used to serve up an all you can eat Breakfast Buffet (7 a.m. - 1 p.m. daily) and a great all you could eat Dinner Buffet (5 p.m. - 10 p.m. daily. Don't miss it!). These buffet hours were accurate as of August 25, 2012. We have never tried the breakfast buffet but have dined at the dinner buffet. This buffet has a grand menu of American and European foods. At Thanksgiving the chef prepares a buffet that is nothing short of wonderful. All the roast turkey and fixings you can eat and they do not run out of it. Unlimited sides, other meats and fish, soups, breads, salad and desserts. Visit the Dinner Buffet link above to see pictures of the everyday buffet. I suggest you call them for reservations on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Easter and on other National Holidays. Find their phone number by clicking on the Clarkton Hotel site link above. At their site you may also contact them via Live Chat (they have always answered me promptly).

The Clarkton is not far from Clark International Airport in the Clark Freeport Zone.

A couple of other buffet restaurants not far from the Clarkton Hotel are the Megueni Restaurant at the Holiday Inn in the Clark Freeport Zone and the Cabalen Buffet in the SM Clark Mall. Megueni features Western and Eastern food. Cabalen features Filipino and some other Asian foods and has restaurant buffets in other cities of the Philippines also.

There are many dining places in SM Clark Mall.

If you want a Vegan meal, try "Lo Han Chai" at 

Classic Savory in the mall.

If you are staying in Angeles City, you may ride a jeepney or ride a tricycle to and from these restaurants. Or, you may pay considerably more to ride in a taxi. There are always taxis waiting at the jeepney terminal at SM Clark Mall. Regardless of where you eat be sure to take a bottle of distilled or purified water with you. It is usually very hot, and you will want some as you walk and ride about. I advise you not to drink any tap water. And always ask "is the water purified and ask if the ice is made with purified water?" If both are not purified do not drink it, drink soda or beer from unopened cans or water from sealed bottles instead. I often ask for a dry glass to pour soda from a can. Even a few drops on a not quite dry glass may make you sick.

If you have a favorite all you can eat buffet restaurant in Angeles City, or buffet or any other kind of restaurants anywhere in the Philippines please share it with other readers by entering comments below.

Check out my article about foods and drinks to avoid in the Philippines.

If you will be staying for an extended period of time you may want to visit
grocery stores which sell American and European foods.

There are many American restaurants in Angeles City and in most larger cities in the Philippines.

Try some food at SM Clark food court.

Eat at one of the Vegan restaurants in Angeles City.

Try some of my favorite Filipino foods before I went Vegan.

Ask a Filipino friend if these street foods will be safe for you to eat and drink. Ask the vendor if the drink is made with purified water. I have eaten the Salted Peanuts and Banana Q before.

If you are considering buying real estate in the Philippines.

Meet Filipinas

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Please check back to read more about eating in the best "all you can eat" buffets and Vegan restaurants in Angeles City, Philippines. This article last updated February 11, 2024.

Flying To Singapore

Changi Airport Singapore

Flying to Singapore

It is possible to stay in the Philippines for up to a year by getting visa extensions from the immigration office. Before a year has passed it is necessary to leave the Philippines. One may return and start the visa process all over again. Many people fly to Macau, Hong Kong or Singapore and then back to the Philippines (read "Singapore is a FINE city..." below before deciding where to go). There is a way, I am told, to extend beyond one year by going and inquiring at the main immigration office in Manila. A person who marries a Filipino may apply for Permanent Residency and thus avoid the bimonthly visa renewal process.

Well, in February 2011 it was time to leave the Philippines. This time I decided to take my wife with me.

Flying on Seair. Boarding Seair at
DMIA to fly to Singapore. 

Made reservations online to fly round trip to Singapore's Changi Airport via Seair. They had the lowest advertised fares to Singapore. I paid $5.00 extra each for the right to be the "First to Board". The flight to Singapore was a new route for Seair. They had only started flying it about a month before our flight.

Early in the morning on the day of our departure we left our apartment and boarded a jeepney on Magalang-Angeles Road. Then proceeded by jeepney to the jeepney terminal at Marquee Mall in Angeles City. There we boarded a jeepney bound for SM City Clark Mall. Just before the mall, on the left side of the road is another jeepney terminal. There we hired a jeepney "for private use" for 200 pesos to take us and our luggage directly to the airport terminal. A taxi would have cost from 300 to 400 pesos. One may always hire a regular jeepney "for private use." I am sure the drivers are happy not to have to wait for the jeepney to fill up with passengers to make the same amount of money.

My complaints about Seair and how they did not respond to complaints.

We arrived at Diosado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) 2 hours before departure (the required time).

We were there early, with plenty of time to spare, before boarding time. I asked about the "First to Board" feature and was told we were too late. Obviously, the staff had not been told of the feature! I showed them our tickets indicating "First to Board" and then we proceeded to walk to the front of the line.

A Seair staff member asked "Sir, where are you going?" I replied, "to the front of the line because we paid for "First to Board." We were told "You need to be here earlier than the other passengers to be the first in line."

So much for the little luxury we thought we would enjoy. But never argue with airport personnel if you want to get on the plane.

We boarded the plane at DMIA. When the plane was about to take off the pilot spoke over the intercom system, "Welcome to Ceb..uh, Seair flight to Singapore...". He must have just started working for Seair after having been flying for Cebu Pacific.

Our experience with Seair at Changi Airport for our return flight to the Philippines was the same. We were not "First to Board!"

We had a bad experience with Seair. After arriving back in the Philippines, we searched the Seair website to find out how to complain to the airline and ask for a refund of the "First to Board" fee. It explained that all inquiries or complaints must be mailed by snail mail to the main office. I figured that we would probably never hear back from them, so we never did it.

I advise you not to purchase "First to Board" from Seair or kiss your money goodbye.

Since then, they have finally added a "Contact Us" form to their web site. After I found the form on July 13, 2012, I sent them my request for a refund of the $20 US that we had spent for R/T "First to Board."
Update: as of today, January 6, 2024, I have still not received a reply. Will post here as soon as I receive a reply from Seair.

Note: I just visited the Seair site and discovered that they no longer fly passenger jets. Hmm, I wonder why? 

It would probably be best to fly a different airline. One that responds to complaints and requests.

If you have had an experience with Seair why not share it with others by adding a comment below.

Singapore A FINE City

WARNING. Singapore a FINE city. Don't even take chewing gum into Singapore!

Remember, Singapore is a FINE city in more ways than one. Be very careful not to carry any gum or chew any gum when getting off the plane. And do not jay walk or throw ANY litter anyplace except in trash cans. These activities are illegal and subject to stiff fines in Singapore.

Definitely do not carry any illegal drugs into Singapore if you want to enjoy a long life. The penalty is Death!

I told a banker back in the US that I had been to Singapore. He was from Australia and told me of three Australians who traveled into Singapore with children. Illegal drugs were found in the adult's backpacks. "They were all executed!" Did the three Aussies put the drugs in their own backpacks and stupidly carry them through the airport or is it possible someone else planted drugs and they were unaware of it? No matter, they are dead. He did not tell me what happened to the children. So, consider this if you are thinking about visiting Singapore. My advice is skip Singapore.

Be absolutely sure your luggage has been packed by you only.

Trust NO ONE else to pack for you or have access to your bags before you board a plane. Repack your bags just before your flight if you have left them in your hotel room or at a hotel front desk. Check your bags when you arrive back in your room after excursions into the city. And especially before leaving for the airport and boarding your outbound flight! It's best to travel light so that you can also inspect inside your bag or bags before you check them in at the counter.

Think twice before going to Singapore. Don't you think it might be better to fly on Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines to some other exciting destinations in the Philippines instead of to Singapore?!

An excerpt from the blog "Live in the Philippines,"
"You see, in Singapore, private gun ownership is illegal, and very strictly enforced. How strict? Well, getting caught with a weapon (either handgun or rifle) in your possession will get you a 20-year reservation at Changi Prison. Use that gun and injure someone (notice, I said “injure”, not “kill”), regardless of the reason or justification, and you hang."

See Foods Not To Eat Before Flying.

Read about flying in the Philippines.

Read about flying from Manila to the USA via Japan.

Considering buying real estate in the Philippines?

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back to read more about flying to Singapore. This page last updated June 7, 2022.

Auto Repair Philippines

Auto service in the Philippines

Auto Service, Auto Repair, Mechanics in the Philippines

In the Philippines it is not easy to find auto parts shops, auto parts dealers, suppliers or junk yards to get parts for very old used cars. I was told by the Mitsubishi dealership in San Fernando, Pampanga that they can provide parts for cars up to 10 years old. If you have a car more than 10 years old you will probably need to find an auto repair shop. They can assist you in finding the replacement parts you need.

Front of Performance Plus Auto Repair Shop,
on MacArthur Highway, before opening for the day.

There are virtually no auto salvage yards or auto junk yards in the Philippines. I have never seen one. But, I recently read that there is a large auto junk yard in the Angeles City area. You will need to ask around to try to find out where it is located.

Seems most cars that are not worth fixing are sold by the part.
One must search online or know where to go to find a supply of parts. There are areas in each city where some business people make a business of acquiring parts and selling them. I am told there is a section in Quezon City where there are many parts dealers. It is necessary to take the old part and they will physically match a replacement part to it. For our Lancer the only parts readily available are from old or wrecked ones.
It will probably take an auto repair shop several days to locate used parts. As far as I know there is no computerized system for used auto parts. I have asked and been told that there is no city wide, province wide or nationwide computerized auto parts system.

You may order new "after-market" parts from Japan. But it will take quite a while to get delivery.

Also, one may always order "after-market" parts from US parts companies. Albeit the shipping costs will probably be prohibitive. I have talked to owners of auto repair shops. They have told me that they have contacts in the USA who can ship a quantity of larger parts to them in small shipping containers (the kind that are carried by tractor trailer trucks.)

It is possible to ship smaller parts in what are called "Balikbayan Boxes." These can be sent from California or from anyplace in the USA. Ship from California or from other places in the USA. It costs around $100 U.S to send a Balikbayan box, which can be any weight. I heard a story about a guy who sent a whole Harley in pieces!

If one were attempting to do a total restoration of an old car, it could take 6 months or longer to find the parts needed through several Philippine web sites. But, then again, you may find just what you need much faster, in the form of a whole drivable car.

Find cars for sale at Carousel.

Use search terms like "1990 Toyota".

After 4 years of using public transportation I decided upon buying a car in the Philippines. We purchased an old car. The car needed a lot of work to get it back in safe driving condition. I was more or less forced into restoring it. Having seen several fully restored ones like it I felt it would be worth the time and effort.

Paid a "back yard mechanic" 3,500 pesos ( $83 US at an exchange rate of about 42 pesos per dollar) to fix a door lock and to replace the rocker arms, which he said were causing the sloppy steering. He fixed the lock (which fell apart within a month or so after he "fixed" it). The steering was still sloppy. Never saw any indication that the rocker arms had been replaced. He worked on cars and jeepneys in his front yard. Never went back to him and never got a refund of the excess payment I had made. Had decided that, just in case he was connected to some gang, it would be better not to pursue it. He knew where we lived.

A Good Auto Repair Shop in Angeles City, Philippines

Finally found a better place to have the car repaired. Located in the Balibago section of Angeles City is a place called

Performance Plus Auto Repair Shop (this is their Facebook page).

Auto restoration in the Philippines.
Performance Plus Auto Repair,
Angeles City, Philippines, open for business.

Located at 21 MacArthur Highway, across the street and not far from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Phone the land line 0458871362 at the shop or send email to the shop at: performanceplus2009 at gmail dot com or directly to the proprietor, Abel Lingat, at: abelplus at yahoo dot com (I write the email addresses like this to fool Web spiders which compile email addresses to send spam email). He is a great guy who speaks fluent American English as well as Tagalog.
I speak very little Tagalog, so, it is wonderful to find people who speak English well.
English and Tagalog are taught in public schools here in the Philippines. But, most people who have attended school speak English with a pretty heavy Filipino accent.

If you are looking for auto parts you might ask Performance Plus to get them for you.

I asked Abel and his team of mechanics to do repairs.

During about six visits to Performance Plus they did the following repairs.

They discovered that the part of the chassis the steering box was mounted to was rusted. The box was moving when the steering wheel was turned, thus causing the sloppy steering.
A portion on the chassis on the opposite side was also rusted. They welded both sections. Now the car steers well.
A portion of the chassis at the left rear suspension also needed new steel welded in.

The horn and the windshield wipers stopped working and they fixed the wiring for both.

They fixed the door locks. 

About a month later the car would not start. It was the battery. I bought a new Motolite battery from a battery retailer in Magalang.
His shop is located on Angeles - Magalang Road right across the street from the Pure Gold grocery store. Motolite is reputed to be the best battery in the Philippines. I understand that Motolite will deliver a battery wherever you are in the Philippines! However, you will probably see Motolite dealer signs wherever you go in the Philippines. Also. I needed a new voltage regulator and had one installed by an auto parts store, not far from the Pure Gold grocery store.

Even with the new battery, after a few uses the car would not start.
Took it to Performance Plus again and, after diagnosing it, they rebuilt the starter, alternator and installed a new solenoid. Now it starts every time.

These repairs, including the loss of about 3,300 pesos given to the "back yard mechanic," totaled about 33,300 pesos (about $780 US at that time).

Since then we have had the front passenger seat re-installed by Performance Plus. Seems the two front seats were from a different model car and the passenger seat was not secured properly. It would not slide back and forth. It had been "secured" by one tight bolt and one loose one. I did not have the proper tools or knowledge to repair it myself.

How to get your car fixed anywhere.

On one occasion we were driving to the mall when all of a sudden our gas pedal linkage snapped.
The driver behind me got out and with his and some other volunteers help we pushed the car off the street and down a little side street. There someone asked if we needed help. I said "yes" and he called a mechanic he knew. He arrived on a motorcycle. Accessed the problem and asked me to give him money to pay for the part and off he went. He returned shortly and fixed the linkage.
He did not ask for much for his labor. There are a lot of helpful people in the Philippines. So, if your car breaks down just ask some nearby locals to recommend a mechanic to you.

Some "Do It Yourself" Repairs I Did

Some restoration was easier and I did it myself. After a lot of looking I found a store that sold the foam and vinyl. The vinyl cost about 70 pesos per meter (about $1.75 US.) I re-covered the door panels.  Reupholstered them with 1/8" foam beneath a new black vinyl cover. I removed the hard board headliner, removed the old vinyl cover and cut new vinyl to fit and glued it to the hard board after gluing some insulation to the hard board headliner. Looks pretty good (well it did look good until it all fell down a week or so later! Next time I will hire an expert.)

If you do not want to tackle replacing the headliner yourself, you can ask Performance Plus to do it for you. Another option; there is an auto upholstery shop in Magalang, on Angeles Magalang Road. It is on the right side of the road if you are approaching from Marquee Mall area, before you get to downtown Magalang. Ask at one of the auto supply stores there for the exact location or ask at the Motolite battery store. It is a very small shop. They can do headliners, door panels, seat covers, etc. They are one of the headliner repair shops in the Philippines or actually one of the auto upholstery shops in the Philippines. Believe me, it is hard to find auto upholstery shops in Angeles City.

Oh, about a month later the headliner fabric came loose from the backing and hung down all over. So, much for doing it myself! Let a pro do it for you if you want it to last.

If anyone asks why we have such an old car I tell them "It is a classic and we are restoring it."
We see some very fine looking restorations of the very same Mitsubishi.

Do you have a car to sell? Advertise it on this blog. Hundreds of buyers will see it. See page where your car will be featured.

If you know of other good, reliable and reasonably priced auto repair shops in the Philippines please share the information with other readers by making a comment below.

Read my article about us driving in the Philippines.

Compare driving to riding in tricycles, riding in jeepneys and riding in buses.

Cheapest cars to maintain in the Philippines. 

If you are considering buying real estate in the Philippines.

Meet Filipinas

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If you have found this article helpful, have suggestions, advice or insights please "comment" below.

This article will be expanded upon. Please check back to read more about auto repair shops, mechanics, repairing and restoring a car in the Philippines. Last updated June 4, 2022.

Tricycles Philippines. Trikes.

Tricycles in the Philippines

Tricycles in the Philippines

On the island of Luzon, most tricycles (or trikes) consist of a motorcycle with a sidecar of sorts attached on its right side. The motorcycle can be used independently by simply removing 3 or 4 bolts.
A ride can cost from 8 pesos and up. For a short trip of maybe 1/2 kilometer it may cost 8 pesos.
A ride from out apartment to Angeles Hospital Foundation (AUF) may cost about 200 pesos each way.
At time of this writing the exchange rate is about 42 pesos to a US dollar.

Riding in a Tricycle

My wife and me riding in a tricycle. She narrates our trip.

I am 5' 8" tall and getting into a sidecar is a process of bending, ducking, and contorting oneself into it and onto the bench seat. The seat holds 2 passengers. Some sidecars are roomier than others. Sometimes the two passenger are squished together and in others there is ample room to sit fairly comfortably.

A neighbor of ours, another US citizen, said that he could not fit into tricycle sidecars or jeepneys. He was about 6'2" and probably weighed about 200 pounds. Eventually he purchased a new tricycle to transport his family of four. He rides on the motorcycle and the family rides in the sidecar.

If a sidecar is just too small one may opt to sit sidesaddle behind the driver. There is a roof over the driver and the passengers behind him. Be sure that your head will not hit the roof when you are seated. If the roof is too low, when the trike hits a bump, your head will hit one of the steel bars supporting the roof. If three is not about 4 or 5 inches clearance over your head you are in for trouble when the driver hits bumps too fast. Often two people will sit behind the driver.

Some tricycles have sidecars which feature a forward facing bench and a rear facing bench. These can carry up to 7 adults at one time, 4 in the sidecar and 3 behind the driver.

If you are taking a tricycle from a "tricycle station" and you want to pay the lowest fare, you will need to board it and wait until more passengers come and fill it up.
If you want the tricycle exclusively for you and yours just tell the driver you want a "special". He will charge a little extra and depart promptly for your destination.

The advantage of tricycles is that they are almost everywhere. If the area has no taxi service there will always be tricycles. They sure beat walking in the hot sun.

Often one may ride a trike a few blocks to where one may then climb aboard a passing jeepney. Just raise your hand and they will stop like a taxi (if they are not already full).

While living in Manila we often used trikes to go several blocks to the nearest grocery store. On several occasions we rode them to go much farther. Biggest disadvantage of riding trikes is the proximity to vehicle exhaust. See my article about air pollution in the Philippines. I do not know how anyone survives driving these trikes for very many years. Many trike drivers will follow directly behind and close to smoke belching vehicles.

I purchased motorcycle type masks to wear when riding on tricycles. They are cloth with straps featuring a velcro closure behind 

Manners when riding tricycles

Wait patiently in line if you are boarding at a tricycle station. If you don't know which line to get in just ask anyone; most people will be pleased to assist you.

Always make room for others, slide over. Prepare to be squished if you are a large person. If you sit behind the driver only sit side-saddle with your feet extending to the left of the driver and hang on.

Don't complain if you must wait up to 15 minutes for the tricycle to fill up. If you don't want to wait ask for a "special" and pay the slightly higher fare.

Tricycles are Dangerous

The most dangerous ride we ever took was to Angeles University Foundation Hospital (AUF.) Our daughter was ill, and we felt we needed to take her to the emergency that night. It was dark and raining. We called our "driver" who was usually on call for us.
He is a safe driver, but, on a rain slick two lane rural road in the country with no street lights it is dangerous no matter who is driving. Well, not long after we entered the road a large tractor trailer passed us. It was traveling a lot faster than us. I was sitting sidesaddle (as is the custom) behind the driver. My wife and child were sitting inside the side car. When the truck passed us I figured it missed my legs by 3 or 4 feet.
If you will be living here for any length of time, try to find someone who will be willing to drive you in a car or van if you call them in an emergency.

Tricycles on Luzon. Motorelas on Mindanao.

Tricycles come in many varieties. There are different configurations in different parts of the country. For example, some tricycles in Cagayan de Oro (CDO,) on the Southern island of Mindanao, look like the one in the image below. The motorcycle is inside and the driver sits in the center of the trike and shares the same roof as the passengers.

Typical motorela in Cagayan de Oro, on Mindanao.

The ones I rode in CDO had a bench on each side and would seat about 6 adults. I prefer this type of trike. More headroom and better protection from the elements.

Used tricycles can be purchased for about 20,000 Pesos. New ones may cost up to about 60,000 Pesos.

Compare riding in tricycles to riding in jeepneys.

Riding in trains in the Philippines.

If you are considering buying real estate in the Philippines.


Share your experiences while riding in tricycles or motorelas in the Philippines by commenting below.

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If you have found this article helpful, have suggestions, advice or insights please "comment" below.

Please check back for more information about tricycles and motorelas in the Philippines. This article last updated June 4 2022.

Buses Philippines

Travel by bus in the Philippines

Buses in the Philippines

A couple of Filipino businessmen, I met at an auto repair shop in Angeles City, told me that when they travel to and from Manila they always take the bus to avoid the hassle of heavy traffic. I don't know if they travel at night or in the daytime.

But, I advise you to travel by bus only in the daytime. Victory Lines is the oldest and largest bus line in the Philippines and has the reputation of being one of the best. They have some of the most modern and cleanest buses and they advertise, "We inspect our buses everyday."

However, on one night trip, on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX.) where the posted speed limit is 80 kph (or about 50 mph), I noticed that the driver was doing a lot to try to stay awake. We were traveling on a Victory Lines bus from the bus station at Mabalacat to Manila. He was stretching his legs, stretching his arms, rubbing his head and generally moving around a lot. Tired drivers are totally unacceptable, especially considering they are carrying full loads of passengers. I was genuinely worried that he might crash the bus. I was seriously considering requesting that we be let off the bus at the next rest area (where fast food and gas are sold). Well, we took our chances and stayed on the bus. Fortunately, the driver stayed awake and we arrived safely in Manila.

From then on, we have traveled by bus only during daylight hours.

Night bus trips on Victory Lines, via the NLEX, usually take only two hours to travel the 80 plus kilometers (approx. 50 miles), whereas day trips may take up to 3 hours due to heavier daytime traffic. Traffic in the cities is very congested. So, many people elect to travel at night to save time. As I see it now, that is probably not a good decision. Be forewarned.

It seems that every time I have ridden a bus on this route the bus passes a lot of other vehicles. Is the driver speeding? I think so but I have never seen the speedometer. I understand that drivers are paid according to how many passengers they carry each day. That probably explains their rush. On the expressway they pass cars all the time. I have been on Victory Lines buses when, after exiting the expressway, the drivers have driven in the city like they are driving a sports car. Weaving in and out of traffic recklessly and tailgating. So much for the "best" bus line in the Philippines. As a friend in the US used to say, "You pays your money, you takes your chances."

Victory Lines and Five Star bus lines are owned by the same company. The coaches of both lines are air conditioned and very cool inside. Sometimes downright cold. Take a sweater if traveling at night. I have traveled on both. Both have well appointed interiors and are clean and well kept inside and out. Both have TV screens suspended front and center, near the driver. They usually show English language DVD movies. Have never heard squeaking brakes like I have heard on some other bus lines?

---------------------

WARNING

 Be especially alert in bus stations. Carry your own bags. Wear your backpack on your front. Keep your wallet on a chain and in a front pocket.

Sit near the front of the bus so that you can make a hasty exit if robbers get on the bus (advice from a police officer.)

Use only trusted taxicabs to go to your final destination.

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On the route from Baguio to Manila, during my time in the Philippines, there were two bus crashes, on the mountainous route, resulting in deaths of passengers. These were not Victory or Five Star buses.

An open air bus entering the Mabalacat bus terminal. Also referred to as the Dau bus terminal.
Note the "tricycles" in left foreground of picture.
These motorcycles with "sidecars" attached can carry up to 5 adult passengers. You may ride to and from bus stations in tricycles or jeepneys.

In the Metro Manila area we have ridden in some open air buses. The fares are lower than on air conditioned buses. I have a warning, don't rest your arm on the window sill. The windows push up from the bottom and may not have good latches to hold them up in place. On one occasion. on a bumpy road, the window beside me fell down in its track. That would have hurt had my arm been there then.

If you ride in an open air bus don't sit in the first few rows behind the central side door. The doors are left open and there is a constant blast of air in your face.

There are times when the buses have had a full load of passenger and then the conductor crams more people in until the center isle is full of people standing, including men and women holding babies in their arms. Talk about having a difficult time getting off the bus if you are seated anyplace but in the very front rows of seats. Imagine what would happen to those standing and those standing and holding babies if the bus were involved in a wreck. If all the seats are full on a bus it's probably best to wait for another bus.

Here is an article, written by another author, and featured at another web site, about riding city buses in Manila. In my experience the bus drivers seem to make exception for foreigners and always come to a full stop for them to board. There have been times in Manila when we had to board moving jeepneys. It was either wait another 1/2 or more or get in anyway we could.

Please share your experiences riding buses in the Philippines by commenting below!

Compare riding in buses to driving in the Philippines and riding in tricycles.

Riding in trains in the Philippines.


If you are considering buying real estate in the Philippines.

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This post will be expanded. Check back for more information about traveling in buses in the Philippines. Last updated June 4, 2022.

Driving in the Philippines

Driving in The Philippines

The first time I was at the main immigration office in Manila I was advised not to drive in the Philippines. The man told me "driving here is very different than driving in the USA."

Well, I took his advise and did not drive during my first 3 years in the Philippines. I, in fact, actually enjoyed not driving. Taxis were not expensive and I liked being driven around in air conditioned luxury. But, there are many times that a taxi is not readily available. So, the mode of transport choices then are to ride a bus a tricycle or a jeepney. Seems that the most frequent and the cheapest mode of travel is a jeepney. There are very few air conditioned jeepneys in the Philippines. Most have open air rear passenger compartments. There is usually roll down clear plastic sheeting to put down in event of rain. If rain is coming in, the driver will stop and lower the plastic coverings.

When one is staying a long time in country it seems more feasible to travel like the locals. And, most of the locals ride in jeepneys.

Buses cost a little more but usually take longer to reach one's destination because they stop for longer periods of time at their bus stops in order to take on the most passengers possible. Jeepneys seat only about 20 passengers so they tend to fill up faster. Advantages of buses are that one sits higher and thus above the thickest vehicle pollution. But, bus routes are usually only on the most heavily trafficked roadways. Jeepneys can be found on almost all roads. In Metro Manila there are more buses. Between provinces buses usually only ply the major highways linking the provinces.

I talked with a doctor who has clinics in Manila. She told me that she and her husband drove one time from Manila to Baguio. They drove the same road the buses use. When they got to the mountainous part of the trip they had to slow down. She was quite scared because they could barely see the road due to the heavy fog on the way to Baguio. It took them a very long time to travel the "snake road" (called that due to the many curves on the route up through the mountains).
Land around the Metro Manila area is mostly flat.

If you are a foreigner it will be much easier and faster to take a taxi to wherever you want to go. Taxi drivers know the shortcuts. There have been many times, while we were in taxis, that the drivers took routes that we never would have thought of.

A restored 1986 Mitsubishi Lancer

Well, we finally decided on buying a car in the Philippines. We bought an old Mitsubishi Lancer with a stick shift and no air conditioner for 40,000 pesos (or about $950 US). Not shiny and in much worse condition than the one pictured above.

Want to sell a car? Find out about advertising at this site.

Here is my description of a typical trip while driving our car:
By now it was almost 5:30 pm so we headed home from the Diosado Macapagal Intl. Airport at Clark Freeport Zone, near Angeles City.
We like to get home before dark. One reason is because there are so many cars whose headlights are not aimed correctly (about 1 in 10) and blind us as we are driving at night. Making it necessary to slow to a crawl in order to avoid hitting a pedestrian, motorcycle or carabao which may cross the street. It is about 8 kilometers (or 5 miles) back to our apartment in a rural area.

After leaving the airport we pass SM Clark Mall then turn left onto MacArthur Highway, in the Balibago area. It is always congested with cars, trucks, jeepneys, buses, "tricycles and pedicabs and jeepneys, buses, "tricycles" and pedicabs. pedestrians who cross anywhere and anytime. Those wanting to cross the 6 lanes just hold up a palm of a hand as a stop sign and walk in front of moving vehicles. Traffic usually moves at a crawl on the way to the bus station. But as a driver in the Philippines you must constantly be on the alert for the unexpected.

Mabalacat Bus Terminal (also called the Dau Bus Terminal).

We reached the road that leads past the Mabalacat Bus Terminal (also referred to as the Dau Bus Terminal) and turned right. Traffic here is thick with cars, trucks, buses, and many pedestrians crossing to and from the terminal and roadside vendors. This road leads to the entrance to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). At the toll booths we took a toll ticket from the automatic machine and proceeded to drive to our exit just a short distance away. Stopped and paid the 19 pesos (about 40 cents US) and exited the NLEX. Then it was our turn to enter the "rotunda" (a circular roundabout). This rotunda is near the Angeles City Marquee Mall. Five streets enter it. No traffic lights. Drivers usually try their best not to let another car to get in front of them. But there are some who are courteous and will let one enter the roundabout. Often, though, one must just "inch in" in front of vehicles.

Then we exited the roundabout onto the two lane road leading home. At rush hour, morning and night the traffic there is horrendous. For the next kilometer or two traffic barely moves. We have a stick shift car and it is on and off the clutch a hundred times before we are finally out of the heaviest traffic. If we leave any space between our car and the next one a motorcycle or a tricycle will cut in front of us. Often it is 2, 3, 4 or more motorcycles and tricycles that will take advantage of any slight opportunity to cut in front of a car. Which of course, means it will take us longer to get home. But, we need to be very cautious not to injure anyone. Everyday there are drivers who pass on the right as though it is legal (which it is not). To say nothing of the drivers of cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles and tricycles who will "double pass". Many times while we are passing a vehicle another vehicle will pass us! We have even seen vehicles "double passing" on curves.

At night, after dark, there are always bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles, and even jeepneys driving with no lights on the road from the rotunda to our apartment. Pedestrians, dressed in dark clothes, cross the road in front of moving traffic. One time we barely saw a shadow, then realized there was a black Carabao (bull) being led across a desolate stretch of the road. Therefore we try not to drive at night.

We lived in the Metro Manila area for a couple of years. The traffic there is so much more orderly and one can get from place to place with hardly any hastle (except at rush hour). Having said that, I must admit, the traffic there is much denser than almost anyplace in the Tampa Bay area, where I live in the USA.

Finally, at 6:30 pm, after about an hour (to go about 5 or so miles) we arrive at our apartment. Phew, that was another nerve-racking trip.

Sign pointing to the North Luzon Expressway  (NLEX) which goes from Quezon City to points North including San Fernando, Angeles City, Tarlac and Baguio.

There is a toll road "super" highway between Manila and Angeles City, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). It continues on North past Angeles and then meets up with the highway to Baguio. The posted speed limit between Manila and Angeles City is 80 kilometers per hour (or about 49 miles per hour). The super highway is very well maintained and resembles US interstate highways. I have seen very few smoke belching vehicles on this highway. There are large rest areas similar to rest areas on interstate highways in the US. One may eat at any of a number of fast food restaurants, buy gas for the car, rest, etc.

Mt. Arayat as seen to the East from the super highway (the NLEX).

Typical trip while we were driving in the Philippines

The cause of a traffic jam. We had driven very slowly in a long line of traffic on the way to the mall in Angeles City. We were driving from Magalang (a rural town) where we lived, to Marquee Mall.

A slow moving Carabao cart. A guy on a motorcycle passing us on the right side. As the travel section of the US Department of State web site notes, Due to lax traffic regulation enforcement many Filipino drivers are downright reckless. In my experience, I would say that most, not all, are undisciplined. I am sure they save time and gasoline money by arriving at their destination faster than we do. If they were to drive in the US like they do here they would be paying a lot of traffic fines. Read what the US State Department has to say about traffic safety and road conditions.

They seem to driving recklessly but they must be expert at it because I have seldom seen a really bad accident. Have seen only a few minor fender benders.

On the last portion of the drive from Magalang to Marquee Mall jeepneys on the right side, small shops on the left, the toll booths at the NLEX near the mall and the walkover bridge from the mall to the bus station and jeepney terminal across the street. Many, many people ride jeepneys to and from the mall.

I removed the door panels from our car so that new vinyl covers could be put on them. See my post about auto restoration in the Philippines. If you are thinking about renting a vehicle in the Philippines consider this; as far as I have found there is no insurance available to cover you in the event the vehicle gets damaged while you are renting it. You will pay for any and all damages. There is a site that offers international car insurance, maybe you can buy some for your car, if you buy one, in the Philippines.

A problem about driving as a foreigner in the Philippines is that you may be seen by some as a target. You are perceived as being "rich" here. Pedestrians and other drivers may see you as an opportunity to make money. If you are involved in an "accident" it is very possible that you will end up paying much more than would a Filipino. Many foreigners hire a driver or, if married, will let their Filipino spouse drive.

Another solution is to ride in taxis, jeepneys, buses, "tricycles" or pedicabs.
But in jeepneys, "tricycles" and pedicabs you will be subject to more air pollution from "smoke belching" vehicles.

Update Feb. 6, 2024, Metro Manila Traffic:

‘Not a czar’: Pinoys give suggestions to resolve Metro Manila traffic woes.

MSN Story by Jeline Malasig •

"Last month, TomTom noted in its 2023 Traffic Index that Metro Manila was the worst place in the world to experience metro traffic.

The TomTom Traffic Index assesses the traffic conditions in metropolitan areas across the globe, analyzing factors like road infrastructure, speed limits and vehicle flow.

The traffic index said that Metro Manila drivers spent an average of 25 minutes and 30 seconds just to travel 10 kilometers in 2023. This is the slowest, compared to 387 areas mentioned in the study.

The data translates to 117 hours lost in traffic last year for those in the NCR, a time equivalent to almost five days.

TomTom said that the worst day and time to travel in Metro Manila is Friday, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. It added that a 10-kilometer drive took an average of 35 minutes and 30 seconds."

Cheapest cars to maintain in the Philippines. 

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If you are a foreigner and have driven in the Philippines please share your personal experiences with other readers by commenting below.

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This post will be expanded. Check back for more information about driving in the Philippines. Last updated February 6, 2024.