The Metro Girl's Guide to Commuting in Manila | ABS-CBN
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The Metro Girl's Guide to Commuting in Manila
The Metro Girl's Guide to Commuting in Manila
Kate Paras-Santiago
Published Jan 10, 2025 05:00 PM PHT
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Updated Jan 10, 2025 05:28 PM PHT
We've all heard it one too many times: Why do we love commuting when we're abroad and hate it when we're back home in Manila? As someone who has made this comparison often while on trips to foreign cities, I would like to change the narrative for myself, at least, by giving our transportation system another chance. Just a few days ago, I did exactly this, and I gave commuting in Manila another shot in 2025.
We've all heard it one too many times: Why do we love commuting when we're abroad and hate it when we're back home in Manila? As someone who has made this comparison often while on trips to foreign cities, I would like to change the narrative for myself, at least, by giving our transportation system another chance. Just a few days ago, I did exactly this, and I gave commuting in Manila another shot in 2025.
My 2025 commute experience
We've been given the return to office go-signal by our company since late last year, and starting this year, we are encouraged to come in at least twice within the week. After being so used to the work-from-home setup, going back out for work and adding a transportation budget came as a shock for many of us, and I speak for myself because I live quite far from our physical office. The Skyway is a great option for avoiding EDSA traffic, but the gas+toll or Grab/Joyride car+toll options tend to be very, very expensive. I could take the P2P, but that also didn't present a very pocket-friendly option, because the P2P points aren't exactly close to my house or the office.
We've been given the return to office go-signal by our company since late last year, and starting this year, we are encouraged to come in at least twice within the week. After being so used to the work-from-home setup, going back out for work and adding a transportation budget came as a shock for many of us, and I speak for myself because I live quite far from our physical office. The Skyway is a great option for avoiding EDSA traffic, but the gas+toll or Grab/Joyride car+toll options tend to be very, very expensive. I could take the P2P, but that also didn't present a very pocket-friendly option, because the P2P points aren't exactly close to my house or the office.
I then took this as a chance to get creative with my transportation options and decided to give commuting via other means of public transportation another try. New year, new experiences, right? I had much commuting experience back when I was in college (riding the jeepney and taking the LRT regularly), but when I started working and got married, things changed. The last time I took the MRT was probably in 2019, so I had to do some reviewing.
I then took this as a chance to get creative with my transportation options and decided to give commuting via other means of public transportation another try. New year, new experiences, right? I had much commuting experience back when I was in college (riding the jeepney and taking the LRT regularly), but when I started working and got married, things changed. The last time I took the MRT was probably in 2019, so I had to do some reviewing.
L-R: The new LRT 1 Dr. Santos station; inside the new LRT train | Photos by Kate Paras-Santiago
L-R: The new LRT 1 Dr. Santos station; inside the new LRT train | Photos by Kate Paras-SantiagoIt was a Tuesday night, and I was making my way home to Paranaque from Quezon City. After a quick tricycle ride (Php 30) to the MRT station, I was able to easily buy a single-trip ticket (Php 28), get on the train, and make my way to the connecting station to the LRT. Late last year, the new additional stations for LRT 1 were launched, and that meant the train would reach all the way to Sucat a.k.a. Dr. Santos station! Oh, what joy! Since then, I've been wanting to try it and that evening, I was finally able to!
It was a Tuesday night, and I was making my way home to Paranaque from Quezon City. After a quick tricycle ride (Php 30) to the MRT station, I was able to easily buy a single-trip ticket (Php 28), get on the train, and make my way to the connecting station to the LRT. Late last year, the new additional stations for LRT 1 were launched, and that meant the train would reach all the way to Sucat a.k.a. Dr. Santos station! Oh, what joy! Since then, I've been wanting to try it and that evening, I was finally able to!
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The single trip ticket for the LRT ride from EDSA station to Dr. Santos set me back Php 25, and that gave me access to a new train carriage, comfortable seating, and great air conditioning! It was a pretty good experience and I was able to get to Paranaque in less than an hour. It was not bad! Safe to say I'll be doing this more often.
The single trip ticket for the LRT ride from EDSA station to Dr. Santos set me back Php 25, and that gave me access to a new train carriage, comfortable seating, and great air conditioning! It was a pretty good experience and I was able to get to Paranaque in less than an hour. It was not bad! Safe to say I'll be doing this more often.
Other ways to commute
If the MRT and LRT aren't your thing, there are plenty of other ways to commute in Manila these days, like riding the good 'ol iconic jeepney, public buses, tricycles, Angkas or Move It, P2P buses, and relatively new to the scene: The bike and scooter service Moovr.
If the MRT and LRT aren't your thing, there are plenty of other ways to commute in Manila these days, like riding the good 'ol iconic jeepney, public buses, tricycles, Angkas or Move It, P2P buses, and relatively new to the scene: The bike and scooter service Moovr.
BGC can get quite congested in terms of traffic these days, so if you don't have the time to walk to your destination, Moovr is a great option. The company has ensured that it complies with the highest standards of safety for both riders and pedestrians. It's available in high-demand areas throughout BGC such as Bonifacio High Street. By placing bikes and scooters at these points, the Personal Mobility Device (PMD) sharing service aims to provide easy access to key destinations while reducing congestion in high-traffic areas, improving pedestrian safety, and supporting a more efficient flow of travel throughout BGC. You can download the Moovr app on the App Store or Google Play to check the nearest station near you! Note: Moovr can also be found in places like Filinvest City!
The downside of public transportation
As in any city, public transportation has its hazards. No one is completely safe and secure as we are exposed to many elements: weather, pollution, pickpockets, and whatnot. This though, is something we cannot completely avoid, but we can do something about it. We can prepare ourselves, plan ahead and plan properly, and take each trip with caution. We women, most especially, are to be wary of these factors, but do not fret, as we at Metro are here to help you get commute-ready!
As in any city, public transportation has its hazards. No one is completely safe and secure as we are exposed to many elements: weather, pollution, pickpockets, and whatnot. This though, is something we cannot completely avoid, but we can do something about it. We can prepare ourselves, plan ahead and plan properly, and take each trip with caution. We women, most especially, are to be wary of these factors, but do not fret, as we at Metro are here to help you get commute-ready!
Prep your gear
Depending on where you're going, how you dress will vary and affect your transportation choice for the day. But for most days when we tend to be dressed in smart casual to casual attire, we can invest in a few of these things to help keep us commute-ready!
Depending on where you're going, how you dress will vary and affect your transportation choice for the day. But for most days when we tend to be dressed in smart casual to casual attire, we can invest in a few of these things to help keep us commute-ready!
1. An anti-identity theft RFID protection wallet
This one is highly advisable especially for frequent travelers and commuters, as identity thieves are on the rise. Protect your sensitive information by investing in a wallet that's armed with RFID so you can rest assured your personal details like banking and passwords are safe.
This one is highly advisable especially for frequent travelers and commuters, as identity thieves are on the rise. Protect your sensitive information by investing in a wallet that's armed with RFID so you can rest assured your personal details like banking and passwords are safe.
2. Comfortable footwear
I've said goodbye to my stiletto-wearing days, and thankfully, the sneaker trend has never left the building. If you need to wear something more smart and polished, I'm obsessed with the Fit Flop x Song Hye-kyo collection which features these platform loafers. It's designed for style and built with comfort in mind thanks to FitFlop's demi-wedge version of the Microwobbleboard™ midsole. Talk about form and function! You'll be acing your commute and work presentation with these!
I've said goodbye to my stiletto-wearing days, and thankfully, the sneaker trend has never left the building. If you need to wear something more smart and polished, I'm obsessed with the Fit Flop x Song Hye-kyo collection which features these platform loafers. It's designed for style and built with comfort in mind thanks to FitFlop's demi-wedge version of the Microwobbleboard™ midsole. Talk about form and function! You'll be acing your commute and work presentation with these!
3. Card Holder with Lanyard
Storage for your Beep card? Yes, indeed! When you're out in public is definitely not the time to be opening your wallet for the world to see. Have a handy yet stylish ID holder with a lanyard around your neck when it's time to be out and about, and easily get coins, loose cash, and your Beep card ready for tapping anytime, anywhere! Editor's note: There are also a ton of other cheaper options in Shopee and Lazada, so get crazy and creative with it! If you're feeling fancy, this one's it:
Storage for your Beep card? Yes, indeed! When you're out in public is definitely not the time to be opening your wallet for the world to see. Have a handy yet stylish ID holder with a lanyard around your neck when it's time to be out and about, and easily get coins, loose cash, and your Beep card ready for tapping anytime, anywhere! Editor's note: There are also a ton of other cheaper options in Shopee and Lazada, so get crazy and creative with it! If you're feeling fancy, this one's it:
4. Makeup Fixing/Setting Spray
We girlies know that commuting can take a toll on our look for the day. Can I get an amen? After you've carefully done your makeup for your activity for the day, it's a MUST to spray on some hardworking fixing/setting spray to ensure that you arrive at your destination still looking fresh and put together. No to hulas mode! We love the Life-Proof range from local brand GRWM Cosmetics — it now comes in a travel-friendly bottle too!
We girlies know that commuting can take a toll on our look for the day. Can I get an amen? After you've carefully done your makeup for your activity for the day, it's a MUST to spray on some hardworking fixing/setting spray to ensure that you arrive at your destination still looking fresh and put together. No to hulas mode! We love the Life-Proof range from local brand GRWM Cosmetics — it now comes in a travel-friendly bottle too!
5. Anti-bad odor spray
Let's face it—commuting really has its cons, as in some days, you will enter the office smelling like vehicle smoke. Want to ensure you're kept fresh and smelling fabulous even after being out on the road? We say pack a Dress & Living Clear Perfume, just like this pick. It neutralizes odors and makes sure you're presentable whenever, wherever!
Let's face it—commuting really has its cons, as in some days, you will enter the office smelling like vehicle smoke. Want to ensure you're kept fresh and smelling fabulous even after being out on the road? We say pack a Dress & Living Clear Perfume, just like this pick. It neutralizes odors and makes sure you're presentable whenever, wherever!
6. A new book
Yes, the urge to use our smartphones while we're on public transportation (or anywhere to be honest) is strong, but for the sake of safety, why not keep your smartphone inside your bag where it's not seen and entertain yourself with a book instead? There's a resurgence for the love of physical books these days, so we highly encourage you head to your nearest bookstore and find a new book to get lost in!
Yes, the urge to use our smartphones while we're on public transportation (or anywhere to be honest) is strong, but for the sake of safety, why not keep your smartphone inside your bag where it's not seen and entertain yourself with a book instead? There's a resurgence for the love of physical books these days, so we highly encourage you head to your nearest bookstore and find a new book to get lost in!
With these picks, we hope you're excited for your next commute! Stay safe, get more steps in, and enjoy the ride!
With these picks, we hope you're excited for your next commute! Stay safe, get more steps in, and enjoy the ride!
Banner photos by Kate Paras-Santiago (LRT 1) and TransitDiagrams on Reddit
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