When in Metro Manila- a survival guide

Imperial Metro Manila is the dream of every child in the province. Why? Because they see it on national television every day. They watch their favorite series and dramas featuring their dream artists.

Manila has a lot of wonderful architecture- from the malls, museums, recreational parks, resorts, hotels, restaurants, etc. It is the city of light and fancy life.

But Manila is not all that splendor and glamor. It is brutal. How so? Because you won't make it here until you have the guts. Only the strong survive in Manila so if you or anyone of your family or relatives plan on going to Manila, let them be prepared so they'd survive and "di uuwing luhaan".

To be honest, living here in the Metro molded me to become a fighter and a survivor. I was once a sweet, naive "probinsyana" who only wanted to work and provide for her family. I didn't want to live and work here at first because I wanted to be in Cebu where the beaches are nearer and I could still have that "provincial life feels". But the circumstances changed when my grandma decided to let me live with my aunts and cousins so I could be looked after. And I became a Manila girl.

I first hated the traffic, the long lines and long wait times, the pollution, the danger but I got used to it as years have gone by. And whenever I go home to the province, I get sick because my body is longing for Manila's environment. (Naging toxic eh joke).

Let me ask you once again, do you wanna live in Manila? If yes, here is how you'd survive:

Make sure your legs are strong enough

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Why is this my number one requirement? Because the jeepneys and buses won't stop or turn back for you unlike your experience in the province. You have to make sure that your legs are strong enough for chasing transportation like bus, jeep or FX otherwise, you will be left behind. Here in Manila, things move on easily, you can be easily replaced by more eager passengers so beware.

Look like a tiger

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"Are you freaking kidding me, Hermani?"---> Me, looking back at you with my poker face on. Don't I look serious?

Because if you look sweet, innocent, vulnerable people will take advantage of you. They will know that you are a stranger in the place just like what happened to me. The tricycle driver knew that I came from the province because of my accent and I looked desperate so he offered me a ride and brought me everywhere far from where I wanted to be. Good thing he didn't plan on taking me somewhere else to do something really bad but he asked me for a higher fare. I was afraid that he might force me to give all my money so I gave what he wanted. And I walked a lot just to get home.

When you are new in Manila, you have to appear confident. Know where you are going, bring a map with you or memorize the routes and landmarks of the places so the drivers won't fool you.

Have a lot of coins

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Especially when you are on a bus, prepare a lot of coins because those conductors will "totally forget" your change. So if they do that to a number of passengers every day, how much are they earning?

When you talk to the conductor, talk confidently because if they sense fear or hesitation, they will accuse you of not paying the ticket yet, and sometimes, they won't give you your change. You got to be confidently assertive when saying, "Mama, sukli ko po." Always remember how much you paid or the type of bills that you gave so you can rebut them. If they say, "We don't have a change of this denomination yet", then prepare your coins in exchange for the bill and ask them to give your money back to you.

Be familiar with the places you're going

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Before you go out, make sure you have a map of the place or your destination, know the transportation routes, what to take, how much the fare is, etc., or just prepare a lot of coins for your fare.

If you don't know where you're going, always ask the security guard. Beware of asking people on the street, I know we should not judge but better safe than sorry.

Make sure you are full before you go out or have extra money for food

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Manila is a place like no other, you will be awed with everything you will see on the streets until you realized you are already famished. So make sure you either eat first before you go on an adventure or have extra money. Jollibee or McDo will be your best friend because of their value meals. If you're not familiar with Jolli Jeep, it is a food stall that you can see mostly on the streets of Makati where most people eat. Just make sure you check the food some of them aren't that clean- I don't want you to be sick.

Do not overdress or wear too much jewelry

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If you look rich then you will probably be followed by either pickpocket or hold uppers. Just dress simply. Do not show your gadgets, text, or call, while on the streets or inside a jeepney. If you can afford to have an extra regular phone, do so. Do not display your iPhone or whatever latest gadget that is. People need food and your phone is the easiest to sell.

If you wear jewelry, keep it at a minimum.

Just sharing.

My aunt always looked "regal" whenever she goes it. It means she'd always look rich and with full-on makeup even if it's a simple outing. One day, she met a hold upper and told her to remove all her jewelry. She told him they're all fancy. To the holdupper's dismay, he told her to swallow them. I am pretty sure she didn't but that could have been avoided if she wasn't overdressed in the first place.

"Dress to kill" on special occasions- not all the time.

Wear your bag to your front

This habit saved me a lot of times. But there was really nothing to get inside the bag unless it is my payday. I don't put a lot of important stuff in my bag to avoid inconvenience if in case it is stolen or snatched.

Avoid using a clutch bag, purses, and handbags in crowded areas. Either use a sling bag or backpack and put them in front, not on the back because it will be sliced especially if you are in a crowded place like Quiapo, Pasay, or Guadalupe. Also, don't open your bag or wallet on the street, do it when you're somewhere safe. Prepare your fare and put it in your pocket. Make sure to place an extra bill, an amount that is enough for you to go home, in a secret place like another pocket or in your shoes in case of emergency.

Wrapping up

Those tips I have mentioned above will surely help you survive Metro Manila even if you're a noob "probinsyana". It will also be helpful if you have contacts to some of your good friends so you have company especially if you're applying for a job or looking for a place to live.

Believe me, those are the things that I learned while being here for quite a long time. In case you're looking for either a place to live or work, I suggest you work around either Makati or BGC. The environment is much "calmer" than Manila. You'd only hear few people cursing and cussing. Of course, you can't avoid them but I felt the big difference living in Makati after being in Manila for 2 years.

"Iba Kami sa Makati" lol. (I don't intend to promote Makati or its politicians, okay?)

It is advisable that you live near your work location in case of typhoon or any calamities because when that happens, you will either be required to render an overtime or not going to be able to work which will affect your pay. Be smart.

I think I've said enough already so thank you very much for reading this.

I am very thankful for my sponsor's support and I am grateful for the increased number of subscribers. You guys always push me to do my best.

All content is mine unless stated otherwise. All images from lead to the rest of the images were from Unsplash.com

April 27, 2022

©HermaniGinger