The Filipino Way of Getting To School

The Filipino transport system is unlike any other. If you're not native to the Philippine Islands then you're sure in for a culturally mind-boggling treat. It's time to put yourself in other people's shoes. Black Filipino school shoes that is. Get a glimpse on what it's like being a Filipino student (Not the ritzy ones).

Walking

That's right. Good old walking. We're not so different after all.
It is definitely preferred by the average Filipino family to enroll their children at a nearby school for financial reasons. Some would even move homes near the schools their children are enrolled to for convenience. A closer school equals walkable distance. A walkable distance equals no need for fare money. For this the only things needed are a good pair of sturdy shoes to last the whole school year and a convenient water container to make sure you don't pass out from dehydration on the way. 

A group of girls on their way to school.

Motorcycles

This vehicle is a very popular means of transportation not only in the Philippines but potentially the world. It's fairly easy to learn to drive one of these things not to mention its relative cheapness. There's a high probable chance you'll see one in every household you'll encounter in smaller cities. As a mode of transportation, this is ideal for students trying to get to their schools considering the crazy traffic that is ever so rampant here in the Philippines and these things get through traffic like a knife cutting through butter. Early in a Monday morning you will definitely see a student being driven by his dad or his brother.

Tricycles

This vehicle might be new to you if you're not southeast Asian. Behold the Tricycle. 'Tri' referring to the extra third wheel attached to a cart which is attached to a motorcycle. A cultural innovation indeed. You'll probably see different versions of this in neighboring southeast Asian countries. Try to look them up.
In different areas here in the Philippines you will see different assortments of this vehicle. Some carry six passengers. Some seven, eight even but commonly these colorful motor powered carts usually just carry about five. An efficient and a less time-consuming vehicle. As a student myself I basically owe this hunk of rolling metal technically my success on getting to school on time. Fare is a whooping cheap price of  PHP 7.00  or roughly 0.18 US dollars. Crazy isn't it? And never underestimate these things. These things are durable.  From  rough roads to flooded muddy paths this baby endures it all. 

Special thanks to Manong Driver. Just cruising.

PUJs

The PUJ or the Public Utility Jeep I would say is  the most popular means of transportation in the Philippines. You are not Filipino if you have not ridden in one of these they say. There's a high probable chance you'll see one in every city here in the Philippines. The inside of this majestic vehicle can carry a maximum of twenty to thirty people depending on the vehicle's size. The size will vary in specific places. I ride these four times a day. Getting to school and back. The fare on these range from PHP 8.00 to a max of PHP 20. It is important to note that the law requires drivers to give fair discounts to students and to senior citizens.

A small sized PUJ.