Across the world, I am fascinated by the different types of vehicles on the road.

Trucks, cars, buses, taxis, three-wheelers, tuk tuks, peticabs, motorcycles… they may look different the further I get from home; but traffic is traffic.

Watching Traffic Go By in Manila and Romblon Island Town

During my time in the Philippines, I stood or sat on several street corners and filmed the world going by. What I loved most was the contrast between each video. Although the vehicles are the same, the speed which they drive and the lifestyle that surrounds them could not be more different.

For example, the above video was filmed in Manila. Although the Vito Cruz intersection was far from downtown, it was still in constant motion.

Meanwhile, the below video was shot in a major intersection of “downtown” Romblon Island Town. Located 15 hours from mainland Luzon, there was nothing fast or busy on the entire island.

Vehicle Types in the Philippines

In addition to universal vehicle types like cars, trucks and motorcycles, there are quite a few Philippines-specific taxis that can be spotted in these videos.

Jeepney

These converted World War II jeeps are used as communal bus-style taxis. They run on a specific route and passengers can get on and off at any place they want along the way.

 

A Jeetney in Manila
A Jeetney in Manila

Tricycle

Consisting of a motorcycle with a teeny sidecar bolted to the side, this taxi often carries a half-dozen locals at a time: or two tall westerners with backpacks.

 

The lineup of Tricycle drivers that was waiting for me at the Dao Mabalacat Bus Terminal in Angeles City
The lineup of Tricycle drivers that was waiting for me at the Dao Mabalacat Bus Terminal in Angeles City

Pedicab

A pedicab is very similar to a tricycle; except that it is powered by a push-bike instead of a motorcycle. For some reason, these often seem to be driven by smiling old Filipino men.

 

A pedicab splashes through the puddles of the Baclaran Market in Manila, Philippines
A pedicab splashes through the puddles of the Baclaran Market in Manila, Philippines

 

A pedicab makes its way through the busy streets of Manila, Philippines
A pedicab makes its way through the busy streets of Manila, Philippines

Traffic in Angeles City, Philippines

The final video was taken in a local neighborhood in Angeles City near the Dao bus terminal. See how many different types of vehicles you can spot…

You Might Also Like: the story of how I spent 48 hours 15 modes of Filipino transportation to see some coffins and rice fields.