Blog Post
Starter pack: Working in the Metro
- By atthemomentmanila@gmail.com
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- 22 Jan, 2018
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This post has been edited on August 08, 2019. Uber has been deleted and Sakay.ph has been added to the list.
Whether you're originally from provinces or you've been living your whole life in Manila, it can always get stressful when you start working in the Metro. You may get used to the traffic already when you're still in school, but it's different when you're working.
Even though we want to look at the positive side of everything, things can go wrong at the most sudden times. You might miss the bus, the van, or the jeep. You might have to do overtime work. And you might get lost some place you never thought you'd ever have to go to!
Because of this, we've come up with a list of things (apps and items) you should always have with you!
Even though we want to look at the positive side of everything, things can go wrong at the most sudden times. You might miss the bus, the van, or the jeep. You might have to do overtime work. And you might get lost some place you never thought you'd ever have to go to!
Because of this, we've come up with a list of things (apps and items) you should always have with you!
1. Grab on your phone
Even if you usually take public vehicles on your way to work, you should still have Uber ready on your phone. You never know when you might have to rush to be somewhere or if there's a road accident along the way. Having one of these apps on your phone is important so you can book a ride when there's an emergency.
We suggest having both apps on your phone because the rides do not always have the same price range. You could check both apps to decide which app will give you a cheaper ride. Also, you should consider Grabshare so you could still save up!
We suggest having both apps on your phone because the rides do not always have the same price range. You could check both apps to decide which app will give you a cheaper ride. Also, you should consider Grabshare so you could still save up!
2. Waze on your phone
Waze is another app that'll come handy. It's not just helpful to those who drive their own cars -- you can make use of this, too, when you're a commuter!
Waze works similar to Google Maps, but Waze will show you traffic jams, accident areas, and places where the police is. If you got lost somewhere, Waze will help you locate the best way to go even when you're just walking to where the vehicles are, or even when you're in a car or a public transportation.
Waze works similar to Google Maps, but Waze will show you traffic jams, accident areas, and places where the police is. If you got lost somewhere, Waze will help you locate the best way to go even when you're just walking to where the vehicles are, or even when you're in a car or a public transportation.
3. A Beep card
Do you ride the MRT or the LRT? Or do you ride the P2P or the BGC buses? No. Okay. But you still need one of these.
When time comes and you'll have to ride the MRT, LRT, P2P bus, or the BGC bus, this will come in handy. Having a Beep card with load on it helps so you won't have to fall in line during the rush hour. You never know when you have to ride one of those modes of transportation. And trust us -- being able to just walk past the line and into the vehicle will help lose a bit of the stress you experience when commuting.
When time comes and you'll have to ride the MRT, LRT, P2P bus, or the BGC bus, this will come in handy. Having a Beep card with load on it helps so you won't have to fall in line during the rush hour. You never know when you have to ride one of those modes of transportation. And trust us -- being able to just walk past the line and into the vehicle will help lose a bit of the stress you experience when commuting.
4. Sakay.ph on your phone
Sakay.ph is an app that gives you the best commute directions in Metro Manila. It will show you what jeepney, UV express, train, city bus, or P2P bus you need to ride to reach a certain destination.
This app is perfect for when you have to travel somewhere that's not your usual route and you want to take a break from spending too much for Grab or taxi cabs. You'll just have to enter where you're headed and this app will give you a list of the routes and rides you need to go on. It also gives you an estimated travel time so you can plan accordingly.
This app is perfect for when you have to travel somewhere that's not your usual route and you want to take a break from spending too much for Grab or taxi cabs. You'll just have to enter where you're headed and this app will give you a list of the routes and rides you need to go on. It also gives you an estimated travel time so you can plan accordingly.
4. Spare cash
One of the ways where you can save money is by leaving the house with limited money in your pockets. That way, you'll spend lesser than you usually do for fear of having zero balance in your wallet. Still, you should always have spare cash in your pocket. Around Php200 will do.
Why is this important? You never know when you have to pay for something, or worse, if you become a victim of theft. We hope this never happens, but when it does, at least you won't have to walk home. Always be ready for anything!
Why is this important? You never know when you have to pay for something, or worse, if you become a victim of theft. We hope this never happens, but when it does, at least you won't have to walk home. Always be ready for anything!
5. The mobile number of a trusted friend who's also in Manila
It doesn't just have to be a friend. It could be your parents or close relative. But that person must be in Manila, too.
This is the person you'll contact when something goes wrong. Besides that, this person is whom other people will call when something happens to you. It would also be great if you have the number of this person in a card somewhere in your bag or in your pocket so that people will know who to call when you're unconscious or unable to make the call yourself.
This isn't about being morbid. As previously mentioned, you should always be ready for anything.
This is the person you'll contact when something goes wrong. Besides that, this person is whom other people will call when something happens to you. It would also be great if you have the number of this person in a card somewhere in your bag or in your pocket so that people will know who to call when you're unconscious or unable to make the call yourself.
This isn't about being morbid. As previously mentioned, you should always be ready for anything.
These are just some of the important things to take note of! We all hate carrying heavy bags, but these are the things you should always be ready with. Sure, you need a first aid kit and the things that are inside those, but you can buy that even when you're outside. The things indicated in this list are the other things you should be ready with especially when you're not used to going around the Metro.
Do you have any other tips you could share with us? Let us know!
Do you have any other tips you could share with us? Let us know!
Check out our sample itinerary and budget plan on a trip to Mindoro!
Be consistent and include these as part of your daily bread. Ask every member of your family (at least) to support you and do the same. Like a ripple effect, at least 5/10 ratio of people has a bigger impact than 2/10 ratio of saving mother earth.
