New and Used Car Talk Reviews Hot Cars Comparison Automotive Community

The Largest Car Forum in the Philippines

Results 1 to 2 of 2
  1. Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Posts
    657
    #1
    When greeting a Filipino driver, slowly lower your window and be prepared to greet the driver with: "Tangna mo, bobo". However, if you have been already addressed by a fellow driver, reply with a joyful "Tangna mo rin, gago".

    On Turn Signals
    If a driver in another lane turns on the turn signal, do not let him go into your lane. Press the accelerator instead and start driving next to him/her. The fellow driver will probably greet you and you already know what to do.

    On Traffic Lights
    These amusing artifacts hang from intersections for no apparent reason. Sometimes you will see drivers stop to see the colors change on these lights (a fascinating experience). Government officials (specifically police) believe that each color stands for an instruction for drivers to follow.

    From pure observation I have determined the following instructions for each colors:

    Yellow light: accelerate your car as much as possible.
    Red light: this light gives you permission to the next five or six cars to go through.
    Green: reduce speed and wait for the five to six cars passing through their respective red lights.
    Little known fact: Time to start honking your horn, as soon as the light turns green: 1.5 seconds.

    On Changing Lanes
    Changing lanes has been elevated to an art form in the Philippines. First of all, no matter what you do, never turn your turn signal otherwise you'll stimulate the reaction described above. Second, swerve your car uncontrollably toward the lane you want to go, preferably if you end up within inches from the car you will find on that lane. At this point, a greeting from the other driver may be in order. To perfect your change of lanes, reduce the speed of your car dramatically in a matter of seconds and you will see an action packed reaction from the car behind you.

    On Traffic Jams
    Traffic jams are teeming with fun-filled activities such as:

    1. Honking your horn rhythmically.
    2. Rear-view mirrors are used to put on make-up (usually female drivers only).
    3. Nose-pickers sightseeing. (not to be confused with people who scratch their brains through their noses)
    4. Reduce speed to watch whatever is causing the traffic jam. Add excitement by trying to see if you know the parties involved. (note: every Filipino driver is obliged to do this)
    5. Lose weight by sweating like a pig as a result of lack of air-conditioning.
    6. Greet other drivers.
    7. Practice lane changing.
    8. Play the game: Let's see how close I can get you before rear-ending you.

    On Pedestrians
    These individuals are an annoyance to the Filipino driver. If you see pedestrians on your way, accelerate your car to let them know who's the boss. If you are at an intersection, let the pedestrians know you want to proceed by accelerating your car and honking at the last possible moment.

    On Social Situations
    Bumping into a friend while driving (not be taken literally) is a joyful occasion. Drivers should reduce and stop their cars in the middle of the street and chit-chat. What about other drivers? Well, they can wait.

    On Highway Driving

    Bottleneck formation:
    To accomplish this type of driving, cars must block all lanes by driving at the same speed , side by side to avoid other cars to pass. It is important to drive at a speed at least 20 mph below speed limit.

    The Three-lane Change:
    This movement requires a lot of precision and creativity. It should be done around the highest number of cars possible and in a matter of seconds to create what the other may refer to as widespread panic.

  2. Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Posts
    14,822
    #2

The Filipino Driver Survival Guide