2008 January | The Nearly-Defunct Blog of Allen Yu

Of Rejection and Other News

On January 31, 2008, in Uncategorized, by Allen

And my greatest dream of becoming an architect might well be a dream forever… The college rejected me so I guess I’ll have to stay back where I am now…

Im becoming busy. Busy of being lazy. Haha!

I created a new blog named Lagusnilad. The name of the underpass along the Manila City Hall. The blog isn’t just about the beauty of the city but says everything you have to know about Manila. Especially the millions of its snatchers and robbers. Be careful!

I’m about to start writing next week.

Asia’s Perfect 10 Blog published its very first Southeast Asian of the Month with Brunei’s Prince Jefri Bolkiah as its debut personality. Check it out!

ASEAN – Asia’s Perfect 10: How To Ride the Jeepney

On January 17, 2008, in Uncategorized, by Allen

allYOU – Asia’s Perfect 10: How To Ride the Jeepney

How to Ride the Jeepney

On January 17, 2008, in Uncategorized, by Allen

I write on another Blog which is Asia’s Perfect 10 along with 6 other outstanding Southeast Asians and I’m glad that this particular article took the attention of many of our readers. This is, so far, linked on 3 different blogs and websites. To see the link and the Asia’s Perfect 10 Blog, visit http://aseanclan.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-ride-jeepney.html

Among various Southeast Asian indigenous public vehicles, the jeepney probably is one of the most exciting to ride in. Jeepneys are the most popular and primary modes of tranport in the Philippines. It is originally made from the US Military jeepneys and is now a public utility vehicle. It may well be compared to Thailand’s songthaew which taxis passengers to certain routes.

But what if you come to the Philippines and all buses, trains and cabs are unavailable? Would you try the jeepney? Well let me help you on your trip.

First, remember that jeepneys do not take you to where you exactly want to go except if the place is along the route. In Manila for example, there are millions of jeepneys but it takes different routes. You should look at the sign on the windshield for you to know where that jeep is going to. Remember too that you do not exclusively hire a jeepney but you share it with at least 20 others.

Second, when you ride the jeepney, you should not, if possible, pay large bills (ex. 200-1000pesos) because the driver may not have the change. Fares range from Php7.50 (as of 2008) for the first four kilometers and plus a peso for every consecutive kilometer. Students and senior citizens get 20% discount.

Third, the jeepney is not equipped with a ticket vending machine or conductors. When you pay the fare (and unfortunately you are situated at the very end of the vehicle), you pass the money to the person next to you and say, “bayad ‘po” (my fare, please). The person next to you then passes it to the one next to him or her and so on until your money gets to the driver. The driver would then ask where you want to go (listen carefully and speak clearly and loudly because most jeepneys have sound systems). The driver would then pass your change to the one nearest him until it comes to you. Always remember to say Salamat Po (thank you) and a smile. ^_^

Fourth, jeepneys do not have aircondition so don’t expect it to be that comfy especially in the humid Philippine climate.

When you come to your stop, just say “para ‘po” to the driver and he will stop. Or, if the jeepney has one, pull the string on the roof of the vehicle and it will signal the driver to stop.

There are so many kinds of jeepneys today. Considered the Jeepney of the modern times is the patok (popular) jeepney which is equipped with hybrid sound system, aggressive fonts, graffiti paintings and speed. The patok, especially the ones taking up the Manila-Cubao route are the most exciting to ride in because it swerves when the traffic is mild. sometimes, it does not admit older people because they might suffer from heart attack in the roller coaster-like trip. It is more popular among students and younger people who likes much adventure.

So whenever you visit us here, don’t forget to experience this one hell of a ride!

The patok with its dynamic modern design.

The newest breed of jeepneys. The electricity powered jeepney or the e-jeepney.

photos courtesy of http://www.ourworldstravel.com/ and Greenpeace.

Im A Star!

On January 13, 2008, in Uncategorized, by Allen

Its always so boring to wait for your professors on the lobby whenever you attend your class. So, out of extreme boredom, my friends and I tried out something funny.