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Toughest place to be a bus driver: Philippines

March 2, 2011

Watched this BBC TV segment on Youtube last weekend. It’s of a bus driver from London who came all the way to the Philippines to try his profession in the streets of Manila.

I hope you will find the time to watch all 6 segments because it is really eye opening. I am from Manila and though I’ve lived in an area in Quezon City that has squatters in the surrounding area, never had I seen the likes of Tondo. I am embarrassed to say that this is the first time I’ve ever heard of pag-pag. =( I could truly understand why this big dude from London cried many times in the short time that he was in Manila… it is truly heart-breaking… We know that poverty exists but we don’t see the exact conditions that people live in – sadly.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNMm85CKWJk

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a56fmu5RNpo

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN-EHhG_fw8

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r7vmEjHQ2Y

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxWshXgCoU

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdAsUm4iits

 

 

13 Comments · manila good to know

Comments

  1. Just me says

    March 2, 2011 at 3:08 AM

    Hi Diplo Wife!

    Nice new blog and your latest post is really an eye opener. Indeed, the Philippines has helped me to understand more about humanity and love too. keep me posted more.

    Adios

    Reply
    • diplomaticwife says

      March 2, 2011 at 8:16 AM

      Thank you. I am glad you like it though the perfectionist in me is still going crazy with all the tweaking I need to do on the design. I’m thinking of changing the gray background – too dreary compared to my old blog. What do you think?

      I’m still trying to figure out how to though LOl! =P

      Yes it was really heart wrenching and makes you realize that there are bigger problems out there. Which is why I now admire another Diplo Wife even more now for doing her part during her short stay in the Phils. Her name is Sarah and she keeps a blog called Novakistan.com. Have you seen it?

      Reply
      • Just me says

        March 3, 2011 at 8:07 AM

        Well, i like the layout the way it is, but maybe you can give it a try and who knows that would be more catchy. Anyway, you can always try and redo if it is not ok, sorry, can’t help. I myself just use the ready made web he3x, not that IT savvy.
        Yeah, have checked novakista.com too. Good one and i do enjoy. I wish to give more of my part during my transient life here too.
        Take care 🙂

        Reply
  2. Dave says

    March 2, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Best scene: When josh was already driving the jeepney by himself and needs to change lanes and then cue in Pirates of the Caribbean theme. Hahaha!

    Reply
    • diplomaticwife says

      March 2, 2011 at 10:29 AM

      Totally LOL! Yeah and in true Filipino spirit the passengers were helping him too!

      Reply
  3. Marikath says

    March 2, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    I love your new layout!! You inspire me! I need to write my next blog post!!

    Reply
    • diplomaticwife says

      March 3, 2011 at 2:59 AM

      Go! Can’t wait to read it. Btw you should check out the rest of the layouts/themes in Elegant Themes – I seriously had a hard time deciding on which one to use! I loved it so much that I affiliated with them… there’s a link to their site on my sidebar. =) Aren’t they all gorgeous?

      Reply
  4. Jenn says

    March 3, 2011 at 2:06 AM

    OMG I really want to watch but am at work 🙁
    Miss you terribly, love!

    Reply
    • diplomaticwife says

      March 3, 2011 at 3:07 AM

      Yeah it’s definitely not for work viewing… you are gonna cry! Hugs from indonesia luv!!! Let’s plan a girls trip to Bali??? I so need some Jenn-time!!

      Reply
  5. Maddie says

    March 6, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    Hi! I am really moved by this wonderful post you made 🙂

    If you don’t mind, I’d share your post in my FB account for my friends to see.

    Reply
    • diplomaticwife says

      March 6, 2011 at 4:44 PM

      Hey Maddie, no problems at all! I would love it if you did! It’s really an eye-opener! I’m glad you think so!

      Reply
  6. ***The LensMaster says

    March 23, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    I just started learning how to drive and I sure agree with the guy! It’s not only tough but it’s crazy!!! Somehow, it makes me wonder how our fellow bus and jeepney drivers will fair in a formula 1 race!

    Reply
    • diplomaticwife says

      March 26, 2012 at 2:02 PM

      Hahaha! I wonder the same thing. I remember when I first started driving in Manila… the trick I learned is to grit my teeth through the fear! =P

      Reply

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Hello! I’m Ayessa, trailing spouse to a diplomat, mama to DiploBaby and DiploDog and founder of Declutter MNL. I love talking about how to achieve a minimaluxe lifestyle one step at a time.

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