There are only two ways you can get around Angeles City and both aren't any picnic. Sometimes it's better to just walk but the heat can be a bitch and sometimes it's just too damn far.

TRIKES: Some of the most deviant pieces of shit on the planet have decided to make this their career. Trike drivers dont give a fuck about anyone but themselves. Do not trust any of them. Some are good guys and honest but most are pieces of shit. You will see motorcycles with a side car attached...these are trikes. Before you get into a trike, make sure you repeat what the fare is before you go to your destination..ALWAYS DO THIS. Up and down Fields Ave. and down to Perimeter is 50 pisos. A trip to Savers Mall or Johnny's should be 50 pisos as well. A trip to Dau or Nepo Mall will set you back 100 pisos or less. If they dont like that amount, walk away..they will chase you down. Trikes are extremely small and uncomfortable but convenient. Those with back problems should likely avoid riding in them.

JEEPNEYS: Many avoid Jeepneys because you are together with locals in a small environment. They are totally safe and a little more comfortable than trikes. They are just as safe as trikes but watch out for pickpocketers and hold onto your money if it gets tight in the Jeepney. Jeepney's are converted jeeps with a covered and extended cab. They have seats on both sides. Duck your head when going in and out. The fare is 7.5 pisos. Say 'bayat po' to pay the driver. If you want him to stop, say 'para po'. Jeepneys are good for getting rides from the Perimeter bars back to Fields and for trips to the mall. The Jeepney center for going towards Friendship Bridge and Perimeter Bars is at the end of fields across from the day market. This route will take you all the way to the end of Perimeter Road. This is the route you take to go to Hall Spa and AC2 gym. The other route is going towards MacCarthur. Look for a Jeepney that says "Centre Point" on top. This jeepney will take you to Savers Mall, Robinsons Mall and Nepo Mall for 7.5 pisos.

"Do not trust any of them. Some are good guys and honest but most are pieces of shit. "

Blazers-- what are you trying to say? You know, in all my trike rides, I've yet to have one problem. Not saying problems and headaches don't exist, but I for one think it's greatly over emphasized.

I failed to negotiate a rate to Cottage Kitchen and the oppotunistic trike-fella insisted on a hundred! Fucker!

Blazers,

Just wanted to say thanks for the report and guide.

I enjoyed reading it!

"Some of the most deviant pieces of shit on the planet have decided to make this their career. Trike drivers dont give a fuck about anyone but themselves. Do not trust any of them. Some are good guys and honest but most are pieces of shit."

Haha. Its called capitalism.

Contrary to SADs classification of my ethic beliefs, IME trike drivers have never caused me one iota of grief on ANY trip. IMHO, we should tone it down just a tad in terms of insults and slurs.

Just imagine life as a local numb-nut. All things considered, I think they are relatively easy to deal with.

I honestly have not had any probls w/ Trike drivers myself in AC. You'll come across the "taxi mafia" just about venue you go and is par for the course when traveling in the third world.



(Message edited by merlin on September 26, 2005)

I gotta agree that I have never had any problems with trike drivers. Some of them are actually quite friendly. Of course they're aggerssive about trying to get you to ride- that's their business. more than a few have been very helpful and I have taken them to Nepa Mall when I have no idea where the f**k I'm going and could easily be ripped off.

Would tales of armed robbery by a trike driver of at least one rather prominent member of this board cause any of you to re-think your 'they're not that bad' posts? Rape and murder of bargirls? Trust them as far as you can throw them, and don't get too drunk when you get into one and try to avoid them at all costs late at night. If you don't know where you're going, get one from a trusted location -- a situation where the 'mafia sites' can actually work to your advantage. They all have numbers and licenses. Taking down that info before you get in or having a doorman take such info for you might not be a bad idea. Blazers is on the right track here, you REALLY can't be too careful in AC.

My advice is to, whenever possible, ride in a jeep, not a trike. Also, always ride in the front seat of the jeep. For a P100 "special," one can have the entire jeep to himself.

I never need to wait more than 5 minutes to find a jeep with an empty front seat.

Thanks, Blazer, for an excellent guide to AC.

"My advice is to, whenever possible, ride in a jeep, not a trike."

Was robbed by 5 guys with knives in a jeep. Not necessarily safer...

E

Porker,

I'm not suggesting one drop their guard or stop being careful, but that we can tone it down a little.