Trikes and Taxis: Unique Rides in the Philippines and Beyond

Pwede papicture? (Can you take a picture of me?) – My friend asked me as she hurriedly gave her phone to me and then she entered hastily in a rela (also known as motorela), a kind of tricycle here in Bantayan Island. I, then, eventually took a snap and when she went back to me to get her phone, I asked why, of all things in Bantayan, did she want to be photographed in this tricycle. She replied that this tricycle in Bantayan was different from the tricycles in other places because it looked like a mini jeepney.

I kept mum and thinking “Bitaw noh, the tricycle designs differ from place to place. PALAWAN, BATANES, PAGADIAN…these places have different tricycle designs.” And that hit me to get this notion to collect photos of tricycles and other interesting modes of transportation in different places in the Philippines. So far here is my collection of photos of trikes.

1. TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL

Napaka-cute talaga ng tricycle na ito! I have several photos of tricycles in Tagbilaran, Bohol, but this one is really eye-catching with its pang-ARMY color. (BTS yarn?🤔 Charowt! HAHA!) Anyhoo, I find the tricycles in Bohol even more interesting because Biblical verses or scriptures are painted at the back of each trike. As what I have learned, the officials of the capital city of Bohol, Tagbilaran City, passed a city ordinance requiring that a Scripture must be inscribed at the back of all tricycles. Accordingly, anyone caught not complying with this ordinance will either be fined or have his license revoked.

Please correct me if I’m wrong. And I would like to know if this ordinance still holds true up to this time.🤔

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2. OLANGO ISLAND

One of my favorite trikes in Olango has a door and a sleek silver color. It’s got a cool, almost futuristic vibe to it—practical yet stylish. Napakaastig tingnan!

3. DIPOLOG CITY

Sana all my day off! Dipolog City has a unique approach: each tricycle has a scheduled day off! (Zoom in on the signs to see the designated day.) It’s interesting to see a system that gives both drivers and vehicles a break.🧐

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4. ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA

If you’re on the bigger side, like me, fitting comfortably in an Angeles City trike can be a bit of a challenge! This tight fit had me thinking a diet might be a good idea—haha! HAHAHAHA!

5. DAVAO CITY

On my second visit to Davao, I was thrilled to snap some great trike photos. Most of them are bright yellow with a spacious, covered cabin and a streamlined sidecar—perfect for city exploration and another highlight for my collection. Woo-hoo! 😎😎

6. SIARGAO ISLAND

Siargao Island also boasts trikes with unique designs. While initially reminding me of Caticlan’s trikes upon arrival, I quickly discovered a diverse range of styles. Many seem crafted for tourists, some even resembling Tuktuks. If I return to Siargao Island, I’d love to explore the island by trike again, relishing the fresh clean air and breathtaking scenery.

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7. Nag-eedit pa po ako !

I’m still editing! 🤣🤣🤣 HAHAHA so stay tuned. Some of my photos are in FB https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=thewanderlustkeeper&set=a.1166753120021702

If I have the opportunity to travel, taking photos of trikes or riding in them gives me so much excitement and joy that I will be having additional photos for my collection. HAHA! I hope I can travel and wander again.