Pedi cab, side car, and tricycle, are all names for one of the most commonly used forms of transportation in the Philippines. They are mini carriages attached to either BMX sized bikes or motorbikes. In most side cars, the carriage is covered by promotional tarpaulin. This way you stare at an advertisement for hair oil, instead of the four way intersection your driver is crossing during a red light. My apartment is near the main drag in Malate, so there is a high density of pedi cab drivers on my block. When I first arrived, being used to walking everywhere in Washington, DC, I tried to also walk everywhere here. In doing so, I became the common enemy of the tricycle drivers. Everyday, one would ask, “Pedi cab ma’am?” and follow me for a few minutes. Finally, they gave up the pursuit, but one named Body, remained hopeful. He continued asking, until one day, he too lost patience with me. “Always walking…always, always!!!” he complained.

Slowly, I became tired of fighting my way through the streets. Sidewalks are uneven, littered with unsightly elements, and crowded. And by the time, I got to where I was going; I was damp with sweat. Yet, none of these annoyances were as motivating as Body’s excitement when I finally accepted to be taken somewhere. Now, he is one of my regular side car drivers. The other one is named Tik Boy. Both have infectious smiles and a gentle demeanor, and I find it impossible to refuse them now. Body spots me as soon as I round the corner from my apartment, and I can expect to see a hand jet into the air, signaling his presence, as he fumbles to put his contraption into motion. “Ok, Julia! No walking!” he shouts, as he bikes towards me. Tik Boy is a little less aggressive. He usually waits until I get to the end of the block, holding open the tarp flap for me, as I approach him.

Sometimes, when neither Tik Boy nor Body can be found, I have to use a different peddler. I always feel a little traitorous when doing this, especially when I get caught. The other day, I was in a hurry to reach the metro, and seeing neither of my guys in sight, I jumped into a random side car. When we got about a block away, I saw Body standing on the corner with some of his friends. He spotted me, as I rolled by, and whined, “Juliaaaa! What are you doing??!!” Now, I make sure to check the next street over, before using another driver.

While these anecdotes may lead you to believe that I am winning over locals on account of my irresistible charm and friendly personality, you are mistaken. It is true that I am charming and friendly, as you all know, but I also pay them at least twice as much as I should. The standard foreigner rate, for most trips I take, would be 20-30 pesos. I pay 40 to 60 pesos each trip, which is around $1. I believe anyone who is peddling an extra body through hot, crowded, polluted streets deserves an extra 50 cents, and that’s why they lobby for my business. Making friends in the process, is a bonus.