Diary of a Wimpy Biker in Metro Manila

Bike to work wearing neon windbreaker

I'm a newbie biker.
I've only learned to ride a bike recently (at 20++ years old.)
I can't bike while standing, or with 1 hand only, or while keeping a conversation.
Basically I can't bike and do something else properly - so I focus on the road.

I'm probably that biker you honked at because I was slow at gaining my momentum after the light turned green. Or maybe I was too slow on an uphill? I'm probably that biker who jerked sideways after you honked too close and too loud. Worse, I'm probably that biker you almost hit because you couldn't wait 3 seconds for me to change gear and gain my momentum so you just tried to overtook me.

I'm probably that biker who almost fell at the gutter because you hogged the right side, because fuck it, that's your blind side right? No one should use that side.

I'm probably that biker you tried to scare by driving too close despite the clear wide road, just for the heck of it. It worked by the way, I was terrified and wondered the whole day if we actually knew each other, and maybe I wronged you, so you're getting back at me.

Yep, I'm probably that biker.

Going home wrapped because of heavy rains

But I hope you aren't that jeepney who tried to scare me, or that big black SUV who overtook me after a stoplight, or that nice sedan who hogs the right side unreasonably, or that cab who honks aggressively while on an uphill slow traffic.

But if you are, I sincerely hope you reconsider your actions.

I understand that I am super annoying too - lane splitting, overtaking tight spots, or maybe even counterflowing! Believe me when I say that I was forced to do it, and would never be so brave to defy traffic rules, and risk my safety and those around me if it weren't for certain circumstances.

I was in the middle because I couldn't transfer to the right side, because some truck wouldn't let me pass after I crossed from the other side of the road. I was lane splitting, because some Mazda hogged the right side. I was counterflowing because that's what the enforcer gestured. I was overtaking because the taxi in front of me suddenly came to a full stop and opened his door.

But let's say I was really on the wrong - I'm sorry.
Can you please not get even by putting me in a precarious situation?

Exactly because you are big, and you are 4 wheels, that you bear bigger responsibility on the road. To whom much (wheels) is given, much (responsibility) is expected. 

Imagine if I accidentally hit your car vs you hit me.
Imagine the damage.
You could kill me instantly, and even run away from the responsibility.
The worst I could do to you is give you inconvenience, as I can't even hit and run.

I will do my best to not be a burden on the road.
I will do my best to be predictable on the road.
I will pay utmost attention when riding.
I will follow all traffic rules and regulations.

I understand I should be responsible for myself, but please leave room for errors for me to accidentally commit. Expect that sometimes I will make mistakes, they will make mistakes, we will make mistakes. These mistakes are non intentional. Please don't run us over for it.

Please take care of me.
Please do not be so overbearing,
And be an ate or kuya on the road :)

Certificate for Motorcycle Riding Course at Honda Safety Driving Center

UPDATE August 4 2019

So this is me 1 year after I started biking to work - still hella scared, but doing it anyway :)

Sincerely,
Newbie Wimpy Biker

Travel Notes Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Travel Notes for Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Transpo

- Cebu to Port Hagnaya (Bus) P140

- Port Hagnaya to Bantayan (Ferry) P170 + P10 Terminal fee
- Tricycle/Habal Habal around the city - P20-P30

Activities

- Land Tour ~P500 (but better to rent a motorcycle or bike and do it yourself
if the weather is good, rental is around P300 for motor and P100 for bike)
Ob ob Mangrove Eco Park - P50 entrance fee
Cliff Diving
Camp Sawi beach

- Island Hopping Tour for Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island (P700 for the boat) - Our boat guide was polite and prepared with another boat engine when the first engine got busted - 0948 102 4950

You must absolutely go to Virgin Island. Entrance fee is steep at P500 for first 2 people and additional P100 for every additional person, but the island is beautiful and is worth it. You can even forget about Hilantagaan Island and spend the whole day or 2 at Virgin Island. Do snorkeling, beach bumming, cliff diving.

Budget
~P600 for basic fan room / night
~P100-P150 / basic meal