Online I found statistics for 2006. In this year, the number of registered motorcycles was 2,409,363 whereas the amount of cars was 792,373. I do not know if this number includes public vehicles known where there is a miniature bus powered by a motorcycle welded in the middle or a sidecar that seats four to six passengers.

There are many motorcycles with a welded attachment on the side like a flat bed for delivering merchandise. I have even lately seen what looks like a small delivery truck from the rear and once you see the front, it has a motorcycle seat and handlebars and powered by a motorcycle engine.

Besides these modified motorcycles, many times you see a normal motorcycle with anything imaginable being transported. I have seen a rider, facing the rear, holding a large TV on his lap.

Thanks to a friend of mine, he allowed me to use some photos he has collected over the years showing a normal motorcycle delivering many different items. As you might noticed, not all or maybe any are from the Philippines. Many are from Viet Nam, China and other Asian countries.

I know this is not one of my in-depth and thoughtful observances, but something I hope you will enjoy.

Recently I have developed a skin rash on my leg and this got me to thinking. Except for a lactose intolerance allergy as a child, I never suffered from allergies growing up. Twelve years ago, when I moved from California to Florida I developed some skin conditions. As most of us know, an allergy is a reaction to some intolerance to something environmental, usually plant pollen or food. Therefore, if it is touched, in the air, breathed or eaten it can cause an allergy.

When I was in Florida, a doctor told me if you are prone to an allergy, it is a good chance it will happen in Florida. Since most are airborne caused and usually plant matter such as pollen, with the warm weather something is always blooming in Florida.

Well here in the Philippines such is the same. It is always warm and humid here. With those combination’s plants, mold and mildew is always growing. Also if you are not a native-born Filipino there are plants here that you have never been exposed to in your home country. These can also cause an allergy or skin intolerance due to being a new item exposed to the body.

When I developed the rashes in Florida, I went to two allergists and six dermatologists. All I was told was it is an unspecified dermatitis. Unspecified, in other words, they do not know what it is, what is causing it and no cure for it. Therefore, you scratch the itch and hope it will go away, at least for a short while for some relief.

When I first moved here, some of the skin conditions I had disappeared. I was thrilled. Some I had had for ten years and was amazed they cleared up. I guessed they were caused by something native to Florida and not present here in Davao. Well over time, most came back. They itch, I scratch, and then they subside for a while. Then they return and you are scratching again. I guess I should be thankful; they are tolerable and not as major eczema or psoriasis. I know of a few people affected with this and I sympathize with them.

Another situation visitors need to think of is respiratory conditions. With all the vehicles here, the exhaust fumes and dust in the air is a high level. If you have asthma, emphysema you might have difficulty here. To me it is like New York City years ago. Traffic is slow from the congestion and you see many vehicles belching black smoke out their exhaust pipes. You will see many motorcycle drivers with cloths or neoprene mouth and nose coverings. This is fine for the particulars in the air, but what about the exhaust gases.

All vehicles are required to have emission quality testing for vehicle renewal, but if this is operated accurately, why is there still so many vehicles not complying.

I know the Mayor is strong against pollution and public smoking. Unless a permit is granted for a smoking area, any area with a roof covering is to be considered a non-smoking area. One coffee shop I know had umbrellas over tables for a smoking area. They were informed this is a covering and no smoking allowed. I am a smoker, and from living in Florida and California where the anti smoking laws were enforced, I am used to such restrictions.

As time and technology continues to grow, I look forward to better conditions to be had by all living here.

Most drivers drive very aggressively. They will force a 3rd lane in 2 lanes going in one direction. They will drive up on parking lot entries to pass vehicles on the right. IF their 2 lanes of a 4 lane road are stopped, and they are in a hurry, they will go into incoming traffic lanes to pass the stopped vehicles in their own lanes. Also consideration and courtesy is practically nonexistent here.

Also you will see jeepneys change lanes with no signals and taxi drivers making U-turns in the middle of the road to get a possible passenger.

Besides that you have many motorcycles passing on the left, the right and weaving across traffic with no regard for anyone.

I had commented to someone, with all the craziness, I am surprised there are not more accidents. A friend pointed out that traffic drives slower than in the States, which is true. You rarely see high speed driving.  I do notice, as in the States, drivers with big, full size SUV’s and pickup trucks driving with a higher speed and an “I am bigger than you” and “King of the Road” attitudes.

I would best describe that you need a defensive aggressive attitude when driving. Especially when you want to cross traffic to make a turn or trying to enter a main road from a side street. At these times you need to inch your way into traffic and hope they will be courteous and let you in. Or you inch enough that oncoming drivers will let you in because there is not enough room for them.

I have also noticed most of the times directionals are not noticed but if you use a hand signal when you want to move over to the left lane most drivers will let you over.

Another situation is at intersections with a traffic light and a turning lane with a left turn light. Many drivers going straight will go into the left turning lane to get a jump on the traffic but at times get stopped with someone waiting to turn left.

A problem I have heard over and over is at an intersection with a “Yield on Green” sign and being stopped by a traffic official for making the turn. They do not understand and probably never taught what “Yield” means. This will be less of a problem now since the TMC (Traffic Management Office) personnel, who direct traffic at intersections no longer, have the ability to give traffic violations.

Some things to know that are different in the States is that it is illegal to move into an intersection to wait to make a left turn from a turning lane. Here you must wait before the intersection for traffic to open up.

My best advice is to take it easy at first, observe how others drive, but remember, if you’re a foreigner, you are considered wrong in most cases, even if you’re right.

I went to Junbac’s Car Wash on Mamay Road just off of Diversion road. I remember a few months ago seeing it built. If it is morning they even offer a free cup of coffee.
The whole car wash is covered with seats in the waiting area. They offer a newspaper to read while waiting too.

I was surprised when I first used one. I had thought it was a bunch of people with buckets of soapy water and rags. Not so. They have air compressors, power washers and foam soap machines and a lot of personel.

When you first drive in, someone takes out your floor mats and vacuums and even beats the dust out of them. Then they vacuum the whole inside of the car and even the inside of the trunk.

Then the car is hosed down and pre-washed. With a power washer they hose the car and even in the wheel wells. They rub their hands over all they spray to feel for any missed debris. They even open the doors and with an expert practiced aim spray the areas of the door and door frame that is not accessable until opened.
After the pre-wash they cover the car with a foam wash and the car is washed again.
Every area is washed, inspected and washed again. They also use wheel black on the tires to make them look new.

The whole process takes 30 minutes or longer depending on how dirty the car is.

The first time I was there I asked if they do full detailing inside and out and if they do waxing. They said no. I mentioned so far I have only known of one place downtown and gave them a flyer I had in the car.

The other week I went back to get my car washed and even met the owner. I told him about the flyer I had given their old manager and he told me he took my advice and now do waxing too.

I do not remember their prices for waxing but for a car wash it is only 50 pesos for a small economy size car, 60 for mid size and 70 for large. They also give discounts for taxis, jeepneys and motorcabs,