New LTO requirement

I have to agree with Charly on this one. I can think of nothing more senseless than trying to “drive like they do.” That would mean ignoring common sense and disregarding rights of other drivers and pedestrians. I try to drive carefully, mindfully, defensively, and to stay with the speed appropriate for the conditions, not slow on the highway, but definitely not passing anywhere and anytime I want to without regard to oncoming traffic.

 

It has its benefits to change the nationality. You can get away with anything even if it is completely 100% your fault.
As a foreigner, even if is clearly the Filipinos fault. You get booked because they can squeeze money out of you.

You know Filipino can't afford it. My dad always told me. You can't squeeze blood out of a turnip.

 

I do not completely drive like they do. I still use my horn when people aren't looking when they cross the street. I stop at the cross walk to let others pass. All my lights on my bike works. My muffler doesn't sound like a rice rocket.

but I absolutely do not let them take advantage of me on the road. I will still hold my own.

 

" I absolutely do not let them take advantage of me on the road. I will still hold my own."

Yep, got my mirror clipped 3 times in 8 years doing doing exactly that. But since that is the worst of it I can live with that. But it explains why locals take the mirrors off their bikes.

Every time I get my mirror clipped I back off for a couple of years and let them cut me off as I realize you really can't win by 'holding your own' but after a couple years the frustration grows and I push the issue until I get another mirror clipped

 

You know... I understand the mirror thing. I get it.

But this is the weird thing with me. Ever since coming back from Iraq I have had this "I don't care" attitude about me. Being may someone getting in my face, or someone being hurt or caring about other people's feelings. I just don't care. I give respect to the people who deserve the respect. Drivers in Dumaguete don't show respect. There go, I do not give.

I tried being nice to people, but it has taken a toll on me. All that ever happens is that I get screwed in the end. So, today.... I told my GF that I am moving. There is nothing for me here anymore and I want to try up in Northern Luzon. Just a different setting and attitude of people.

Also, if something happens to someone and it isn't my fault. I just wouldn't feel any remorse feelings. I just don't know. I guess you would say that I am just "numbed."
Funny thing is that my state of mind helps me through the daily dose of the Philippines.

 

Word of advice if I may suggest you avoid Pampanga then. People there are worse than here by a darn sight!

 

I am hoping to live on the outskirts of town of Olongapo. Still want to be near the water. I was told that Pampanga was bout a 30 min drive. I think
there is the main road called "Subic- Clark - Tarlac Expy" that I can just do a direct drive into Pampanga if I need anything. Such as a STD of my choice.

Can anyone tell me how that road is when it comes to motorbikes and a SUV car?

 

Yes the highway connects Subic Base to Clark Base. The road is in good shape relatively and it is only about 45 mins to an hour away. Must have a minimum 400cc engine motorbike to get onto the toll road. Toll is minimal and traffic usually light except on the weekends and in the summer month (when school is out) That's when people from Manila try to go to the beach and traffic can be a PITA especially in Olongapo City and going to Barrio Baretto or beyond. Also the beach is Subic/Olongapo is unusable from pollution (my grand daughter used to get horrible rashes swimming in the bay). If you really want nice beaches you need to go up to Iba Zambales or further north.