I actually do quite like the PNR. It's really not too bad if you're willing to forego a bit of…read morecomfort for convenience. Yes, you heard me. Convenience. I actually enjoyed riding the PNR from Parañaque to places in Manila such as España and Tutuban. For a really small fare (less than Php 20 or 30 if I recall correctly), this train can take you to Manila in about 45 minutes to an hour, faster than if you were to commute on the road which will entail buses, jeeps, trikes, LRT, and whatnot. The trains are very old, and the coaches are mostly packed to the brim, but if you're a trooper, you'll be fine. I might even say that you haven't truly commuted if you have not experienced riding the PNR at least once. It's also great how these trains actually have schedules that are surprisingly on time.

Ah, the Philippine National Railway. What must once have been a source of pride is now generally…read moreregarded as nothing more than a source of traffic--especially if you've ever tried to pierce the fortress of Makati at rush hour. But if you were one of the brave souls on board, the story becomes completely different. This venerable line can ferry you, your family, 6 large boxes of pancit canton, and a California king bedframe from Makati toDivisoria in under 45 minutes for less than a hundred pesos. Funny how when you do the math, things start to add up. Yes, sure, the trains look like they were trawled fromManila Bay. These rolling, rusting buckets of bolts, however, are pivotal lifelines for a wide array of businesses within the Metro. The PNR is also crucial for students and workers across the city, providing traffic-free and safe (mostly!) travel from Manila through Makati to the near South for only 10 to 15 pesos. Just remember that these trains aren't your MRT or LRT--each station has it's own schedule that's followed surprisingly closely (one of the great mysteries of life). Next time you need quick and affordable transportation, don't let the PNR get in your way. Get on instead.

When I was a freshman in Ateneo with a LOT of free time, I would sometimes visit my friends in UST…read morewhen I finished classes early. I would take the LRT from Katipunan all the way to Legarda station, which is just before the last stop Recto. Here was where a lot of people got off, because here was where you could get to a lot of different universities. Most of the people who get off are Thomasians, I just have to follow their lead to get to UST. The station itself is clean enough, but given the sheer volume of people who go here and buy tickets regularly, you'd think more cashiers would be open. Also, it can be a bit of a squeeze to fit into the LRT here, because of the multitude of students trying to go home at night. Still, I like the station enough and I don't hesitate to take the LRT to Cubao or another stop to avoid having to ride a jeep and brave the pollution.

It's a shame that I resent our public transportation system, since my childhood days I've been fond…read moreof riding buses, jeepneys, UV's and of the course the ever timeless LRT/MRT. Though with the introduction of mobile based apps such as Uber, Grab, Angkas etc., I actually avoided riding the LRT/MRT due to the fact that it SOMETIMES caused me great discomfort and utterly made me depressed like why did I even bother riding this thing? It's sometimes a blessing or a curse, depending on the day! I completely dread the rush hour, honestly. I remember it takes about five trains just to get inside in Doroteo Jose station. Alas, this has been part of my life and maybe I just need to accept the fact that the LRT/MRT is there when I actually don't want to ride home with an Uber or a Grab.