Metro Manila traffic must be the bane of every working Manileño's existence. Every year, travel time is incrementally worse. I had a friend that measured travel time every year on the final Friday before Christmas. He found that every year, same route, it takes him 20 minutes longer to get home from work.
However, Manila traffic as of now is just something we need to make the best of. It takes me 1-1.5 hours to get home everyday. People who haven't been to Metro Manila in years are shocked at how much worse it is.
Personally, it's not something to get pissed at, because I'm used to it already. I'm sure a lot of us have gotten used to it and found ways to cope. Here are the ways I've been making the most of the downtime. Perhaps after I've shared mine, you can also share yours in the comment section!
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| Audible App while listening to "Einstein: His Life and Universe" |
I've been a subscriber of Audible (from Amazon) for 2 years and I've been able to finish over 20 audio books. Each year, I pay $149.50 for 12 credits, where 1 credit is 1 audio book. I use my credits on books that cost more than $13 to make the most of each credit. The length of each audio book can range from 6 hours to 40 hours. By the way, the first audio book is free during 30-day trial membership!
This is a very good way to keep learning (or entertained), even with your eyes closed -- that is, if you're not behind the wheel! The most recent audio book I finished was The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder. Last year, I finished the entire Eragon series through Audible. I'm currently on Einstein: His Life and Universe.
One of the major conveniences of listening to audio books on Audible is that you can pause in the middle and easily get back to where you stopped. It also syncs across all the devices you use, so you can switch from mobile > tablet > PC without getting lost.
This option is not only good for traffic jam. It's also good for generally anything that requires waiting. Like waiting for your turn at the doctor.
This option is not only good for traffic jam. It's also good for generally anything that requires waiting. Like waiting for your turn at the doctor.
Learn a new language for free
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| Duolingo's web version |
Prior to our European trip, each of us in the group decided we should learn a bit of local language. My friend recommended I check out Duolingo. It's a free app that teaches you the basics of the language. They have courses on most European languages, and then there's also Japanese, Turkish, Vietnamese, Swahili. Aside from writing and reading, the app also trains your listening and speaking skills. With Duolingo, I learned pronouns, numbers, and food.
I guess if you're not preparing for a trip abroad, there's not much motivation behind learning a new language. It's quite tough keeping the discipline to learn a new language if you don't have reason to do so. If you don't use it, you lose it. As of now, my French is back to near-zero as I haven't any practice after the trip.
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| Philippine Daily Inquirer on Kindle App |
In the morning on the way to work, I usually read the Philippine Daily Inquirer on my Kindle App or on my Kindle device. The fee is $10.99/month (~ 550php). Subscribing through the Inquirer Plus mobile app is cheaper at $9.99/month. I prefer the Kindle to lessen eye strain (no back lights).
If you're not too keen on paying for news, just visit the websites directly and bear with the ads that pop up in the middle of reading (seriously, very annoying) and potential eye strain.
Reading the news regularly is a good investment. One way to make sure you read everything is to actually pay for it. (Manghihinayang ka kung hindi mo babasahin lahat.). Don't get caught up relying on Facebook for your news. Chances are, most of what you see are driven by biases or lies. People only post news that support their opinions or agenda. The best way to be informed and get ahead of the pack is to read everything with an open mind.
I like reading the Opinion section because it's where news gets broken down and analyzed by intelligent people. I like the Business section because it's where I get ideas on how my stocks are doing or what to buy next. I like Biz Buzz on Inquirer because it's kind of like Gossip Girl but in the Philippine business world.
This option may not be for you if you easily get motion sickness in a moving vehicle. Of course, it's also not an option if you're the designated driver.
Watch Your Favorite TV shows or DVD's
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| Saving an episode offline on Hooq App |
Cars these days can get customized with a built in TV with DVD player. You can get one of those TV Plus devices so you can catch up on your teleserye.
If you're not into the local TV scene, just save the episodes/movies offline on your mobile app Netflix/Iflix/Hooq while you're on wifi connection. While in the car, pop in your earphones then watch the way home.
This option is not for you if you easily get motion sickness in a moving vehicle and DEFINITELY NOT if you're the driver. Stick to the radio.
Sing-Along to the Radio or Your MP3 Player
Depending on who is in the car with you, you can sing your heart out on the way home. It really helps calm one down when you're stuck in traffic jam. Just make a singing playlist from your favorite era then practice your singing for the next karaoke session with the barkada.
By the way, I only do this when I'm driving by myself.
Catch up on Sleep
If none of the options above appeal to you, just close your eyes and float off to dreamland. Don't do this is you're commuting home by yourself. You might find all your valuables missing when you wake up.
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