Motorcycle as Transport and as a Riding Adventure in the Philippine Countrysides

Tweet

The motorcycle is beginning to rule as the king of transportation in the Philippine countrysides, or at least in Mindanao. Many factors have contributed to its widespread use in rural areas: bad roads, if any, which a motorcycle does not mind much; low fuel consumption and high fuel price; low maintenance cost; high prices of bigger vehicles; etc. The motorcycle has contributed 2 words to the Mindanao "Bisaya" vocabulary: "Skylab" and "Habalhabal". Skylab came into current use starting in the 1970s in the eastern half of Mindanao. It is a motorcycle with a wooden platform, flat and usually square, attached to the tail-end of the motorcycle. Cargo is placed at the center of the platform, while passengers sit on the side, equal number on both sides to achieve balance. Habalhabal is a passenger motorcycle that usually seats 3 backrides and 1 in front of the driver/cyclist. The seat behind the driver/cyclist is extended to accommodate the 3 backrides. This is a good ride for the adventurous.