Roads seem to be the most unlikely subject of VisitPinas.com, but some well-maintained roads deserve mention here, especially if these roads bring us to great travel destinations. Let’s begin:
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Going to Subic, Tarlac and Baguio is now easier, faster and more convenient with the completion of the SCTEX. Branching separately a few meters from the entrance in NLEX-Clark, one going to Tarlac/Baguio (curve right) and the other (go straight) all the way up to Subic, the SCTEX is a smooth road that also provides a great view.
There are signs warning drivers of radars used to check speed, and I’ve figured out a month ago where this radar is contained. It’s found at . . . wait, I think it’s better not to say it, just for fun. I always pass through a number of cars (and motorcycles) being flagged down at the exit points. It’s almost expected for people to be flagged down — the road is so smooth, wide and traffic-free that it’s almost a sin not to maximize its potential.
North Luzon Expressway (NLE). The NLE is undoubtedly among the best roads or highways in the Philippines. The highway is smooth and nice and travel time is considerably lesser (as compare to, say, SLEX). There’s always the temptation to floor the gas pedal, but there are speed limits – with radars and cameras to enforce them, just like in the SCTEX. Sure, the toll rates are quite expensive (but cheaper than the Skyway, and actually cheaper, on a per kilometer basis, than the South Luzon Expressway).
There’s an “Overtaking Only” lane, which is the inner or leftmost lane. A driver is supposed to use this ONLY when overtaking. Next time you see people violate this rule, honk your horn. If that doesn’t work, use your imagination. =)
Please feel free to add to the list through the comment section below. Thank you.
Laiya Coco Grove (San Juan, Batangas)
Summer Getaway at Laiya, Batangas
Mary Grace Cheese Roll: Love at First
Vacation, Beach and Tsunami: Aftermath
Sing at your own Risk: “My
#1 by hill roberts on May 13, 2009 - 1:31 pm
Hi, Fred,
Looking closely at those photographs above, somehow I thought they were taken somewhere in Spain. They certainly look identical to the ones we’re used to in Europe and I’m so glad that motorways of this kind now exist in our own country. Hopefully, we can do the same in all our provinces up and down the archipelago and driving would be a breeze. Somehow,though, while watching Youtube, i’ve noticed that many middle-class Filipinos use the hard shoulder when overtaking. My goodness, that is not really allowed in Europe. The hard shoulder is there to be used when one has a breakdown, not for overtaking another vehicle. Also, in Europe, large vehicles like trucks, lorries or articulated lorries are allowed only in the inside lanes, not in the middle or outside lanes, unless the motorist wishes to overtake. i guess driving in the Pinas must be nerve-wracking! Still, I hope motorists do not make the motorways there like some kind of a racing track because that’s what many are doing there, according to what I’ve seen so far on Youtube.
#2 by Fred on May 17, 2009 - 1:44 am
Hill, let me guess, you’ve been away from the Philippines for a while. Similar roads existed for some time. More are currently constructed. I heard that the plans/blueprints of many of the roads meant to reduce the traffic congestion in Metro Manila were already in place as far back as the time of Pres. Marcos. If these projects could be accelerated, then the better for commuters.
#3 by hill roberts on May 17, 2009 - 5:39 pm
Hola Fred,
Indeed. twelve years, to be exact. But with internet technology, how can I miss out?I’m there in an instant, having a chat with you…now, about the roads in our country.
When I first came to Spain, its road network was one big lousy decrepid one—-until of course when they joined the EU. Funding came in quickly, the government approved plans quickly and without delay, and now Spain has one of the best road network in Europe. Added to that is their fantastic rail network. Just last year, they inaugurated the Malaga-Madrid route and prior to that the Madrid-Barcelona route, or the Sevilla-Madrid route. The routes themselves cut the number of hours, but the AVE—or high-velocity trains-are fantastic. They are five-star trains with uniformed waiters/tresses, stewards who serve you in linen restaurants. Now that’s what you call fine living. Spain’s AVE beats everyone in Europe since it was one of the last countries to develop fully, unlike the UK when the started their underground network almost three hundred years ago. In the past, driving through Spanish roads was a complete nightmare, added to the fact that Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe, after Switzerland, hence the fright in those days when driving through single lanes, unmarked, sometimes not even tarmacked. Nowadays, the Spanish roads are great, well-sign posted, wide marked lanes up and down this peninsula. It just shows that a determined government of the day can really uplift the country from backwardness when they put their minds and money in one good safe basket. If we were doing that now, the desire to travel and see the grandeur of our vast archipelago would be a “must-do”.
We have great engineers and architects and designers who have helped built the Middle East, Africa and Asia, but we do need them right in our backyard to fulfil that goal, but when, Fred, when??? Next year is national elections. Since gaining back my Pinoy citizenship (I lost it through no fault of my own–the previous government lost its mind when they deprived Filipino-born citizens who had then acquired EU or US citizenship were not allowed to be “Pinoys again”. However, thanks to Gloria, she changed that rule and look how many Filipino expats abroad are now buying property and businesses there? Why on earth did they change the law in the first instance when there was no need to? Still on the subject of roads, I’d love to see an article about those hop-on, hop-off airconditioned jeepneys plying the capital. I am so interested in this one because I’d like to try it someday when I visit that gorgeous archipelago, Fred.
#4 by Fred on May 20, 2009 - 8:33 am
Hi Hill,
There are on-going construction projects meant to improve the infrastructure backbone of our country. Still, it’s a matter of seeing the glass half-empty or half-full. We could say that improvement in infra, no matter how slow, is being done. We could also say that it’s not enough and perhaps a “determined government”, in your words, could expedite the process.
Maybe one of these days, if time permits, we’d feature the airconditioned jeepneys. When you return to your roots and visit the Philippines someday, stay for a couple of weeks. There’s so much to see and experience.
#5 by andrew jao on December 23, 2009 - 2:21 pm
hello : ) pls tell us where the radar is