National Geographic TV show features Philippines unusual mode of transportation
A popular United Kingdom-based TV show that airs in the National Geographic and British Broadcasting Corporation channel is featuring the country’s unusual methods of transportation.
Entitled ‘By Any Means,’ the travel documentary presents host Charley Boorman and his cameraman Paul “Mungo” Mungeam, as they go around using rare transport vehicles.
Hosting the crew and providing information on the country’s interesting modes of transport, the Department of Tourism (DOT) accompanied Boorman and Mungeam in their journey which includes sidetrips to alternative tourist spots.
“Apart from presenting accessibility of our different destinations through our creative means of transportation, the show also highlights the unique facets of our tucked- away destinations,” said Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
Meanwhile, Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions, said “We made certain that the group will have a one-of-a-kind feature on the Philippines. We had them visit interesting locales such as a monastery in Bukidnon, a fishing farm in Camiguin and a pineapple farm in MalayBalay.”
“By Any Means” planned a 10-day trip starting from Davao to Manila. They rode a skylab from Davao to MalayBalay where they transferred to a fruit truck to reach Cagayan De Oro. From there they took a Supercat to Camiguin, then hopped on to a navy boat to Bohol.
Going to Cebu, they caught another SuperCat. The crew then hitched a ride on a military chopper that took them to Ormoc. Then they commuted via a public bus to Tacloban where they visited the Leyte Landing.
From Palo, they took a Jega spider cab to Basey. A fish truck brought them from Calbayog to Allen, Samar, where they boarded a roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) ferry to Sorsogon.
Traveling to Legazpi, the crew rode a rescue ambulance, and then scooters to Camsur until they reached Quezon province. From Calauag town, they took a railroad trolley all the way to Lopez where they got on an ‘anahaw’ delivery truck to get to Unisan.
Next time, the group will ride a hammer to reach Las Pinas then jeepney to Makati and finally a quick tour of Manila on Mad Dog bikes.
According to Jarque, among the vehicles, the most unheard of are skylab, spider cab, railroad trolley and hammer.
A skylab is a motorcycle that’s been modified to accommodate more than two passengers with the use of long wooden planks. A spider cab is the local taxi of Tacloban in Leyte, while a railroad trolley is a 4 feet x 8 feet boxcar that rides on railroad tracks. A hammer is the Philippines’ version of the Hummer, Jarque stressed.
Domingo Ramon Enerio, DOT London Tourism Attaché said, “I’ve received reports that Boorman had a great time in their cross-country rides and visits to local spots in Mindanao. This is good as it projects a positive image of the country, most specially in places which have been deemed risky for the tourists.”
