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|pop = 90,500,000
|currency = Philippine Peso (PHP)
|hitch = {{Very Good}}<rating country='ph' />
|map = <map lat='13' lng='122' zoom='5' view='0' width='250' height='400' country='Philippines'/>
}}
The '''Republic of the Philippines''' is an island nation located in [[South-Eastern Asia]].
Filipino's are well known for being very hospitable and friendly, and are a very social people. Hitching a ride is often very easy because if of this trait, and in the provinces and rural areas out of the cities it especially is easy to get a lift, whilse in the city you may not be as lucky because of the chaotic schedules of the drivers, especially around the bustling traffic, however Filipino's are known to go out of their way to help people and you will be surprised how many people will try and help you. Often drivers will stop to see if you need a lift in the provinces, especially if your look like a foreigner. Many people hitch-hike all over the Philippines, and drivers rarely if ever ask for money.
If you travel within the island provinces out of urban centers it is a great experience for hitch hiking as many locals will often always stop to see if you need a lift (especially if you give the thumbs up or wave your hand in a downwards manner, commonly used to hail a [[Jeepney]], a type of local Filipino bus), this is much more easier done if you look like a foreigner, as many locals consider you exotic and are interested in you, you often find yourself making new friends through this.
It often can be harder to hitch a ride if you are travelling in some of the isolated islands, which often do not have very good road infrastructures in the first place. You will find out about this especially if you are wishing to hitch a ride in a mountainous area, where their is often a lack of flowing traffic, and often fewer vehicles because fewer people actually have them in more rural areas. Again, public transportation is common even in these areas and you can often get yourself onboard a local jeep run or on a tricycle bike.
In crowded town areas near Manila, hitchhiking is also difficult. You will find yourself sticking your thumb out and down trying to avoid flagging down tricycles or jeepneys. In these areas with dense traffic, it is frustrating trying to get noticed by a private car that is surrounded by an army of tricycles.
The usual method of hitch-hiking amongst Filipinos is to flag down a truck. If it stops then it is prepared to give you a lift, and it is OK to get on the back. Drivers usually prefer like this than a lot of negotiating beforehand "can we get a ride, where are you going etc." Details can be sorted out through the window afterwards. Riding on the back of trucks is the most normal, and you should only climb into the cab if the driver invites you. If you are a foreigner it is quite likely you will be invited, though.
The word for hitch-hiking in Tagalog is "makasakay" which also works in the Visayan language spoken in the south, although on Mindanao "hitch na lang (just hitching)" is widely used. In the places in the North where Ilocano is spoken (including the Cordilliera mountains), you could try using the Ilocano word "makilugan". The verb "angkas" is also easy to remember and is widely understood by the locals.
There is a widespread practice of hitch-hiking amongst the punk community of the Philippines. For some, hitch-hiking everyday and asking for left-over food is a positive way of dealing with poverty, running away from unpleasant family situations and finding adventure. They also hitch-hike buses, climbing on the buses and then negotiating with the drivers to go a few kilometres for free, which often helps getting past the tricky bits to a place where the traffic is heavier, or getting out of cities. If you are a foreigner you will find bus conductors very reluctant to help you out this way, because they are also taking a risk themselves (there are also controllers emplyed by the bus company to check their work), and people expect that foreigners have some money. However, foreigners often get taken by private cars, which almost never happens for Filipino hitch-hikers.
* [[Visayas]]
{{IsIn|South-Eastern Asia}}
== Other Useful Info ==
* [http://marcandoelpolo.com/viajar-a-dedo-autostop-filipina/ Information, tips and personal experiences of hitch-hiking in The Philippines. A 3244 km journey on 72 vehicles (only in spanish)], by Marcando el Polo
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/489961387753875/ Facebook group "Hitchhikers Pilipinas"]
[[Category:Philippines|*]]
