Philippine National Railways - Home Along Da Riles

One of the first things I want to do in Manila on my 1 week trip this month is to ride the Philippine National Railway (PNR) Trains for the very first time.

My journey to the capital was just in time for the relaunching of the new BICOL EXPRESS trains from Manila to Naga City in Bicol Region the following day. So, I decided to take an introductory ride along the PNR trains that ply in Manila. However, many people I’ve talked to doesnt know about PNR and because I was so excited I hired a taxi to take me to the nearest PNR station but unbelievably, he also doesnt know about it, all he was saying was the MRT/LRT stations  that I was familiar about. So, I looked for another taxi and finally took me to the PNR station from Gil Puyat in Edsa. But it was not easy because I had to explain more about the PNR trains.

Finally, we arrived at VITO CRUZ station near Makati. Im so excited because this is my first time riding the PNR and I heard that their trains are different from the MRT/LRT. From Vito Cruz, my ride will take me to Alabang Station. Trains arrived on time at 5:00pm. Once the train stopped at the platform, I noticed many passengers were standing and holding the rails. It was about to be full. Maybe this was now the beginning of the rush hour. 

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At every station, passengers are filling up more and more and more. The scene inside was OUTRAGEOUS, people were pushing each other. One observation is that people lack the courtesy for the alighting passengers. When the doors open, passengers outside rushed in to the cabin and leaving the departing passengers stuck and fighting their way out. People inside were shouting loudly and pushing the alighting passengers out. Gladly for me, I was in the corner, away from the mob. 

Another station we stopped, I couldnt remember where we were now because there were just too many passengers. When I was in Davao, I bragged about my friends that India’s DELHI MRT is the most crowded MRT ever that I experienced. It was true that when I was Delhi, the cabin was so full or overly packed with people to the 10th level. But here at PNR, it was worst, I could say that PNR Manila is the MOST CROWDED EVER, in fact I had difficulty of breathing already because 1 guy was already pushing me towards the wall. Basta, grabe ang crowd. Adding to that was the airconditioning system was not working at the time. 

Finally, at 6:00pm, I reached Alabang safe and in piece. The station was the last and I hope that my return trip to Tutuban will be more comfortable. 

HOME ALONG THE RILES

Whats unique about the PNR is it runs through the poor communities in Manila like a scene in Home Along Da Riles comedy-drama. People were walking along the rails, doing their businesses along with it.

A picture of real life Home Along Da Riles. 

My trip back to Tutuban is to inquire about the PNR-BICOL EXPRESS service that opens the next day. But unexpectedly, the person in the information counter still doesnt know the exact time and he said that tickets were not issued yet. 

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My New Slippers making debut at the PNR. His first adventure.