The jeepney is the Philippines' iconic shared ride. You hop on, pass your fare up to the driver (often through other passengers), and call out when you want to get off. A few Tagalog phrases make it smooth — and po adds politeness to almost everything.
- Magkano po ang plete? — mag-KAH-no po ang PLEH-teh — How much is the fare?
- Bayad po. — BAH-yad po — Here's my payment. Say it as you pass your money forward.
- Pakiabot po. — pa-ki-A-bot po — Please pass this along (handing fare toward the driver).
- Isang bayad po. — ee-SANG BAH-yad po — One passenger's fare.
- Para po! — PA-ra po — Stop, please! Call this out when you want to get off.
- Sa tabi lang po. — sa ta-BEE lang po — Just by the side, please (where to pull over).
- Salamat po! — sa-LA-mat po — Thank you!
Riding a jeepney is a rite of passage — and locals love it when visitors try Tagalog. Practise these with a Filipino speaker and you'll be calling out Para po! like a pro.
