I usually ride kalesa whenever Im having a hard time flagging down a cab or when some areas in Manila are flooded. Last Friday, I went to SM Manila to get my business cards printed out and to have a late lunch. Since the sky was gloomy I decided to go home after running my errand but it was too late, the rain started to pour and all the commuters scattered as they frantically tried to catch an available cab. Kalesa has always been my lifesaver specially during times when I’m rushing home since most taxi’s are busy choosing their passengers or demanding for additional fee before rendering their service.
Kalesa in SM Manila
While traversing the busy streets of Manila, Manong Angelo – the kutsero shared that Its really hard to get a passenger nowadays since streets of Manila are dominated by Jeepneys and Pedicabs. Read More >>
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[...] read my kalesa experience here [...]
I find that riding a kalesa is most enjoyable under a light rain. Under the rain its cooler, less dust and pollution from the passing cars.
thanks for the tip on the up front negotiation. i feel that as long as an area doesn’t ban kalesas, then they make for an interesting alternative to cabs. but then again, that depends on the price.
I think they should be banned in heavily congested areas. Also, the horses are not cared for, I am now based in the States but when I was younger I saw a couple of incidents when owners beat and abused the horses.
Here’s a video by the Agence France Presse regarding the kalesa:
http://www.thenewsroom.com/details/3147847/Life%20and%20Leisure
Kalesa is really a nice thing about Philippines, it shows the culture of Filipino. Its nice thing that it still exist, for some places in Philippines. Thanks for this blog. Its really nice.
I am strictly against the usage of animals. They will be ill treated by their owners all the time. Most of the governments have abolished this business. They will not be fed properly.