IN TRANSIT. Rappler Fellow Devon Wong explores Manila with the help of some taxi drivers. Photo by Charles Salazar

MANILA, Philippines - Jeepney. MRT. Kutsero. Taxi. Tricycle. Bus. FX.

Those are just some of modes of transport I've attempted since moving to the Philippines.

Before I arrived in Manila, I was told to expect many new things of my new home.

"It's dangerous." "Never travel alone." "Watch your purse," advised some concerned friends.

These cautionary words were always followed up with comments about the traffic, Filipino dishes to try, and how people are for the most part quite friendly. Over the past two months, I've had the fortune of having so many new experiences that have only broadened my understanding of the city and its many faces.

As a general rule, I always look to taxi drivers for a quick rundown in a new place. Unofficially, drivers can be some of the best ambassadors as they can give a lot of insight about local culture. Suffice to say, they've seen a lot.

So I approached Manila like any other city I'd touched down on, and began to ask questions -- and found that the drivers had a lot to say.

But how does one even begin to describe Manila? Is it the local cuisine? The heart of its people? The uncertainty of danger? I'm not so sure, but I intend to keep asking questions and learning more, one conversation stuck in traffic at a time. - Rappler.com