How do you confuse a Filipino? Answer: SHOW ROAD COURTESY.

I have been driving to Davao from Samal everyday except Sundays. First, I take, what the locals call the RORO ferry, from Samal to Davao.

There is no problem here. Everyone shows courtesy and cars load and unload respectfully with the guidance of the ferry crew. My home page shows the webcam to the ferry terminal, just check it out.

The ferry arrives Sasa wharf on the Davao side, which is called Km. 11, maybe because it is 11 kms. to Davao city proper. Depending on the time of day, traffic can be good to very slow on my way to the city. It takes about 15-20 minutes on average for me to reach the office.

Most expats are nervous driving in the Philippines. For me, I am used to it since I've been driving since I was a very young girl, thanks to our driver who drives us to school. He started teaching me gear shifting even before I was tall enough to see beyond the dashboard. It was a run-down pickup truck, so he didn't care if I make mistakes.

Anyway, back to driving in Davao. For me, there are certain driving rules Pinoys follow. If you understand this, then you are okay:

1. You are responsible for what is in front of you, never mind what is behind you.
2. There is no fast lane and slow lane. Generally, the inner lane (middle) is faster.
3. Bicycles think they are motorbikes; motorbikes think they are cars. Pedicabs and tricycles think they are cars. They all stay on the "fast" lane.
4. It is okay to stay in the middle - thereby taking up both lanes. This way, you can easily maneuver to either side if there is traffic ahead of you.
5. If there is traffic on both lanes, it is okay to drive on the opposite side, never mind the oncoming vehicles, that's their problem.
6. Sunday driving is allowed, at all times, even on major roads. Driving at 20 kph is okay. Remember, what is behind you is their problem.
7. There is no such thing as 4-way intersections. Whoever can inch forward, has the right of way.
8. You can inch forward and even stop in the middle of the intersection. This way you can give a daring stare at those who attempt to cross your path. Never mind the traffic waiting patiently to cross.
9. Honking is allowed. Although I don't advise honking too much. Just short bursts to let the vehicle ahead of you know you are beside them.
10. Rear view mirrors are there for decorative purposes only.
11. Driving with high beams at night is okay too.
12. You don't have to signal when turning, or when changing lanes.
13. You can cut corners when turning left.
14. You don't have to stop for crossing pedestrians. Although some pedestrians don't care. Some just flick their palms up to stop you and they take their sweet time to cross the road.
15. You can illegally park anywhere, even double park. If there are cops around, make sure they are sitting down having their donuts and coffee. They won't care.

Okay, I probably am exaggerating on some of them. But my advise is, just keep your patience. A lot of the traffic, especially jeepneys, pedicabs and tricycles, are eager to take on passengers and they stop anywhere - like I mean anywhere. They swerve in and out to try to stay ahead of the others in order to take on passengers. I normally maintain my patience as these people are merely trying to earn a living. Taxis can be annoying too. When empty, they drive very slow, looking for interested passengers. In Samal, be wary of passenger motobikes. They can carry as many as 8, I was told.

So back to my question. It is very true people show surprise on their faces when you show road courtesy. Mostly, they wave "thank you" and some give you a big smile. It doesn't take much to give courtesy to others. The traffic ahead of you won't speed up your trip anyway. Stopping to let traffic flow, or pedestrians cross, gives you a good feeling afterwards - that you've done a good deed for the day.