Boldly decorated tricycle from Antique province

There’s more to the western part of Panay than Boracay. In fact, there are many interesting places in the provinces of Aklan, Antique and western Iloilo that just amazes without driving all the way to Caticlan. Ruins, churches, food and rowdy festivals are there waiting. Antique (pronounced as an-tee-ke) province’s bustling San Jose and nearby towns are just like any other lowland towns in Panay or other provinces in the country. Their structures generic, streets may be chaotic or just plain and simple, with less transport.

But one thing that a visitor can readily notice are the many pedicabs and tricycles that ply the usual routes and the design and construction can vary from place to place. San Jose’s and surrounding municipalities like Hamtic, in Antique have their own versions. They’re fun to ride, a bit noisy, but convenient and boldly decorated that calls to mind Cebu’s own jeepneys and tricycles.

I’ve always been fascinated with these three wheeled vehicles plying the roads of cities and towns in the Philippines. Either motorized or manually driven, it comes in different forms and designs and are unique to the places they ply. Unlike car hire in Ibiza these three wheeled vehicles are just localized. Most are custom built by a few workshops that generally follow a common design.

These are then decorated according to the owner’s tastes and can include the mix of colors, decals and stickers.

Back of tricycle

Antique’s tricycle has the same seating style as in Cebu. However, the back portion is a bit abrupt and, when I tried riding on one, was just too awkward for my 5’10″ frame with my knees sticking out.

One thing that I’ve noticed was that the attached sidecab’s wheel are smaller than the other motorcycle’s wheels.

The front seats, however, seem spacious enough. but the access is a bit narrow for me. Most of the decorations are flaming designs, short catchy words and the name of a person probably related to the owner.

Ang Langyaw’s Panay Island trip made possible by Airphilexpress, the fastest growing budget airline in the Philippines!

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger, freelance photographer and writer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has contributed to local and international publications including CNN Go, National Geographic Magazine, Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London) and other publications.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.