Life in the Philippines can be fun, yet sometimes, chaotic. That doesn’t mean you have to be. Even when things don’t go according to plan—like when a 15-minute trip turns into an hour-long ordeal thanks to traffic, or when the line at the government office feels like it’s a waiting game for an eternity—you can still outwit the system.
Here are 15 life hacks that’ll make your daily grind smarter, and way less stressful.
1. Master the art of “tawad”
Whether at the wet market or a local store, haggling is an essential skill. A simple “pwede po bang tawad” (can I get a discount) can knock a few pesos off the price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, it’s expected! Even in malls, the sales staff might just throw in a discount if you ask nicely. Just remember, always do it with a smile.
2. Check for senior citizen discounts
If you’re in the company of a senior citizen, use their discount! With their consent, you can tag along and enjoy the 20% discount at restaurants, grocery stores, even movie theaters. If you’re not a senior, be the trusted companion, and let lola’s discount do the heavy lifting.
3. Be a ‘suki’ and get better deals
If you frequently shop at a certain store or market, make sure to become a “suki” (loyal customer). Over time, they’ll give you discounts, offer better deals, or just give you extra goodies. I once went to a small market so often they started throwing in free fruits with my regular veggie haul.
4. Order food delivery, and explore savings
Want food delivered but don’t want to pay the extra delivery fee? Use Grab or Foodpanda’s “pick-up” option. You’ll save a few pesos and still enjoy your meal without waiting for delivery. Plus, it’s a nice excuse for a quick stroll around the neighborhood.
Also don’t just stick to one food delivery app. Different apps offer different deals, sometimes one might have a free delivery promo or bigger discounts on specific time slots and restaurants.
5. Don’t text inside a jeepney
Takaw-mata, as we say. If you need to check your phone, do it discreetly or wait until you’re off. And while we’re here: avoid riding public transpo alone, especially at odd hours. But if you must, strike up a convo with the driver. Small talk can help you suss out their vibe and they’re more likely to look out for you.
6. Dine during your birthday month for the exciting perks
A lot of restos love to give the birthday celeb-juan the VIP treatment especially if you’re dining with friends and family. Buffet 101, Vikings, Tong Yang, Yakimix and samgyupsal restaurants often let you eat for free as long as you’re with paying adults and bring valid ID. Credit card promos also go wild during birthday months. Check your email or card app for BDO, BPI, or Metrobank deals, some throw in free cakes, exclusive menus, or discounts just for flashing your birthdate.
7. Keep receipts for free parking
Did you know some malls give you free parking if you’ve spent enough at their stores? If you’re hitting the grocery store or doing a bit of shopping, hang onto your receipts. If you hit the right spending amount, you can park for free for hours.
8. Make the most of online shopping deals
In the Philippines, online shopping apps like Shopee and Lazada are treasure troves of deals, especially during the big sales (11.11, 12.12). You can find discounts on practically anything, and many items even come with free delivery. Some items go for even less than Divi prices, plus you won’t have to sweat under the noon sun while bargaining over a ₱10 difference. You get to stay home, save time, apply those store vouchers while avoiding the extra spending on dine out detours.
9. Skip the long lines at government agencies
Renewing a passport can feel like a whole-day affair, but did you know you can book an appointment online for faster processing? Once your appointment’s confirmed, just show up on the scheduled date and breeze through the lines. PSA, NBI, SSS, and even passport services now have satellite branches in malls. Go mid-week (Wednesdays and Thursdays are sweet spots) and be there before opening. Government time moves differently, you don’t want to get caught in it.
10. Use public transport apps to avoid traffic
Traffic in Metro Manila can be unbearable. But using apps like Google Maps or Waze to track real-time traffic conditions can help you pick the least congested route. Also, MRT and LRT rides are your best bet to avoid the gridlock, and they cost far less than a Grab ride during peak hours.
11. Live close to where you work
Metro Manila traffic isn’t just bad, it’s existential-crisis-inducing. That ₱5K/month apartment in the outskirts might seem like a steal, until you’re aging in dog years from the 4-hour daily commute. Rent is temporary. Lost time in traffic? You’ll never get that back.
12. Treat the service staff well
If you take the same route often or dine at the same place, leave a little extra tip or be extra friendly. It goes a long way. You’ll never know when tricycle drivers will come to your defense when you’re in a pickle. Same goes for fast food and 7-Eleven staff, saying “hi” and smiling makes a big difference. Sometimes, just for being a regular face they like, you’ll get extra condiments or free extra sauce and cheese when you order spaghetti in Jollibee (yet another life hack, if you ask!).
13. Always carry loose change for taxis
Taxi drivers can be notorious for saying, “Wala akong panukli.” (I don’t have change). If your fare is ₱145 and you hand them ₱500, expect a long sigh and a guilt trip. Best case: they buy a soft drink from the nearest store just to give you change. Worst case: they round it up and act like you agreed. So have coins or small bills ready, ₱20s, ₱50s, maybe even ₱10s.
14. Split monthly subscriptions
Netflix, Spotify, iCloud–most of them offer family plans or multiple-user access. If you’re still paying ₱399/month for Netflix on your own, it’s time for a group chat with your cousins or barkada. Split a premium plan with 3-4 trusted people (ideally those who don’t binge-watch K-dramas at the same time) and you’ll only pay a fraction, legit and totally within the app’s terms. Just make sure someone responsible handles the billing, or else you’ll all be downgraded mid-series cliffhanger.
15. Learn the convenience of cashless transactions
Mobile wallets like GCash and PayMaya are life-savers when it comes to payments in the Philippines. From grocery shopping to paying bills, just scan a QR code and you’re done. You’ll avoid the hassle of carrying cash, and being in a power struggle when the store has no change to give.
Got a hack of your own that every Filipino should know? Share it in the comments below!
