On September 8, the government asked for more patience in dealing with the traffic situation in Metro Manila as it attempts to decongest the Manila port by allowing cargo trucks to use ’24-hour last mile’ routes.
It’s bound to get worse in the coming two weeks, says the government. But hasn’t traffic hit the worst already? There’s no such thing as rush hours anymore. And don’t even get us started on Friday Payday.
Being the proactive friend that we are, Coconuts Manila‘s resident audiophile rounds up five alternative tracks to soothe your nerves during specific stages of getting stuck in traffic—whether you’re taking a shortcut or feeling road rage.
BEST FOR: WHEN YOU HAVEN’T MOVED IN 30 MINUTES
Listen to: “Purple Tree” by June Marieezy
The scene: It’s been half an hour and traffic is barely moving on SLEX. You’re about to pull your hair out. Don’t fret. The five RnB/Jazzin tracks in Virgo will help slow down your anxiety, but we suggest that you go straight to “Purple Tree” where the cool voice of Dallas-bred Filipina June Marieezy sounds like she’s sitting on the passenger seat, feeling the pain even more than you are. The steady drum tracks in the background will keep your focus from fading into oblivion. Marieezy’s Bandcamp account lets you stream the music and purchase her EP.
BEST FOR: WHEN YOU SPOT AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
Listen to: “Cain Was Furious and He was Downcast” by The Strangeness
The scene: Your patience is running low, your bladder is about to burst, and you spy an open tiny sidestreet a few feet ahead. Yes! Freedom! FU traffic! Feel it with this delightfully liberating track from a seven-piece alt-country band from south of Manila.
BEST FOR: WHEN YOU’RE A SECOND AWAY FROM ROAD RAGE
“Tren” by The Radioactive Sago Project
The scene: That shortcut you thought was a good idea? Susmaryosep, it’s worse! You’re now contending with trucks, jeeps, buses, motorcycles and pedicabs, not to mention jaywalking pedestrians and MMDA playing god. “Tren” is perhaps the best representation of your feels. Let Sago—Lourd, the guitars, the drums, everything—throw a tantrum for you. What is wrong with the world today?! And then it starts raining. The record is available in record stores for PHP250.
BEST FOR: WHEN YOU’RE SEEING RED
“Maruya” by Count Kutu and the Balmers
The scene: How will you ever get yourself out of here? Your powerbank is out of power, your gas is getting there, too. Your appointment was just canceled and you’ve lost all the energy to get mad. With nothing making sense, you start to laugh like Sisa. Count Kutu and the Balmers’ seemingly silly song should do the trick. Mento music—think Max Surban—loaded with double meaning should do the trick. If you’re with someone in the car that you’d rather not deal with, we’ll throw in an extra track: “Masakit Ang Ulo Ko.”
Get their music: If you find them playing in any of Manila’s bars, please tell us! They usually sell their records at gigs. If not, search for Count Kutu on the Internet and you’ll be directed to one of their music videos.
BEST FOR: WHEN YOU’VE FINALLY UNTANGLED YOURSELF
“Polo Tee” by Eyedress
The scene: You’ve crossed Cubao and it looks like the next two-kilometer road stretch is auto-free. Make your car purr at one-to-60 in 10 seconds. Play Eyedress’ latest track, “Polo Tee,” and you’ll feel like you’re riding a Porsche or in a video game. It’s a short, minimalist track with the line “I’m in my polo tee” repeated and remixed to no end.
BEST FOR: WHEN THE ROADS ARE EMPTY
“Favorite Things” by The Late Isabel
The scene: This almost never happens. Not a car, not even a soul in sight. You’re thinking—has there been a zombie attack? You’re on the Skyway and feeling on top of the world. The Late Isabel’s cover of this Sound of Music track is not new, but for instances such as this, nothing is more fitting than a goth take to the ultimate song for the optimist. Catch them at their gigs, which should come aplenty as Halloween is coming up and Wawi is back in town.
Illustration by Praew Tansanga
This story first appeared on Coconuts Manila. For more stories such as this, visit Coconuts Manila.
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