Tricycle in General Santos City - Philippines

The tricycle is just one among the most common forms of transportation in General Santos City just as it is in most parts of the country, the others being the jeepney, the bus, and the taxi cab. But what makes the tricycle distinct compared to other tricycles in the Philippines is the fact that it is called by a different name. That is "habal-habal," which, in the native dialect, translates to the kind of sexual intercourse animals have, where the male rides on the back of the female.

Why is this so? This is because this term basically describes how the GenSan tricycle looks like - when one rides on it, he and the tricycle resembles, well, animals engaged in "habal-habal." But despite this sort of obscene connotation, many in GenSan still consider the "habal-habal" or the tricycle as the most reliable, if not, the only form of transportation in the city. That is because the "habal-habal" is not just the ordinary form of motorcycle with three wheels that one sees in many parts of the Philippines; this model is much modern and sturdy in design, and it could accommodate more passengers than an ordinary motorcycle could. That is why the GenSan tricycle is normally the only option for commuters who would have to pass through rough roads, the roads where ordinary vehicles could not pass through.

The GenSan tricycle or habal-habal has two types. The first is the simple habal-habal. This one has a seat on top of the gasoline tank and a long seat at the back of the motorcycle that can accommodate 2 to 5 passengers. The second one, on the other hand, is also known as the "Skylab" because its design is more complex. This habal-habal features more seats that enable it to seat up to a dozen passengers. These passengers could even tie their merchandise such as fresh produce, chickens, and even goats at the back of the tricycle. Only, the catch is that the driver would have to engage in a balancing act just to make sure the tricycle will not turn over while he is cruising through rough roads.

The cost of a ride at the GenSan tricycle starts at 30 pesos, and this goes up depending on the following considerations: the distance, the weather, and the weight of the load it has to carry. Habal-habals could also give a ride up to the General Santos International Airport for 150 to 200 pesos.