The usual modes of transportation in our country are of tricycles, buses and the "Legendary" jeepneys. I must admit the train has been out of the running for a looong time, until now...
Well of course if were talking about the MRT, and the LRT then that's a different story. I'm referring to the once famous PNR (Philippine National Railways) whose route was from Manila to Bicol at one point. I remember when I was a child (1983-85 I think.), me and my dad went to Bicol in Camarines Sur and we rode the hot and overcrowded PNR train. A lot of people were standing during the whole trip (8-10 hours) carrying those big tin cans full of biscuits and other stuff bought from Manila for pasalubong. I remember throwing tantrums because I wanted to go home.
Anyways, I heard lately that they were making improvements with the PNR particularly the railroad tracks and the train itself. If you travel to and from south super highway, you would notice that the houses along the track was cleared and this clearing operation stretched from manila to Muntinlupa and up to Calamba. I must admit it took a lot of political will to make this happen and I believe it will pay off big time soon.
I've always wanted to ride the new PNR train but I haven't had the chance to do so. until last Thursday, June 10. After meeting a friend for a website project in Buendia, I was riding a bus going to Ayala, when I thought of riding the PNR train. I wasn't in a hurry so I got off the bus, walked to the boot and asked "San po ang babaan sa Alabang? (Where's the train stop in Alabang?)" The teller said "Sa likod ng Metropolis Mall (at the back of Metropolis Mall)" I wanted to know where I would get off because I don't want to get lost. It was my first time in 25 years after that ride going to Bicol. Apparently, I was on the wrong side of the track and the nice lady told me to cross to the other teller. I asked her..."Magkano po hangang Alabang? (How much going to Alabang)" The teller said "15 Pesos." (thats about $ .30 ) I was like? what 15 pesos? I can't believe it. Compared to a bus ride to Alabang from Dela Rosa in Buendia that would cost about Php 30+. I was very happy so I bought the ticked and checked the schedule of the train's arrival. As I waited, I looked around and observed that the station looked good. It was clean and orderly. There's police and security guard around the place, I felt really safe. I looked at the tracks once i while to see if the train was coming. I can't help but notice the houses that once stood there was nowhere to be found. You could see trees and plants beside it and that it's it. I was very happy and impressed.
After 45 mins ( 
...I know) my train arrived. It was nice, it looks new. The windows was protected with steel frames, and it was air conditioned. Too bad i didn't brought my camera I missed a lot, next time I'll ride station to station and document everything 
. As we were travelling I saw clean surroundings although you can see debris of demolished houses, there were plants and trees starting to grow along the tracks because it's left undisturbed. I guess, I haven't seen this part of the city. Once you pass the Nichols going to FTI the tracks starts to turn farther away form the south super highway and you'll see a different side of the metro. I noticed lots of condos and other real estate properties particularly along Bicutan and Sucat areas being developed. It was nice.
At last after 30 minutes, I reached the Alabang station and a new set of passengers boarded the train I think the train will be headed to Calamba that's the last stop for the PNR station. I can't wait to ride again and see what's in store along the Alabang - Calamba route.
All in all I enjoyed the whole trip, it was a new experience. I encourage everyone to try it. It's a lot cheaper than buses specially if you live in the South. It's safe and its clean. One word of advice though, if you don't want to wait for too long like I did, know the schedules of the train's arrival and departure.
If you've been riding the PNR train and know the schedules, let me know. I'll post it here so others can see
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| Buendia Station - My starting point - Source | The same train I rode to Alabang - Source |
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| Another PNR train - Source | Top View PNR train station - Source |
Resources:
- To know more about the history of the Philippine National Railways - go here
- Visit the PNR website here
- View development pics of the PNR trains and the railway station here
- The Railways and Industrial Heritage Society of the Phils., Inc. - website