I honestly can’t remember the last time I rode a regular taxi.
Whenever I need transportation, I use Uber when I’m outside the Philippines and Grab when I’m in the Philippines.
I just landed in Cebu from my base in Davao City, and I didn’t have to worry about getting around at all.
About ten years ago, it was a completely different story. I still remember the feeling of dread whenever I was in Manila and had to ride a taxi. I’ve been charged 300% of the usual fare when drivers sensed I had no choice. I’ve ridden in taxis with tampered meters, been driven the long way around just to inflate the fare, sat in smelly and unsanitary cars, and dealt with outright rude drivers.
It was such an unpleasant experience that I dreaded leaving my city—and deeply appreciated the convenience of just driving my own car.
But the game has changed.
As I’m waiting for my Grab here at Mactan International Airport, I see foreigners lining up for their rides as well. It genuinely feels good to see. Years ago, before Grab was available, there was a high chance these tourists would have been scammed by taxi drivers.
I’ve used Uber in Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, and across the United States, and the experience has been consistently pleasant. I know exactly how much the ride will cost before I even get in. I can choose to ride in silence. Drivers are generally polite, knowing they’ll be rated. And there’s a sense of ease in knowing I’ll get to my destination safely (there are exceptions to this as you look at the news but in my experience I got to my destination safety 100% of the time).
This is why I love tech that actually solves a real problem.
Sure, there are downsides. No technology is perfect. But as a consumer, there’s something incredibly satisfying about using a product that removes friction from everyday life.
Behind these apps are countless hours of software development, years of fighting regulations, lobbying, burning cash, and losing millions before things finally worked.
And yet—here we are.
I’m genuinely grateful that the founders, management, and VC’s persisted and made Uber and Grab happen.