Cebu Cars: Why Yes, the Philippines Does Have Driving Superstitions

 

With shows like Trese popularizing Philippine folklore around the world, there might be some of you wondering if Filipinos have interesting and weird superstitions related to driving.

Naturally, the answer is yes!

Now, whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these little beliefs still share quite a bit about Filipino culture. Knowing them can help you understand the many peoples and places you will encounter if you are ever out on their country roads.

1. Have your car blessed, especially if it was used.

Like many former Spanish colonies, Folk Catholicism is widespread in the Philippines and it is quite common for people to request blessings for their new house, new store and yes, their new car.

However, things do get a little bit on the urgent and spooky side if the new car had been owned by a deceased person. And while this is usually bad juju in a lot of other countries, you will certainly get a lot of Filipinos practically begging you to have a car blessed for fear of any lingering spirits.

2. Be mindful and respectful of large, old trees.

In the days before the Spanish conquest, much of the country was covered in rainforest. All Filipinos back then were animists who believed that spirits dwelt in all parts of nature. Even today, many indigenous tribes have preserved these beliefs in some form or another.

One particularly belief is with regards to the sacredness of certain large trees. The balete tree is the most commonly revered (and feared) as a dwelling place for many supernatural entities. That is why when driving anywhere near one, people should be respectful towards these spirits (even to the point of a polite greeting). In other parts of the country, mango trees and other large species are also regarded this way.

3. Never drive by a cemetery at night.

Cemeteries are creepy places to begin with but in the Philippines, you can expect to pass by at least one on a road trip. In fact, some of these cemeteries are local tourist spots in and of themselves!

Still, that does not make them any less associated with wandering ghosts and the importance of respecting the dead. The superstition of holding your breath while driving past a cemetery is also prevalent here, as is the one about avoiding them entirely when it is night time.

However, interestingly enough, All Souls Day is probably the only exception as thousands of Filipinos flock to cemeteries in order to pay their respects to their late loved ones.

4. Never have exactly thirteen passengers.

Now, if you are just the type to rent a smaller car with three-four friends, then this superstition would never cross your mind. However, if you are renting an SUV and your head count is getting real close to the number thirteen, then you might be better off renting two vehicles.

In the Philippines, the number thirteen is more than just bad luck. Even today, many buildings in the country avoid having a 13th floor for fear that designating such spaces could attract many unsavory creatures. That same paranormal logic applies to cars. (Of course, you probably want to avoid overloading a car with that many passengers anyway.)

Again, whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these Filipino superstitions can teach a few things about local folklore, history and culture. You don’t have to subscribe to them to appreciate that!

How to Book a Car with Us?

1. Go to Our Cars Showroom
2. Select your desire car
3. Set your Pickup Date and Pickup Time
4. Check the amount
5. Click Book Now
6. You will fill up the form
7. Check Requirements
8. Accept the Terms and Agreement
9. Only Accept PayPal payments> then Proceed

Service Area

• Mandaue
• Mactan/ Lapu-Lapu
• All route Cebu

Need a Car Rental or Pick -up

 Up to 15% OFF on nearby hotels in Cebu.

> Cheap Cars for Rent | Cars with Drivers | Cebu Best Hotel