Anyone who has taken a van from Balangiga to Tacloban may have experienced this.
The trip begins quietly. Some passengers are resting. Others are looking out the window. A few may be trying not to feel dizzy on the road.
Then someone opens Facebook, YouTube, or TikTok and starts playing a video without earphones.
For the person holding the phone, it may seem harmless. But for everyone else inside the van, the sound becomes part of the trip whether they like it or not.
This does not only happen on the Balangiga–Tacloban route. It can happen in public vans, buses, jeepneys, and other forms of public transportation anywhere in the Philippines.
The rule should be simple: Do not make everyone listen to your phone.
Public Transportation Is a Shared Space
A passenger van is small. People sit close to one another, sometimes for several hours.
Inside such a limited space, even a phone at medium volume can be heard clearly. A short video may not seem like a problem, but one video often becomes another, then another.
The sound may include loud music, shouting, advertisements, laughter, sound effects, or repeated clips. Other passengers cannot move to another room or simply walk away.
When you ride public transportation, you share the space with other people. Being considerate means avoiding sounds that may disturb them.
Some Passengers Are Trying to Avoid Motion Sickness
Many people feel dizzy or nauseous while riding a van or bus.
Looking at a phone screen can make motion sickness worse, especially on roads with many curves, sudden stops, or uneven sections. This is one reason some passengers prefer to close their eyes, rest, or look outside.
Hearing constant video sounds can make the trip even more uncomfortable.
Someone may already be trying hard not to vomit. Another passenger may have a headache. Someone else may simply be tired after a long day.
A quiet ride can help make the journey easier for everyone.
Use Headphones or Earphones
When you want to watch a video, listen to music, or play a game, use headphones or earphones.
This is the most basic solution.
But using headphones does not mean the volume should be turned all the way up. Other passengers may still hear the sound leaking from your earphones, especially inside a quiet van.
Keep the volume at a comfortable level. It should be loud enough for you to hear, but not so loud that the person beside you can also follow the video.
Listening at a lower volume is also better for your ears.
Do Not Use Speakerphone
Phone calls should also be handled with care.
There may be times when you need to answer an important call while traveling. That is understandable. But avoid putting the call on speaker unless there is a real emergency.
Speak softly and keep the conversation brief. Personal, family, or work matters do not need to be heard by the whole van.
What to Do When Someone Else’s Phone Is Too Loud
If another passenger is playing videos, music, or games loudly, respond calmly.
You can politely say:
“Excuse me, could you please lower the volume?”
Or:
“Sorry, could you use earphones? The sound is a little loud.”
Keep your voice friendly. A polite request is more likely to work than an angry one.
If you do not feel safe speaking to the person, quietly ask the driver or conductor for help. Avoid shouting, insulting the passenger, or recording them for social media.
The goal is not to embarrass anyone. It is simply to make the ride more comfortable for everyone.
Parents Should Also Guide Children
Children may watch cartoons or play games during a long trip. This can help keep them calm and occupied.
However, the sound should still be kept private.
Parents or guardians can bring child-sized headphones, download videos before the trip, or choose quiet activities instead.
A child may not yet understand public transportation etiquette, so adults need to guide them.
A Simple Test
Before playing anything on your phone, ask yourself:
Can the person beside me hear it?
Could this disturb someone who is resting?
Would I enjoy listening to another passenger’s videos for two or three hours?
When in doubt, mute the sound or use earphones.
A Quieter Trip Is Better for Everyone
Passengers do not need to remain completely silent throughout the journey. People will talk, babies may cry, and phones may ring. These are normal parts of public travel.
But playing videos or music aloud is usually a choice.
Whether you are traveling from Balangiga to Tacloban, between towns in Eastern Visayas, or anywhere else in the country, keeping your phone quiet is a small act of respect.
Your fellow passengers did not choose your playlist, your videos, or your social media feed.
Let them enjoy the ride in peace.
Balangiga.com
© 2026 Balangiga.com. All rights reserved.
Follow us: