What do you do when caught in traffic?

Metro Manila traffic has been a continuing nightmare for all these past few days. While MMDA and LTRFB are currently resolving the traffic problem, life goes on as we  find ways to get to our meetings on time. And if I do get stuck in traffic, instead of getting upset I text the people I am supposed to meet regarding the traffic situation and see it as an opportunity to meditate, talk to God, pray the rosary and continue whatever work I have to do in the car. I make use of my time in the car, being productive. Meanwhile, let’s find out what some  personalities do to keep themselves from being bored when stuck in traffic.

Carlo Calma, architect, interior designer, visual artist

I normally just pump the volume, remove my shoes, observe the streets around me and daydream on my current and future projects. If it is a bumper-to-bumper traffic I read a book.

Emilie Montenegro Yupangco, entrepreneur

When stuck in traffic, the kids and I pray the rosary. It is my bonding time with them. It gives us a chance to talk about how the day was spent or simply talk about anything. If there is still time, I reply to my emails and check out Facebook and Instagram.

Yvette Fernandez, editor in chief, Town & Country

I usually have a book in my car and I also have a whole library of e-books on my iPhone, so I happily do a lot of reading whenever I’m stuck in traffic.

Biñan Mayor Len Alonte Naguiat

When I’m stuck in traffic I usually use this time for quiet reflection and praying the rosary, to catch up on emails, reply to text messages and read or go over my documents if I’m on my way to a meeting.

Dr. Diana Cua Balcells, founding member, Pink for Life Foundation

Since I do my own driving, I Viber my niece Camille in NYC or call my husband in Bacolod — if they pick up, the standstill traffic doesn’t bother me as much. In fact, those conversations instantly get my mind off the horrendous gridlock.

Mon Mon Mitra, farmer/fisherman

Take a picture of the traffic and post it with a warning  “standstill traffic” on Waze. After that, try to chat with other Wazers up ahead and find out what’s causing the traffic.

Raffy Jose, president, Arlington Memorial Chapels

If I’m fortunate enough to have someone else behind the wheel, I’ll be on my phone either sending off emails and making calls, doing whatever I can to be productive by getting some things done (or at least distracting myself from the mayhem outside). When I’m the one driving, however, I just try to grin and bear it, since I don’t have much of a choice. Aggravating myself won’t make it move faster. I normally check the Waze or MMDA apps to monitor the traffic situation before I leave.

Rowell Santiago, actor, director

Traffic is inevitable and it’s only getting worse. I do all my important calls and  updates on social networks. I just have to entertain myself during this situation and also allow Waze to lead me to the best possible route without “wazting” my time.

Claudia Barretto, student, model

I usually just listen to music and start on my homework.

Stanley Ong, photographer

Instead of being frustrated, I keep myself busy. I do some editing work to minimize backlogs. Thanks to my mobile data plan I can answer emails and fix my schedules. I also have reading materials (magazines) in the car. I also take a nap after a long day’s work.

Rufffy Biazon, former Congressman and former Commissioner, Bureau of Customs

Getting stuck in traffic is a waste of precious time if you don’t do anything but sit it out. So what I do is I try to use the time on the road to do whatever work or chore I can while in the car. I make phone calls, read and reply to emails and messages in social media or prepare for the next meeting. If there’s no work to be done I entertain myself by browsing Facebook and Twitter and post comments myself. But sometimes I use the time to energize by taking catnaps.

Jeff Ortega, managing director, La Union Surf School, and producer, La Union Soul Surf Music Festival

Aside from playing around with mobile social media and music, I try to organize and send work-related emails and use the time to review current business plans and proposals that are on my desk. By the time I get home, I have already done all my work!