My Entry to the #Monomad Challenge: Capturing Life in Transit

Commuting is a major part of my daily grind. I probably spend a huge chunk of my life just hanging out in the MRT, on a bus, or in a taxi. Getting around has become a big part of both my work and personal life. One reason I stick to the MRT and buses is to dodge that brutal sunlight. Plus, it's seriously warm out there right now, so it's the best way to get around the city and stay comfy.

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I've noticed something odd: people seem to be living in their little worlds. We’re all so glued to our phones, buried in books, or just catching some z's. A lot of times, I end up chilling in a corner or crashing out in a seat. Sometimes, I even manage to get a solid nap on my way to work.

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Today, I decided to switch things up and take a good look around while riding the MRT or bus. I noticed that most folks are zoned out, and fixated on their phones. It’s like they’re in their bubble and don’t even notice what's going on around them.

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When I was snapping photos, I felt this rush of pressure and anxiety, trying to capture the moment inside the MRT. Honestly, taking photos inside the MRT is way easier than when people are moving around. Most of the shots I got were of people just doing their thing, oblivious to the fact that I was snapping away.

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I’m stoked with the pics I got today. It’s definitely a challenge to snapshots of people who don’t even realize they’re being photographed.

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Capturing everyday moments in the MRT and buses reveals a fascinating slice of city life, where people seem to live in their own bubbles. It’s both challenging and rewarding to document these fleeting scenes while everyone remains blissfully unaware. The photos I snapped today are a reminder of how much life unfolds around us, even in the most ordinary of places.


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14 comments
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Nice stealthy shots taken in a relatively packed MRT.

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Great photos! I cant remember the last time i rode the MRT in Manila but i can definitely relate to the daily commute. I ride the jeepney and taxi every single day here in Cebu going to work. While its interesting, its exhausting at times too if paired with the heavy traffic.

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Very true. A ride in public transpo can be as good or as bad as the traffic. If given a choice, I would prefer to ride the MRT because it is smoother and it's mostly on-time.

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Some good shots on a bus, well it's a really good way to avoid the hot sun outside, since I moved to the village I have never ridden the MTR again.

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MRT is proving to be the best transpo in my experience. I prefer it compared to other types 😅

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I also enjoy traveling using public transportation. That is one of the best parts of living in New York City is the 24/7 availability of the metro and buses to get around. I'm also constantly looking around to see most people on their phones.

One thing I'm always curious to analyze is their posture when doing so. Are they holding their arms out in front to keep the screen up nearly level with their eyes or do they slouch badly and look down by their waist?

When I do choose to read or watch something on my phone when I take transit, I challenge myself to hold my core tight and my arms out ahead so I feel like I am getting a bit of a workout and not stressing my back at all. In fact, it helps me open up my chest and take deeper breaths!

Now it looks like all the people by you on the trains seemed friendly and happy to get their pictures taken. I know in NYC, people would be much more protective of their privacy and I could see people getting upset and making an issue with getting photographed on public transit (even if it is just for fun).

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I think they are just unaware that they are being photographed, otherwise they will be upset also, for sure.

This is something that I don’t know often, that’s why it gave me anxiety just to take these photos. I’m not sure if I will ever do this again lol.

By the way, I think you’re right about them doing or making a bad posture. It is unfortunate that these days people become enslaved by their phones. Much as possible, I simply stay away from my phone and take a little nap while I’m in the transit.

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Yeah I would simply just try to ask first before taking a picture, or like you said be very calm about it so they aren't aware of it!

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Asking about it… And definitely get me a 100% “no” 😅

The only chance for me is to be sneaky about it

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