Metro Manila’s traffic has been a bane to many a Filipino’s existence. More often than not, Filipino commuters arrive at work tired and battered from what-should-have-been-a-thirty-minute trip. With reasons for enjoying the Manila commute few and far between, more and more Filipino employees have opted to settle closer to the capital, braving the cramped quarters and high rents many associate with living in the Filipino heartland.
Enter Cash Cab Philippines, a show aiming to change people’s perception of Manila traffic – one cab, numerous questions, and plenty of prizes await in AXN’s local take on the international game show.
We sat down with Cash Cab’s host Ryan Agoncillo for a brief interview about his experiences and stand-out moments with the innovative game show on TV today.
TS (The Standard): Hi, Ryan! So, Cash Cab started production last November. How has the experience been for you?
RA (Ryan Agoncillo): Hi! Well, at first medyo mahirap. The learning curve of doing Cash Cab is pretty steep, meaning you have to get used to [using] the gadgets inside, because you’re not just driving the car, you’re operating the lights, you’re working a mobile phone, then you have a tablet as well, and you have the money to mind.
And [there’s] the gameplay, which is me asking the questions, as well as listening to a director, who’s in a van following the car, talk to me via the earpiece. It was kind of difficult for the first few hours, pero, after the first night was over, I got the hang of it, and it became pretty simple.
TS: With the way you’re saying it, it’s sort of like a one-man production, just you, the contestants, and the cab!
RA: On cam, it looks like a one-man operation, but there’s a whole team behind it. AXN’s got a fantastic team, so it didn’t feel like a one-man operation. We have an Australian director, a Singaporean producer, and a Malaysian cameraman. Everyone’s doing multiple jobs; it’s all international, world-class.
TS: It seems you’re part of a multinational team that’s talented all-around, with all the multitasking and such. Speaking of other nations, Cash Cab has had multiple versions across different countries all around the world – is there anything different with Cash Cab Philippines?
RA: It’s different, definitely… Especially the Filipinos mismo – we tend to play a very different game. But nothing is different from the mechanics of Cash Cab Asia, Cash Cab New York, and other Cash Cab versions across all the other territories.
TS: Speaking of mechanics, in your own words, can you describe Cash Cab Philippines’ mechanics to us?
RA: It’s pretty simple – I pick you up, you give me your destination, and from the time I pick you up to when we get to your destination, I ask you questions. If you give me the correct answer, I give you some cash. If you give the incorrect answer, you get a strike. Three strikes – you are out!
TS: So, apart from the apparent difficulties you mentioned – such as the multitasking of managing the cab, talking to the customers, etc. Were there any unexpected problems, this being Manila, with the terrible traffic and all?
RA: Well, being the “Manong Driver” of Cash Cab, you have to be hyper aware of things – may mga rumaragasang sasakyan, may mga biglang tumatawid – you really have to pay attention to what’s going on. And of course, sa Cash Cab, the safety of passengers [comes] first and foremost.
TS: Yeah, and with the unpredictability of Manila traffic, safety really should come first. Do you have any standout moments courtesy of your contestants?
RA: There are a lot of interesting happenings sa Cash Cab, but my favorite story would have to be these two guys who came in, madaling araw na, medyo nakainom sila. At first, seryosong seryoso sila. Pero, when they started winning, ayun, naglalighten up na ‘yung mood. Tapos eventually, noong patapos na ‘yung ride, etong dalawang lalaki na may tattoo pa, na n’ong una e seryosong seryoso, biglang humingi ng selfie. (laughs) Kasi kailangan daw nila sabihin sa mga misis nila kung bakit sila late umuwi nung gabi na ‘yon. (laughs)
TS: Talk about awkward. (laughs) Finally, do you have any closing remarks, perhaps any people you’d like to say thanks to?
RA: Well, I do hope to see a lot of people on the road watching out for the Cash Cab, because it is the best way to make money while in traffic. Think about it – na-traffic ka nga, may pera ka naman ‘di ba? Pero really, I do hope to see more people watching out for us.
TS: Thanks for the interview, Ryan! We look forward to more of you, and Cash Cab, in the future!
RA: No problem, thanks din, and see you guys on the road!
Cash Cab Philippines airs on AXN, with new episodes airing every Thursday at 9:15 p.m., and on Feb. 27 and 28, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:50 a.m., respectively.