Before you say that I should up my ISO, increase the shutter speed, or use a tripod if its dark and other boring stuff like that- I just want to tell you straight up that this was taken with the intention to make a hallucinogenic-like photograph of an awesome Subject. A subject of a man on his Motorcycle with Roof. (Okay not really I was taking long exposure photo but I saw this extremely intriguing cowboy on two wheels with roof... and I forgot to change my camera settings).

Years before, when my mother and I used to have to ride a motorcycle from Tagbina to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, I first saw these fascinating form of transportation. These passenger motorcycles with sun, dust and wind protector cover or "habal-habal" with roofs according to my source, were more attractive to passengers (women)  than without the covering counterpart because of their SPF qualities (and not because most Filipinas want fairer skin).

In the '80s the only way commute to Hinatuan from Tagbina were double-tire jeepneys and "habal-habal" (a motorcycle that can carry up to six passengers or more). Bus routes were intermittent. Sometimes they were allowed and some days they weren't- until they were finally just there.

Anyway, years before the only way they added roofs to two-wheeled rides were to fashion it out of tarpaulin and 2x2 wood. It was a more comfortable way to travel- the sun didn't beat on us too harshly but then again its easy for the motorcycle to topple over backward too. Which nearly happened to me and my friend, once, in La Paz, Agusan del Sur. (Too bad I didn't get any footage. It was hilarious. And a bit scary).

I've been seeing these two-wheeled roof machines around the city for a while now. I thought it's interesting that it's now made out of plastic and light metal. It's way better than the heavy roofs they fixed to their vehicle before.

I made the subject cooler though by adding long exposure with quivering hands special effects. If you're interested where to find these handy attachments to your awesome ride you can browse Lazada our popular online store and be part of this epidemic. Thank you.