Editor’s note: This press release is sponsored by GCash and was handled by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the publishing of this piece.
Riding the MRT3 is never just about getting from Santolan to Makati or Cubao to Shaw – it’s a full-on people-watching show. From the Early Bird who’s already in line before sunrise to the Last-Minute Sprinter dashing through the turnstiles, you’ll always spot a familiar character (or maybe even see yourself in one of them).
It’s these little quirks that make commuting uniquely Pinoy – sometimes stressful, sometimes funny, but always relatable. And because every trip comes with its own cast, let’s meet some of the classic characters you’re bound to spot on the MRT3.
The classic MRT3 characters
The Early Bird: The early risers, usually the commuters who have to time-in at the office by 7 or 8 am. Already queued up before the first train even rolls in, armed with determination and the goal of not being late – again.
The Last Minute Sprinter: These are your commuters who do the Olympic-level dash through the turnstiles, run through the train doors, always make it just in time. Nothing beats the determination of a sprinter who would literally slam their body to the door and the crowd inside just to fit and ride.
The Bag Hugger: The secret keepers and the guardian of the codes with the way they clutch their bags, as if it holds the country’s national funds – este, secrets (over naman sa hug?). Elbows in, zippers double-checked, eyes darting at every jostle – whether for safety or just pure paranoia, they’re the masters of keeping their belongings safe in a sea of strangers.
The Sleepy Rider: Eyes half-shut, head bobbing with every turn of the train, this commuter somehow transforms the MRT into their personal bedroom. And yet – like clockwork – they always manage to wake up just in time for their stop, as if their body has a built-in MRT alarm clock.
The Playlist Zoner: Earphones in, world out. This commuter is fully booked with their own concert, whether it’s power ballads, K-pop hits, or a podcast no one else can hear. For them, the MRT is a moving stage where the soundtrack never skips a beat.
The Seat Scout: Have you ever witnessed someone orbit around a standing passenger like a hawk circling prey? Masters of the pa-simple lean and the kunwari text habang nag-aabang, they know exactly when to pounce the moment a seat frees up. It’s not just luck – it’s pure diskarte. As the saying goes, “Una kang tumayo, una akong uupo.”
No matter what kind of commuter you are, we all share the same mission: to reach our destination minus the drama. Because let’s be real, the real stressors are the long lines, ticket buying or card reloading hassle, and payment stress that make commuting feel like a full-time job.
Enter GCash: Three new ways to pay
Why make commuting harder than it already is? No matter your commuter personality, GCash has you covered with three payment types that fit your lifestyle, routine, and personality!
Scan your GCash Commute QR – No NFC for tapping? No worries! You can still enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app, serving as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details.
Here’s how easy it is:
- At the start of the trip, tap the Commute icon on the GCash homepage.
- You may download the QR or take a screenshot.
- At the MRT fast lane, position your phone towards the scanner.
- Once scanned, you’re all set to board the train.
Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again, and the exact fare will be automatically deducted from your account. For Globe and TM users, GCash Commute QR works even without mobile data!
Tap your GCash Visa Card – Spotty signal or low battery? No problem — you can still breeze through MRT3 with your GCash Visa Card. Just tap in and out like a regular ticket, no need to queue at station cashiers or machines to load. It’s linked to your GCash account, so you can easily fund it anytime via bank transfer or GCash cash-in points — including those right in MRT stations.
To use this convenient product, make sure your GCash Visa Card is linked to your GCash account:
- Tap “Cards” in the GCash app.
- Select “Link my Card,” then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.
- Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number, then submit.
To order your very own GCash card, just follow these steps:
- Log in to your GCash app. On the homepage, tap “View All” or “Cards” to go to the cards section.
- Select “Order a GCash Card.” Tap “Order a card” and then choose “Send me a Card.”
- Review your account information and tap “Next.”
- Enter your delivery address and other required information.
- Confirm the details, agree to the terms, and proceed to payment.
- Complete the payment of P250.
GCash Tap to Pay using your phone – Using an NFC-enabled Android phone? Great news! Your device is now your ticket for a seamless entry and exit pass.
To get started, it’s a quick, one-time activation:
- Open “Settings” on your phone.
- Turn on the NFC feature.
- Log in to your GCash app.
- Select Tap to Pay and agree to the Terms & Conditions.
Once activated, paying for your MRT3 ride is just two taps away. Just log in to your GCash app, then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the platform. Upon exit, simply tap again — the correct fare will be securely and automatically deducted from your account, ensuring a smooth and safe transaction every time.
For all three payment methods, a P28 hold will be placed on your account upon entry, and the exact fare will be automatically charged. Any change will be credited back to your GCash wallet based on your actual fare.
What’s even better? Free cash-in at the MRT stations’ GCash machines, up to P8,000! This top-up limit for free cash-in replenishes monthly.
Your MRT3 ride just got an upgrade with three easy ways to pay – tap phone, scan QR, or tap card! No matter what kind of commuter you are, these options make getting from point A to B faster, smoother, and way less hassle – turning the daily grind into a smoother start to your day.
Ready to power up your commute journey? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. – Rappler.com