So, there I was, heading to school and hopping into a tricycle for the 5-kilometer ride that cost me a mere 17 pesos. Just my luck—when I climbed aboard, I found two other passengers already crammed in there. The tricycle could only fit three people, and I was literally cutting it close. With only a few minutes left before class, I was starting to feel the pressure.

I squeezed into the back seat next to the driver, who was as charming as a rock. The front seat was occupied by a 40-something “manang” who looked like she was on a mission to buy enough fish to feed an army. The other passenger, though? Oh boy. She was a total knockout—smooth skin, model-like features, and radiating that “I’m a beauty product commercial” vibe. I half-expected her to whip out a whitening...