Why is it that a lot of Filipinos seem to have such a hard time following the rules in their own country? This is interesting because I travel a lot and when I see Filipinos abroad, they all follow the rules: they only cross the street when the light turns green, they line up for buses the way people are supposed to, they stay on the right side of the escalator, and they also follow proper elevator etiquette.
Here in the Philippines? Not so much. Here are some of the rules we wish Filipinos would actually consider when it comes to riding escalators:
Stop stuffing the elevator beyond its capacity.
Sometimes, there are moms with prams or people in wheelchairs squished in the back of the elevator, yet people will still try to stuff themselves in. Most of the time, elevators even have a sign stating its maximum capacity, but people disregard it anyway. As if we don’t experience the siksikan enough on public transportation, we have to experience it day in and day out in elevators, as well. To keep it simple: if there’s no space for you, don’t force it.
This isn’t just for breathing purposes and comfort, either. It is also a safety issue to have an elevator operating beyond its capacity. Would you want to die on an overloaded elevator? That’s not the way I want to go. Please be considerate.
Make way for people exiting the elevator.
When people in the back of the elevator need to get out on a floor before you, sucking your stomach in will not suddenly create space that will allow them to get out. Please step out of the elevator and once the passenger has stepped out, simply get back in.
On that note, if a passenger gets out of the elevator to make way for someone that gets out, allow them to get back in. Do not stealthily swoop in at the opportunity and just take their spot in the elevator.
Hold the door open for others.
If you’re next to the elevator buttons, help people out by pressing their designated floors and holding the doors open when people need to get in and out. Yes, we get it. That’s not your job. However, it doesn’t need to be. It’s just common courtesy – the same way that it’s common courtesy to help people at the end of the jeepney get their payment to the jeepney driver (unless they’re intentionally being annoying by sitting at the end even though there’s no one in the jeepney yet :p).
Prioritize those in need.
If you are in line and you see elderly, pregnant, or people with prams or disabilities that might make it difficult to go up or down floors and there are other available options such as the escalator or stairs, let them use the elevator before you because they need it more than you. Besides, stairs make for good exercise and good health! Plus, you get to avoid all of the people who do not follow any of the rules above.
Guys, the year of trying to teach the Philippines about escalator etiquette is over. Let’s work on elevator etiquette naman this year.
What are some other elevator habits you think need to stop ASAP?
