At Manila International Airport, Brian Chow stepped into the bustling arrival terminal, his eyes scanning the crowd for a sign with his name. Instead, he was immediately surrounded by eager taxi drivers, each one vying for his attention.
"Sir, taxi? Very good price for you!" one driver called out, stepping directly in front of Brian, and holding up a laminated card with rates.
"No, sir, come with me, my car is very comfortable," another insisted, trying to grab Brian's luggage from his hand.
Brian, feeling overwhelmed, tried to navigate through the swarm of drivers, "No, thank you, I have a ride arranged," he said, attempting to move forward.
"Sir, don't pay more, I give you the best deal," another driver interjected, waving his hand emphatically, trying to usher Brian towards a well-worn vehicle parked haphazardly at the curb.