What’s one major consequence of a city becoming a booming economic center? Increased traffic that leads to mind-numbing, stop-and-go commutes. IBM surveyed drivers in 20 of the world’s metropolises to see which city’s drivers experienced most traffic-related woes. Its Commuter Pain Index takes into account factors such as time drivers spent stuck in traffic, high gas prices, stress and anger caused by long commutes, and even instances where the specter of a bumper-to-bumper drive pushes drivers to cancel trips. Check out the results here.

velvetrobots:

My relative abroad think I am insincere or insane when I say I love Manila. It’s dirty, the concrete rots, the streets are noisy, and the people are rough, they say. But look at New York! But look at Milan! What is Manila compared to them?

But, I can’t love them the same way I love Manila—

Imagine the best mom in the world. Though my mom is far from perfect, that does not mean I would trade in my mom for the best mom just because she’s the best, just because she’s nicer, smarter, or more adorable.

The value of something is more than just how pretty it is, or how popular it is.

So when people talk about how great other cities are, I can agree. But when they ask me which city I love—I can only say Manila, and that’s the only true response anyone could ever get from me.