Xicar, a next-generation ride-hailing platform proudly developed by Ilonggos, was officially launched in Iloilo City on Monday, May 4.
The local application was founded by taxi operators Kaitlene Rivilla and Ken Motomitsu to provide Ilonggos with affordable, safe, and modern commuting experience.
“Why support international brands when we can support local ones? A local app means easier access for customer support, faster feedback resolution, and a team that truly listens to its community,” Rivilla said in an interview.
For its initial phase, Xicar is focusing exclusively on taxis.
As taxi operators themselves, the founders are intimately familiar with the industry’s negative feedback and current struggles, such as drivers refusing to use meters, arbitrary price haggling (“pangkontrata”), and the proliferation of unregistered (“colorum”) vehicles.
Rivilla said Xicar provides a comprehensive solution to these issues.
The app equips traditional taxis with modern safety features, including transparent driver and unit details, built-in maps and routing, and a “share ride” feature that allows passengers to send their real-time location to family and friends. It allows for multiple stops (“add stop” feature) without complicating the fare.
The app also offers a lifeline to taxi drivers hit hard by the current economic crisis.
By using Xicar, drivers can now operate on a dual platform—they can still pick up passengers directly from the streets while simultaneously accepting bookings through their phones, maximizing their daily income.
To win over commuters, Xicar is taking a strong stance on affordability.
Unlike other major ride-hailing apps, Xicar strictly follows meter-based rates and does not implement surge pricing.
“Whether there is heavy traffic, it’s raining, or it’s midnight, the rates remain fixed,” Rivilla assured.
In addition to stable fares, Xicar introduced a highly rewarding points and cashback system where a user can earn one point, equivalent to one peso, dor every kilometer traveled.
“If your trip is 20 kilometers, you earn 20 pesos worth of points.bYou can use those points on your next rides to get a discount, or save them up for completely free rides,” Rivilla explained.
To celebrate its grand launch, Xicar rolled out a massive “money hunt” style giveaway for its early adopters.
The Xicar team will post specific locations on their official Facebook page. Users who visit these locations, follow the Xicar Facebook page, and show the downloaded app on their phones will have the chance to win major prizes.
The giveaways include five smartphones, 50 grocery packages, and 500-peso Xicar wallet credits for 100 lucky users.IMT
