Monday, May 11, 2009

Once King of the Road: The Pinoy Jeepney

It is colorful, creative, and custom-built. It is a hodgepodge of styles, but every detail is definitely Filipino. You will find a painted image of the Virgin Mary, the smiling faces of the driver's children, or even Manny Pacquiao's. The driver's (or owner) beliefs are also tattooed all over the jeepney's body: Gift from Heaven, God's Blessing, In God We Trust, Basta Driver Sweet Lover.

It was called King of the Road. The loud, blasting music, the zigzag driving, and the attention-grabbing colorful designs would dwarf any ambition from other modes of public transportation to steal the throne. But few dared to snag or at least share the limelight from the jeepney and they succeeded. Today, SUVs such as the Tamaraw FX, Isuzu Highlander, and Toyota Revo hit the jeepney right on its weakness. They have airconditioning. Really, who would want to ride a jeepney in the middle of Manila's heavy traffic and sweltering heat before your 9am meeting?

Sure the FX fare is a little higher than the jeepney's, and there is airconditioning. But one can also see them plying the EDSA route! If one's running late or too lazy to climb up the stairs of MRT to take the train, taking the FX is more convenient but be prepared to shell out double the MRT fare!


SUVs may now be a popular means of public transporation, especially for the working class , but one cannot deny that the jeepney is one Philippine icon.



note: one can find airconditioned jeepneys within the Makati business district :)
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