III: The King of Philippine Roads

The Philippine Jeepney

Jeepneys ,or simply "jeeps" are the most popular means of transportation by most Filipinos
,especially the masses. Jeepneys are small vehicles brought in the country by the Americans, used during World War 2. The word "jeepney" came from two words "jeep" and "jitney". The word "jeep" came from the initials "G.P." which is short for general purpose vehicle. After the war, the Americans sold or either gave their surplus jeeps to Filipinos. The ever innovative Filipinos remodeled the short American jeeps. They added more space by making it longer, added a roof to act as a shade from the elements and decorated it with vibrant colors and finally adding different sorts of ornaments. Wollah! the Filipino jeepney is born!

The jeepneys are also known as the Philippines King of the Road. Jeepneys are versatile durable all-terrain vehicles and can move rapidly and efficiently on different (mostly rough) terrains of the country. Jeeps are also trustworthy, inexpensive( only cost several pesos) vehicles that can carry big loads and accomodate normally 20 people. Although in much rural areas where jeepneys are sometimes scarce, it is typically overloaded with people and goods of various kinds, sizes and shapes.

Philippine jeepneys are  decorated flamboyantly in various colors and shade and adorned with all sorts of ornaments and accesories and added with lights and stereo emitting ear-splitting sounds. Most modern jeepneys are also adorned with LED lights and signs and sometimes with airconditioner and soft-cushioned seats.

In most jeepneys, it is amusing to see and read popular,weird or sometimes provocative qoutations or sayings, like "Basta seksi, libre" (literally sexy girls  can have a free ride) or "Basta drayber, sweet lover" connoting that drivers are thoughtful and sweet lovers. In most jeeps, a signboard is located in front of the jeep attached to the roof where names of various people mostly dear to the owner or words suggesting the previous nature of work of the owner like "Katas ng Saudi"( literally means sweat from Saudi Arabi, suggest that the owner previously worked as an overseas worker in Saudi Arabia) are placed. At the side of the jeep is where you commonly see the routes the jeepneys normally take.

Riding a jeep is a simple and fun adventure which foreign tourist can readily enjoy. Now, for tourists wanting to experience the adventure the jeep can offer, suprisingly, there are etiquettes to follow.

• When wanting to ride one, a simple gesture: a wave of the hand or merely putting you arm outstretched while on the side of the road, can be done to make the jeepney stop in front of you and take you for a ride.
• The seats closest the jeep's entrance is usually reserved for older people or people with disabilities. You can seat on it but be prepared to give it up for the people it is normally intended for. 
• Bring coins with you when riding a jeep since riding one only cost several pesos.As of January 2012, the current fare ranges from 8.50 to 12 pesos for the first few (4 in most cases) kilometers. Students (on regular school day, not on holidays and weekends) and Senior Citizens enjoy 20% discounts. 
• When paying for fare and you happen to be seated far away from the driver, it is normal to ask the one seated next to you to pass around you fare, saying "paki-abot or bayad po" (means please pass my fare to the driver). As soon as the driver receives your fare, he will then ask you where you are heading to to charge you with the appropriate fare. If you have a change then it will also be passed around until it reaches you and remember to say "Salamat po" meaning thank you to show gratitude. 
• To get off the jeep, just say loudly to the driver "Para po" or "Sa tabi lang po" to signal the driver to stop the jeep. 

Jeepneys will forever be Filipino wonder, a testament to Filipino innovation and ingenuinity. It's also a manifestation of the Filipino spirit of perseverance and concept of simple FUN! So, what are you waiting for, ride a jeepney now! Enjoy!

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PS: Nowadays in the advent of global warming, Electronic, solar and LPG powered jeepneys are introduced. Its the environmently friendly version of the Philippine jeepney. 

Note: Its amusing to note that if Jaguar has the jaguar emblem in its hood, the Filipino jeepneys have the horse, or the unicorn or the eagle or whatever animal you can think of!