Jeepney Watch

The Pilipino Workers’ Center Jeepney

by Jenny of Team J
Aug. 25, 2009

The jeepney in LA started as a dream. Some staff members of PWC talked about how it would be nice if there was a real jeepney at PWC that could accommodate people at the walking tour. They knew that it is impossible because importing a jeepney is not allowed in the US. However, they miraculously found one on eBay and won it. According to the owner, it was brought to Washington by their uncle. They would drive it around the neighborhood just like in the Philippines. Almost all of the Filipinos who rode it have their own stories to share. It is still a mystery on how their uncle managed to bring it here in the US. After the original owner had died, no one used the jeepney. It was not long until the couple who had it decided to sell it. Now, it is here in LA at PWC. PWC staff and members restored the original 1944 SARAO jeepney. The jeepney was in its original form and only the paint, brakes and some wires were replaced.

Original jeepneys came from the US military jeeps. After the WWII, as the American troops started to leave, the war jeepneys were sold or given to the Filipinos. Filipinos added roofs as shield from the heat of the sun or the rain. As the jeepney evolved, it became a form of public transportation that can accommodate up to 12 people. Fares are modest, and they stop anywhere on request. Since then, the jeepney does not only represent Filipinos itself but also their resourcefulness.

The PWC Jeepney will be unveiled to the public on Saturday, September 26.

Reserve your spot on the Jeepney Tours today!

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The Undisputed King of the Road

by Xochilt
Aug. 11, 2009

Jeepney

“The undisputed King of the Road” an “Automotive Phoenix”… no, it’s not the custom Peterbilt that transforms into Optimus Prime; It’s the incredibly eccentric and innovative Filipino Jeepney! The Filipino share-taxi that offers an authentic and cultural experience that exemplifies the dazzling Filipino style.

The automotive Phoenix that rose from the ashes of Manila after WWII; jeepneys were surplus military jeeps that were either sold or given to the locals by American soldiers. Exercising their artistic ability and pragmatism, the Filipinos renovated the jeeps by adding metal roofs to ward off the sun and rain, extending the rear to accommodate more passengers, painting them bright colors, and adding distinctive (and blinding!) chrome hood ornaments. Share-taxis that re-established inexpensive transportation (around 15 cents a ride!), jeepneys are dominate in the Philippines.

Because of their wide spread use and enduring popularity, jeepneys have become an integral part of Filipino culture. But don’t think these are just adored, pimped-out, guzzling clunkers. Nope, the jeepneys are certified mini-buses primarily manufactured by Sarao Motors; the drivers have specialized licenses, regular routes and fixed rates (about 8 pesos). They have even gone green, that’s right…e-jeepneys! These are brand new, but, just as pimped as they predecessors, they hit the streets of Manila and Makati on July 1, 2008.

The jeepneys have evolved alongside the flourishing Filipino people. They are truly unique, awe-aspiring testaments of the hard work, innovation, creativity and presence of the Filipino people.

-Signing out,

PepePow

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