Jeepneys

I mentioned earlier that I would talk more about the Jeepneys. These unique vehicles are found all over Manilla and I found them and their history fascinating. At the end of World War II when the Americans were leaving the Philippines they left behind a large number of jeeps that had been used during the war. The enterprising Filipino people decided that with a little bit of customizing these jeeps could help solve the shortage of mass transit following the war. Thus began the Jeepney.

A leftover jeep was cut in pieces and additional seating capacity was added to the back end. Individual owners then painted and decorated their Jeepneys to suit their personal tastes (and use available materials). This was the basis for what is now the most prolific form of mass transit in the area. 


Today's Jeepneys continue to be put together by local mechanics using parts from several different vehicles for the inner workings and custom bodies for the cab and passenger compartment. Owners still decorate as they choose and the result is a collection with no two Jeepneys looking alike. If you study the photos below, you can see different themes, car emblems, adverts and most have a "How's My Driving?" sign on the back.

If you are the observant type, you will have noticed one photo with no Jeepneys in it. It is a photo of Jollibee. When you think of Jollibee, think Colonel Sanders meets Ronald McDonald with a large helping of local flare. The Bee is to the Philippines what the Golden Arches are to the US. And both are found throughout Asia. But Mickey D's does not serve halo halo.