Jeepneys contain a lot of Filipino people, a lot of the time. Therefore with questionable logic one could assume that the jeepney is Filipino culture held captive within an aluminium frame (cushioned of course by plastic covered industrial embroidery) .
Continuing with the doubtful logic - I spend a lot of time in jeepneys, and have started to think that these oversized and rather confused vehicles (are they a bus, a ute or an army personnel carrier?) have the power to provoke interesting thoughts, concerning questions, and just general insights into human behaviour (although this may also be attributable to large amounts of exhaust fumes). And so we have jeepney wonderings, where I will attempt to record and build upon these thoughts and experiences.
Before I start this series of Jeepney Wonderings, I should of course introduce you to the amazing invention that is the jeepney:
Well, when a mummy van loves a daddy truck.....sometimes they make a baby jeep.
Once the baby jeep has been painted, embroidered, fitted with a loud horn and covered in religious paraphernalia it then undergoes jeepney circumcision and has its muffler removed to ensure maximum noise pollution. Now it is officially a grown up jeepney and is allowed to parade around town touting its beauty and looking for passengers.
Generally speaking (surprise surprise) Manilla jeepneys are done up to the nines like they are off to the ball:
While the jeepneys here in Bacolod are a more sedate affair – adorned with pictures of the important people in Filippino history, like spiderman, beyonce, maddonna and winnie the pooh (photos to come).
A talisay jeep hanging at the parking lot
On the move - Broom Broom!!
I admit that at first I was nervous about the jeepneys a feeling which manifested into intense fear after a bad experience in Antipolo City. But I have come to appreciate the special insights that you can only have when in physical contact with numerous complete strangers.
Hopefully my experiences of muffling my laughter with my own shoulder, staring in amazement and muttering in frustration can give you an equally bizarre insight into my new home.
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