The word jeepney is usually believed to come from the words “jeep” and “knee” because of the crowded seating, passengers must sit knee to knee. Hence, the word jeepney “wiki” … now you know “the rest of the story” …
Are we talking “art on wheels”? …
Jeepney art is a combination of the “art of the accessory” and the “art of the color” applied on a basic canvas shell of galvanized metal or buffed and glimmering stainless steel. No two jeepneys are alike … even the drab generics show distinct differences … customization starts with the shell, a detail here and a detail there … then the myriad of personal touches - a choice accessory, horses and horns, lights and mirrors, flaps and guards, names and dedications, a color preference, an art theme, a religious icon or invocation - a composite of details that proudly blazons a signature, a personal statement and ownership …
If your in Manila, have some time on your hands and enjoy the sights and sounds of an iconic breed of public transportation, then I would recommend that you make a run to some of the “Jeepney Towns” in the Province of Rizal, which is located an hours drive outside of Metro Manila … and if you happen to be in the Province of Laguna then stop by the town of San Pablo. Jeepneys are a true Philippine Icon … amazing craftsmanship that goes into the manufacturing … all hand built and painted … the artwork is simply amazing … here are some manufacturing facilities / towns to visit:
Mel Fort Motors in the town of Taytay has some of the best artist (my opinion) … they been manufacturing these hand built modes of public transportation since 1960 … the owner has no problem with letting you into their shop … extremely friendly … their artwork is the best I have seen … and to see their manufacturing facility is worth the trip alone.
Marinel Motors in the town of Binagonan is home base to the (Heavily Modified USS Nimitz Jeepney … AMAZING!), I got a quotation for a “custom build jeepney” from Marinel, 570k PESO (13,900 USD), three (3) month delivery …
Angono, visit the road house, municipal hall and jeepney station …you will get an “eye full” at these three (3) stops … grab a bite to eat at the Road House (great food)!
Alabang, a 30 minute drive south of Manila, then drop by Metropolis Mall … they have a large Bus and Jeepney station there … you will see anywhere upwards of a 100+ Jeepneys … though not near the art work you see in Taytay or Binagonan … but nevertheless something to see …
Balintawak, north of Metro Manila going to EDSA, you will find David Motors, manufacturing since the mid 50’s … nice showroom and the owner has no problem talking the day out on the history of the jeepney …
MAP NOTES: Drag Cursor on Map to Pan (some points may be hidden out of view) … Mouse over Map Points for more Information … If there is a (red color) circle with a numerical value inside, this means there are “stacked” Map Points, select and the “stacked map points” will be revealed … select Aerial for a Satellite View and Hybrid for Road View superimposed onto a Satellite View …
Also, in this gallery I have included some Jeepneys from the town of El Nido on the island of Palawan … this is a different breed of jeepney, designed to handle the rough terrain of Palawan … while the artwork is absent, the “muscle” of the frame is not …
And finally, there is one photograph from Olongapo … from some reason, all Jeepneys in Olongapo are painted “yellow” and then I saw many “red” ones as well … not sure as to why …
The Jeepney is under some serious pressure to go “green” … they now have “electric powered” jeepney’s …
