OLD FAITHFUL

Posted by Hub Pacheco (Pasay, Philippines) on 14 November 2006 in Cityscape & Urban and Portfolio.

Jeepneys - where would I be without them? Nowhere, that's where. I cannot imagine travelling in other countries like the US. Sure, they also have buses and trains, but it is only here in the Philippines (as far as I know) that jeeps reign supreme in travelling. Jeepneys can get you from point A to point B easily, even if point B is in the middle of a long stretch of the road. Aren't there any cops (MMDA) around? Sure there are, but the drivers can and will find a way. Jeeps cost less! For Php 7.50 (roughly USD 15 cents) minimum fare, I can get to the nearest mall from our school! Back that up with knowledge of the various jeepney routes along Metro Manila and you can get to a place you once thought you can only get to by car.
The downside from all these? Traffic, of course, especially during rush hour where dozens compete for the same ride as you are. Pickpockets would be another drawback, although I have yet to experience it. Thank God. You wouldn't believe the MOs of these pickpockets! From distracting you while they shuffle through your belongings to grabbing your stuff from the outside of the jeepney, it is hell! But of course, in the end, for tight-belted people like me, jeeps are the way to go. Point A to Point B? Make it Point A.5!

*A bit of background info: Jeepneys came here in the Philippines during WWII. A few innovations here and there and, over the years, the Filipino entrepreneur turned the small, cramped vehicle into a large, colorful (Jeepney art is another topic altogether.), and still cramped medium of transport that we Filipinos can't live without.

**For more background info about these beloved means of transpo, go here.

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