How to ride a Jeepney

Riding a Jeepney can be a fun experience for the tourist here and it is a cheap alternative to taxi cabs for getting around, but there are a few things you should know before you take that first Jeepney ride.

First, most are open air, which means if you are stuck in traffic, be prepared to cover your face with a handkerchief because of exhaust fumes. Next thing to take into account is if you are tall you may want to sit near the exit because the ceilings are low and you may prefer not to try to work your way to far inside to get a seat. One more important point to keep in mind is the drivers have a tendency to pack as many people as possible into one, so sometimes it a tight fit inside. The attitude seems to be, there is always room for one more. Some passengers will stand on the protruding platform at the rear of the Jeepney as well because of that.

When it comes time to pay the fare it is a good idea to have the exact change or at least some of the local currency in small denominations. It you are sitting towards the rear and the Jeepney is crowded you can just reach out at arm’s length and another passenger will pass your fare down to the driver. Sometimes the Jeepney driver will have a helper that rides on the back directing the passengers and collecting the fare, in which case you would just pay them.

When you want to ride a Jeepney you can catch one at a terminal or usually you can just hail one like you would a taxi and they will stop and pick you up. When you have reached your destination, just tap on the hand rail on the ceiling with a coin or key and they will pull over and let you out. This is common and the easiest way if the driver doesn’t speak your language, plus it beats yelling in some ones ear to stop. :-)

Riding a Jeepney can be a lot of fun despite the occasional annoyances like heavy traffic and sometimes be packed in like sardines. There are plenty available and are a cheap alternative to a taxi cab which have their draw backs as well.

Below is a video that takes a humorous, but mostly accurate view of how to ride Jeepney. I say mostly because I wouldn't recommend laying your head against someone else. With that said, it is an excellent video with some very good tips.

How to Ride the Jeepney in the Philippines

The Jeepney

The Philippine Jeepney once considered the “King of the Road” in the Philippines continues to be one of the most popular modes of transportation despite economic and political pressure mounting against them. The Jeepneys originq can be traced back to the tens of thousands of American Jeeps left behind after WW2. The Filipinos saw an opportunity to convert the old jeeps into a form of public transportation.

The demand grew for the Jeepney and in 1953 Sarao Motors in Las Pias City, Philippines began manufacturing the Jeepney and would go on to become world famous because of it. At its peak the company was producing 18 – 20 Jeepneys a day, but the Asian economy and Government regulations began to take their toll and in October 2000 the company announced that production of the Jeepney was coming to an end.

Eleven years later the children of the late founder of Sarao Motors have reopened the plant, but it is only a fraction of what it once was, producing two – three Jeepneys a month. Nether the less the tradition continues and the company is looking into building more efficient models, including an electric Jeepney. That could alleviate some of the criticism aimed at the Jeepney, primarily that they are gas guzzlers and heavy polluters.

The Jeepney is unique and it is said, “That no two are alike.” The Jeepenys are custom painted and decorated quite elaborately by the individual owners. The Jeepneys are privately owned and not a source of transportation provided by the government. Throughout many parts of the Philippines the Jeepney is the main source of transportation and I hope the problems that are plaguing them now can be worked out and these unique vehicles can continue to provide a valuable service to the people of the Philippines.

                 Jeepneys of the Philippines


                     JEEP Judgement call

Palawan named world’s best island by Travel + Leisure magazine

The honors continue for the Philippines with announcement of Palawan being named the “World’s Best Island” by the New York based Travel + Leisure magazine. The official awards ceremony we will be held in New York City on July 18th.

UNESCOs recognition of the Palawan biosphere reserve in the Philippines for the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park helped Palawan garner the award. Adding to the many attractions you can see in Palawan is a new resort with a scuba center. Palawan is an exceptionally beautiful archipelago that is only about a 2 ½ hour flight out of Hong Kong and it’s great to see it get some well deserved recognition. (for more click here and here)

Secret Paradise | Top Travel Destination Palawan, Philippines

Siargao Islands Cloud Nine named one of the Top 50 Surfing Spots in the world.

Cloud Nine in Siargao, Surigao del Norte made the top 10 of the world’s best surfing spots. Ranked 9th recently by CNN Travel on their list of, “World’s 50 best surf spots.” Siargao is well known by surfers all over the world as The Surfing Capital of the Philippines with a reputation for large barreling waves. The surfing season is generally considered to run from Sept – March with some of the best waves coming in Oct. – April though good waves can be found year round.

The Cloud Nine break at Siargao Island is the most famous wave there, but there are many other good waves in the area that surfers can enjoy. Siargao Island is also popular with surfers because it’s considered an inexpensive surfing destination and the people are so friendly. 

Siargao Islands Cloud has been the home of many international surfing competitions for both men and woman, the most recent competition being the “6th Siargao Girls’ International Surfing Cup” held back in June.

   

Surfing Cloud 9 Siargao Island, Philippines

Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2013, The King of all Festivals – Davao City, Philippines

Davao's annual festival, the Kadayawan Sa Dabaw will be celebrated officially on the third weekend of August (August 17-18, 2013) with pre and post festival activities taking place the week before and after. The Kadayawan Sa Dabaw is known in the Philippines as the King of all Festivals and is a celebration of life and a bountiful harvest. The festival offers street dancers dressed in colorful and spectacular costumes, colorful floats decorated with fruits, vegetables and flowers, sporting and cultural events all representing the local tribes of Davao and their traditions.
Photo credit: GinaD CC-BY-SA-3.0

 The streets of Davao are decorated with local fruits and vegetables and there are street dancers dressed in the colorful garments with elaborate props in the traditions of their tribes parading through the streets to the delight of those in attendance. On Sunday the festival continues with the Floral parade featuring floats decorated with flowers, and occasionally vegetables and fruits from the region showing off the blessings the region enjoys. The Kadayawan Sa Dabaw is photographers dream and there are many opportunities’ to get some beautiful pictures this extraordinary festival.

Other activities include the Miss Kadayawan beauty contest where representatives from the local tribes compete for the honor of being crowned the Bya’Neng ng Kadayawan. The beautiful young indigenous ladies competing for the title will not win it on beauty alone. They must be knowledgeable about the traditions, legend and the myths of their local people as well. The competition includes the performing of songs and dances from their tribes, modeling traditional attire and answering questions about their heritage. In the end one young lady will be titled Miss Kadayawan bringing a sense of pride and recognition to her community.

There is boat racing featuring native and speed boats held in the harbor, horse fights, where the studs fight for the rights to mate with a mare and various markets and exhibits displaying the best of what Davao has to offer. Speaking of the best Davao has to offer we can’t leave out the beautiful Mindanao girls that will be both participating and in attendance at the festival. The Kadayawan Sa Dabaw festival is one event you will not want to miss if you’re visiting the Philippines in August. Davao is one of the largest, progressive and most significant metropolitan areas in the Philippines.

Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2012 Official Video Ad

Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2012

The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals

The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals is held in Tacloban City every June 29th in honor of Sr. Santo Niño. The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is actually two festivals merged together to form one large and colorful celebration. Kasadyaan Festival represents the people from the various communities in Leyte that come together for the dance and celebration. Each community has their own theme that reflects the folklore, legends and reflects their pride in their community. The Pintados Festival is a cultural and religious festival commemorating the ancient warriors (Pintados). The ancient warriors were covered in tattoos as a symbol of courage and strength and this tradition is portrayed in the festival.


The most anticipated event of the Pintados festival is the festive dancers. They are painted from head to toe with designs intended to mimic the armor and tattoos of the warriors of old. With the sounds and beats of the native instruments filling the air men and woman file into the streets adorned in the colorful and often elaborate costumes and proceed to dance and parade through the streets of Tacloban City, Leyte. As you watch the colorful spectacle you can’t help but get feel for what it must have been like in the ancient times in Leyte. At the end of the parade a traditional Philippines Fiesta follows and all those in attendance are welcome to join in the celebration the is the Pintados festival.

In addition to the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban City there are many additional Festivals in other Leyte communities providing you with additional options to join the celebration.

Pintados Kasadyaan Festival 2010 

Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival 2007

Parada ng Lechon Festival - Balayan, Batangas

Parada ng Lechon Festival is held every year on June 24^th. in Balayan, Batangas to honor their patron saint, St. John the Baptist. The highlight of the festival is the actual “Parada Ng Lechon” parade of pigs. Typically 50 or more Lechon are paraded through the streets. The pigs are decorated by members of the organizations providing them and might be wearing sunglasses, wigs or other humorous costumes. In a crazy parade like this you can most certainly expect some pranksters to be lurking and they are in abundance. People from the crowds will spray water and beer over the Lechons as they are paraded by. More than the pigs are hit by these pranksters. The attendants and the crowd also get showered. It’s all part of the fun though and celebrants laugh it off.  Occasionally someone will try and sneak a bite of the tasty Lechons as they pass by as well.

After the fiesta the Lechons are returned to the homes or businesses of their owners and another celebration begins. This one involves feasting and drinking. For many with a sharing attitude they will offer some to the visitors and parade goers as well. It’s an unusual fiesta, but one that is a lot of fun and will provide you with some great memories and plenty to talk about when you get home.

The Parada ng Lechon Festival isn’t only about the parade though. The celebration actually begins the night before when an Anniversary Ball is held at the town plaza. There they will choose and crown the   Queen of the festival. The next morning there is a mass held in honor of St. John at the Immaculate Conception Church. The pigs are gathered on the patio and blessed symbolizing the baptism of John the Baptist. Following the mass, the parade begins and the Fiesta kicks it in to high gear.

Roasted Pigs Parade (Parada ng Lechon) in Balayan, Philippines 

Parada ng Lechon: The Most Celebrated Festival in Batangas 

Lechon - A Filipino Favorite

In the Philippines Lechon has become one of the most popular dishes. Lechon was originally introduced by the Spaniards and the name means, suckling pig that has been roasted.” It is commonly served during festivals, holidays, weddings and many other special occasions here. Typically you can find Lechon year round in the Philippines at local restaurants, stores and numerous street vendors. It is an extremely popular dish here.

Lechon is traditionally prepared by seasoning the pig after it has been cleaned and then skewed on a large stick through its entire length.  Then it is cooked over an open bed of charcoals. The pig is slowly rotated over the heat for several hours until it’s evenly cooked through. This method of cooking and an occasional basting results in a crispy skin and moist and tender meat on the inside. Once you’ve had the opportunity to try Lechon you will understand the Filipinos love for this dish. 

Lechon Baboy

Fun Nights in Lapu-Lapu City

The local officials of Lapu Lapu City have done it again in their efforts to promote the City as a top tourist spot in the Philippines. This time it’s “Fun Nights in Lapu-Lapu” at the Mactan Shrine and it happens every Saturday night. Starting at 6:00 PM and continuing through the night until the people just can’t party anymore. There are live performances on stage of Lapu Lapu City’s famous Rampada Dance and plenty of singing. You will hear traditional songs as well as modern ones performed by the local Oponganon talents.

In addition to the live performances on stage there is a large variety of fine foods prepared by the local ladies for the visitors. A must try for anyone visiting the Philippines. You will even be treated to an awesome fireworks display at the end of the evening. Locals and tourist alike are bound to have great time and it’s the perfect way to end a day of island hopping and or sightseeing.

Thanks Lapu Lapu City, This event is top notch. 

Fun Nights @ Mactan Lapu Lapu

Fun Nights @ Mactan 2nd Dance best in custome Lo ok ES