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.
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.
Lumpia are one of the many fine delicacies you will find in the Philippines. They are very similar to the Chinese egg-roll. You can get them filled with various foods, such as meat, vegetables, fruits and any number of other combinations. There available fried or fresh and can be dipped in a wide variety of sauces. Lumpia make a great appetizer or snack between meals and are a must try for those visiting the Philippines.
