Scribd
Upload
15 views2 pages

Sarao Jeepneys: Art and Identity

Jeepney is a popular form of transportation in the Philippines, known as the 'King of the Road' due to its unique design and driving style. The ABS-CBN program 'Local Legends' features Alejandro Bangcaya, a mechanic from Sarao Motors, highlighting the intricate process of jeepney production and the cultural significance of their artistic decorations. Jeepneys are not only a means of transport but also reflect the identity of their owners, often showcasing personal stories and cultural elements through their vibrant designs.

Uploaded by

apellanesjesam
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
15 views2 pages

Sarao Jeepneys: Art and Identity

Jeepney is a popular form of transportation in the Philippines, known as the 'King of the Road' due to its unique design and driving style. The ABS-CBN program 'Local Legends' features Alejandro Bangcaya, a mechanic from Sarao Motors, highlighting the intricate process of jeepney production and the cultural significance of their artistic decorations. Jeepneys are not only a means of transport but also reflect the identity of their owners, often showcasing personal stories and cultural elements through their vibrant designs.

Uploaded by

apellanesjesam
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What is Jeepney?

Jeepney is the Philippines’ most popular and widely recognized form of


transportation. Jeepney is crowned as the “King of the Road” because of their bulky
box frame and because of the notorious way that drivers jostle their way in and out
of traffic, jeepneys are actually the remnants of World War II.

The program of ABS-CBN "Local Legends" introduces Alejandro Bangcaya, a


long-time jeepney mechanic of Sarao Motors. The company was first
established as a small automotive shop in 1953 by starting entrepreneur
Leonardo Sarao, a mechanic and a former calesa driver. The program learns
how long Bangcaya has been making propellers for Sarao jeepneys.

Bangcaya then explains in great detail the process of making jeepneys. The
concept of jeepney art that is marked by accessories called borloloys in the
form of mirrors, horns and tassels. Art is painted on its sides which can be
anything from religious pictures, to super heroes and NBA players. They
can also become a testament to art and what others call street art. Jeepneys
seats are always filled to the brim. Maximizing space (and earnings),
passengers are squished inside a jeepney and sit in various seating patterns
(in-out) and still, always some new passenger will be added. What seems
more striking about these jeepneys is, that they reveal something about the
identity of their makers or owners. During this global age of transmigration
and overseas movement of Filipino labor, it is not unusual to see markings
on this vehicle's front side like "Katas ng Saudi" (literally, sweat from Saudi
Arabia) to suggest that the owner bought the jeepney from his/her savings
as overseas worker. Other items that catch the attention of a keen observer
is the interior decor, with music loudly played from an improvised, removable
radio-stereo set that keeps the driver awake. In front of the driver is a
religious icon (usually a cross or a picture of Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary),
a lei made of fragrant sampaguita, and a "No Smoking" sign that the driver
himself ironically ignores. The company designs, engineers, manufactures
and distributes the jeepney, the most popular form of transportation in the
country, labeled as the 'king of the road' in the Philippines. Sarao is also a
manufacturer of owner-type, custom-built jeepneys and other type of
vehicles for schools, businesses and other institutions. Sarao jeepney
is known for their crowded seating and kitsch decorations, which have

become a widespread symbol of Philippine culture and art.

You might also like