EXERCISE #4.

1
On becoming a Filipino

Instruction: Jeepney or jeep is a popularly known public transportation in the Philippines known
for their crowded seating and kitsch decorations symbolizing Philippine art and culture. If you
already tried to ride a jeep, this activity will be very easy to you. In this report, you need to
analyze Philippine jeeps, and write all forms of art that you see on the jeep. You explain the
meaning of every form of art that you see. You are also tasked to write what functions of art
the jeep has conveyed to you. Write your answer on the space provided.

Jeepneys are a product of a world war left by American troops.

The bizarre art of these colorful rides seems to paint the busy streets. It was
considered as “King of the Roads” and the iconic centerpieces in Filipino
culture. Jeepneys made way for affordable mass transportation and more
importantly became the national symbol of the Philippines.

Jeepneys are made with aluminum-steel body and attached a

roof to protect commuters from the heat. The seats were stretched
lengthwise on both sides, long enough to accommodate around 15 to 25
passengers, and leaving a narrow space in the middle. It has open
ventilation through windows in both side and an open backdoor for easy
loading and unloading of commuters. Top loads were both made for spare
tires and baggage and as extra seats. The two corners at the end of the
vehicle have rails and steps which reserved for the barker.

Jeepney art is a combination of the "art of the accessory" and

the "art of the color" applied on the body of the vehicle. Accessories are
usually symmetric and concentrated on the front-hood area, insanely
crammed the front with guide bars, racks and rails, and a profusion of
mirrors, lights and antennae. Leaving the side bare and barren, color
dresses up the metal shell with vibrant, multicolored paints and flashy decor.
Jeepney drivers designed their vehicles with striking colors and images of
anything that suited their taste, from stickers or spray paint to word art and
pictures of favorite cartoon characters to holy imagery.  Jeepneys continue
to be the symbol of the Filipino's creativity, innovativeness and ingenuity.

Jeepney art is a piece of art that performs both a physical

function and social function that make our life physically comfortable and
enhances the shared sense of identity of those within the community.
Jeepney has the ability to perform the basic and instrumental activities of
daily living. It is an inseparable part of the society and exhibits a close
relation to the daily living of commuters. These surplus jeeps were stripped
down and altered locally and then, emerged as a popular and creative way to
re-establish inexpensive public transportation. It becomes the wide-spread
symbol of Philippine culture and art. Additionally, it has made possible
changes in the way of living and the way in which societies are organized
and therefore have a great influence in the development of the society. In
the Philippines, a large fraction of people travel daily for school, work and
social reasons and therefore jeepney is probably responsible in meeting the
travel requirement of these people.