Jeepney art photos
Updated August 12, 2023
The jeepney has long been a symbol of Filipino ingenuity and creativity. But on thousands of jeepneys all over the country, various depictions of people, places, characters, popular culture, religion, and more are emblazoned on these moving art pieces, that also move people.
Brief jeepney history
As most probably know these days, the jeepney has its roots after World War 2. When American military jeeps were left behind after the war, they were re-sold, and eventually altered locally evolving into the jeepney we know today. The word jeep possibly comes from GP (letter “GEE” plus “P” said together), from military jeeps also called GP or General Purpose or Government Purposes vehicles. Though it seems the discussion on where the word jeep comes from continues.
Almost 80 years later, much debate and heartache has risen due to a jeepney phaseout plan meant to reduce emissions and improve road safety. Though there is a need to improve environment and safety standards on the road, by only applying strict standards on such a wide spread and publicly-used transportation service such as the jeepney is quite unfair. Learn more about what I learned so far about the history, and possible future, of the jeepney here.
As the country proceeds with figuring out how to give Filipinos both access to affordable transportation, and ownership of transportation services and creativity through something like the jeepney, we still have them around to use and appreciate.
Photos of Cubao jeepney art
I’ve spent most of my time riding jeepneys in Quezon City, particularly along Aurora Blvd. Most of my photos of jeepney art are from this area, though I have a few other photos of jeepneys from other provinces and towns. There are about 250,000 jeepneys in the Philippines, so I hope to add more photos to this collection. More photos can also be found by others who document their commutes or just have an interest in jeepneys like I do.
Another thing I need to do is find out who the artists are for many of these jeepneys, like Nicola in Marikina, Bernardo de la Cruz of Sarao Motors, or Vic Capuno of Armak Motors who has painted “more than a thousand depictions of the Virgin Mary, as well as cargo ships, teams of horses, neon eagles, cartoon characters and mottos.” If I get to do that, I’ll update this post with more information.
Cartoon art
Here are jeepneys with different characters from popular Western media, from Spongebob to Winnie the Pooh.
Comics and movies
Many jeepneys have references to movies and even comics. My favorite photo of these below is of Batman and Spawn, but unfortunately I couldn’t take a photo of the entire jeepney before it darted away. Another favorite of mine is the Hulk jeepney.
Brands and countries
Jeepneys branded in different flag colors, or just branded with logos from large companies. My favorite here is the “Canada war” jeepney.
Hello Kitty jeepneys and buses
Hello Kitty is such a global brand, its cat character and the color pink being placed on all sorts of merchandise like pens, clocks, bags, and more. We can definitely add jeepneys and buses on the list. Not only have I seen a Hello Kitty jeepney, but also a bus in Bohol.
Jesus jeepneys or religious jeepneys
As everyone knows the Philippines is home to many Catholics thanks to Spanish colonization. Many jeepneys reflect the spiritual beliefs of their owners, with images of Mother Mary, God, and Jesus himself. Jesus seems to “take the front seat” in most of these jeepneys.
Jeepneys with no fear
No Fear was a huge brand that started in the late 80s in California. Though no longer prominent, the brand has stuck around on a few jeepneys today.
More colorful and unique jeepneys
More jeepneys with various colors and insignia. Didn’t know how to categorize these, so they’ve been placed here to see.
Jeepney toys
The following photos may not be of actual jeepneys on the street, but we’ve all seen these jeepney toys and products on store shelves.
Gerry’s Jeepney jeepney booths
Gerry’s Jeepney is a restaurant in Metro Manila that not only sells family-style Filipino cuisine, but also serves them in booths shaped into jeepneys.
Jeepney art I’ve made
Lastly, sharing here my own art featuring the ubiquitous jeepney.
