Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Top-load/ABC Wednesday


T is for Top load

The jeepney is one of the Philippines' cultural symbols.  It is found in roads all over the country---in the crowded city streets, sleepy towns, provincial roads and rural back roads.  Jeepneys are symbols of our street life, the workhorse of Philippine transportation.  Through the years, jeepneys have earned a moniker "King of the Road" because jeepney drivers are notorious for doing as they please---unload and pick up passengers whenever and wherever, violate all kinds of traffic laws like stopping at No Stop signs, drive on lanes and streets where they are not allowed, bust people's eardrums with their blaring music.

Jeepneys have made an impression on our visitors.  I haven't met a foreign guest who has not been fascinated by our jeepneys.  Riding a jeepney is definitely one of their must-try when they're in the Philippines, and I bet they have interesting stories of their jeepney rides when they go home.  An American client was fascinated how the driver can manage it all---keeps track of each passenger, makes sure each passenger pays before getting off, receives fares and gives change while snaking through traffic.  Yes, a jeepney driver is great at multi-tasking!  

I enjoy riding jeepneys when I travel to the countryside.  The ride is inexpensive and it allows you to take in as much scenery as you could.  I admit it's not the most comfortable ride, sometimes it feels like you're in a can of sardines.  The fun part is, you get to meet interesting people when you share such small space with them.

Jeepney rides can give you an adrenalin rush especially when you take the top load---that means sitting on the roof of the jeepney.  There are places in far-flung provinces where trips are few and far between, and commuters have to make the best out of these trips, hence the top load sitting arrangement.  Tourists and thrill-seekers love the top load, photographers get the best drive-by shots.

Law enforcers discourage top load as it is dangerous but drivers allow it, and passengers ride the top load at their own risk.  Maybe I should try this one of these days.:p



Linking to ABC Wednesday

14 comments:

Marleen said...

This is very interesting to read. Nice photo's!

Unknown said...

It is not Philippines if we don't see like this on the road hehe. Nice shots!

Mary, MI

Richard Lawry said...

Looks like a scary ride
An Arkies Musings

Carver said...

Great shots and looks like a fun way to see the country side. Carver, ABC Wed. Team

Leslie: said...

Hope they don't go too fast or have to make a sudden stop!

Leslie
abcw team

Roger Owen Green said...

glad that's illegal in the US!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Hazel said...

I once fancied sitting at the top, but have never been brave enough. Maybe right before I get my senior citizen ID... just maybe ;p

Meghana Hassan said...

this is fun... i will definitely try a drive if i ever visit Philippines..

Indrani said...

Hope it is a safe drive!

Rajesh said...

I wonder how is the view from top?

MaR said...

Very interesting although it does not seem safe... Great shots!

T is for...

photowannabe said...

I think one needs to be a lot more daring than I am to climb to the Top Load.
Great photos of the transportation.

Shady Gardener said...

What an interesting post! This is definitely something to consider as a tourist (not sure I'd be on top, though!) ha.

MoM from Manila said...

reading your post makes me miss the province more!

here's my ABC post, hope you drop by!