Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have become a ubiquitous symbol of Philippine culture.
Photo Courtesy: GMANETWORK.com/news/jeepney-arts-festival-launched-in-makati
The Jeepney Arts Festival is a social responsibility drive that aims to help rehabilitate the Philippine cultural icon and bring back the old glory days of fun and vibrant jeepneys. The festival will run from September 20 to October 20.
The highlight of the festival is an on-the-spot jeepney painting contest with the theme “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” Those who want to participate must submit an artistic rendition of the country’s tourism slogan via e-mail (bayanihan@jeepneyartsfestival.com) on or before Saturday, September 15. The design must depict the country’s rich cultural heritage, fascinating destinations, exceptional attractions, etc. that make it more fun to travel around the Philippines.
Approved entries may form a group of five and join the on-the-spot painting sessions from September 20 to 23 at the SM Mall of Asia open grounds. They will be provided with jeepneys and basic materials for painting, but they are also given the option of bringing their own vehicles.
Painted jeepneys in the competition will be featured in a parade on September 24, and will be used by foreign visitors in the upcoming travel mart of the 2,000-member Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) this year.
Organizers has allotted cash prizes of: P30, 000 for first prize, P20,000.00 for second and P10,000 for 3rd prize. And the winning jeepney will be on display at Cafe Jeepney of Hotel InterCon from the period of 1-30 October 2012.
Aside from the jeepneys, the festival will also showcase jewelry, painting, photos, sculptures and other art pieces inspired by the country’s most popular mode of transportation.
Notes:
- The word jeepney is a portmanteau of “jeep” and “Jitney”.
- When The Amazing Race 5 came to the Philippines in 2004, a segment of jeepney manufacturing was one of the task involved in Leg 11 of the reality show. The American TV show episode which was broadcasted the same year, was shot at the Malagueña Motors factory in Cavite.
- A BBC television program in 2011 called Toughest Place to Be a Bus Driver, a London bus driver goes to Manila and had to experience driving a jeepney around the busy streets of city.
Courtesy:
wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney
jeepneyartsfestival.com
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