Ermita Jeepneys

 Ermita Jeepneys 2009

Ever since I first set foot in the Philippines, I have had a thing for their local icon, the Jeepney.

These colourful transport legends were a magnet for me, both photographically and, of course, riding around while exploring Manila. At the time, we thought they would be part of the scene forever.

Fast forward two decades, and numerous governments, and we find ourselves facing the very real  prospective of the current government eradicating them forever.

I am not going to get into the policy, mostly because it is against the law there for a foreigner to have an opinion. Not to mention that politics is banned in our 'Philippine Railway Historical Society'

Looking back through thousands of Philippine photos, I find a monumental amount of jeepney images, far too many to put in one post (far to many to put in one hundred posts LOL).

I decided to focus on a morning in Ermita, during a visit in 2009. We were staying in my old favourite Mabini Mansion, which is just a short walk from Luneta Park, a spot I had long wanted to photograph the

 'King Of The Road'.

The traditional jeepney is a very polarizing subject for people, who are either for or against them, I rarely note any middle ground.
However, beyond the important fact that they are the livelihood of thousands of families, for me they are the soul of Manila, the streets of which will become a very lifeless place should they all disappear.

So, just in case you have not noticed, yes I am a fan of the traditional jeepney. For me, they are as much a part of the Philippines as Adobo and Tanduay Rhum.

Have met numerous drivers over the years, most of them friendly, some suspicious of your intentions, but the one thing that has struck me is the pride in what they do.
So they should be, it is a long running tradition.

 Anyway, no matter how you feel, please enjoy this selection of shots taken during a warm morning back in 2009.
While I've taken incalculable jeepney shots since, this was probably one of the most memorable 

photographic sessions.

While the Jeepney comes in many different styles and colours, some come along that truly are outstanding.
The blue one above is a terrific example.

Well that's all folks, a small look at that mornings Jeepney action. Hopefully things change and these can be enjoyed for many years to come.
For me, the alternative is not something I really wish to contemplate*

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* = Personal opinion. I am entitled to such just as much as everyone else. Even if you don't think so :-)

Thanks to Nhing.

 

PRHS Newsroom

Occasional Transport News From The Philippines.

Bicol Express Revival

Illegal Squatters Removed From Railway Land

Free Bike Racks At Train Stations

Bicol Express Brings Home Over 200 Bicolanos
Elevated railways banning chatting (Covid)

Bus caught speeding on EDSA

New EDSA stops 80% complete

Provincial Buses in Manila (hybrid GCQ)

Government driving Jeepneys off the road

P9 Jeepney fares return to the road.

30% of 6000 Jeepneys return.

Tan siblings out of PAL Board.

Philippine Airlines report huge loss.

PAL parent faces crucial vote.
PAL rerouting Manila passenger to Cebu
PAL delivers Indian medical supplies.

NEW DMUS ARRIVING

AT TUTUBAN

Part 3 - After Daylight Breaks

Thanks to PRHS Roving Reporter

Mark Chua

All photos remain the copywrite of Mark Chua.

Please do not use without permission.

We respectfully ask that you please share the blog URL should you wish to share.

Railways - More fun In The Philippines.

Philippine Railway Historical Society
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Mabuhay.

Test: Top for from Mess, Bottom 3 first saved.

DOUBLE DECKER SURPRISE

Can You Help?

A couple of days ago, PRHS Moderator Reynante came across this at a petrol station along the SLEX at Binan (Laguna). For the very geographically challenged, this is just to the south of Metro Manila.

Over the years, I have heard the occasional rumour of at least two old Manila Leyland Atlanteans possibly existing, neither of which have ever been confirmed.
  This one does look significantly different to the Atlanteans I have seen in photos and looks like it may have had significant bodywork at some stage.

Can anyone identify the bus, the maker and know of it's history or future.

Rey mentions that there does seem to be work getting done to it.

Please email us if you can help.

The above photos were taken by, and remain the property of, Reynante Bulaon.
Photo used with permission.
Thank you for sharing this terrific find.

Bus is currently located HERE in Binan.
Ironically, I went past this place just a few months ago.

PRHS - Philippine Transportation Group (Non-Rail)
Philippine Railway Historical Society Group.

Original Manila Leyland Double Decks.
Bus photos taken by John Ward.

Interested in Philippine Buses, Ferries, Jeepneys, Planes or Trikes?
Join the PRHS Philippine Transportation group.
Note that this group is not for railway chat.

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Readers: Please note that our Caloocan Workshops series will return soon.

There is far too much news going on in Manila at this time.

Photos Are Copywrite. Please Ask Permission To Use And Credit Correctly.

It is indeed an exciting time to be part of the rail industry of the Philippines, whether it is a passing interest, an obsession (I'm guilty), or if you work on rail, the last couple of years has seen old rail services upgraded and restored, as well as all new lines being built, on a scale not seen since the early days of rail in the country.
The national rail operator, 'Philippine National Railways' has been a big part of this and, through the great leadership of GM Junn Magno, we see a system on the mend and gradually returning to it's rightful place in the Philippine transport industry....on top.
I have been incredibly fortunate to be a part of the rail scene there since 1999, having been blessed with many good people who have made me welcome in my second home. Sadly, distance means I cannot attend everything, but thanks to these people I am always able to share in the bigger moments.

One of those 'BIGGER' moments occurred yesterday with the brand new, Indonesian built, DMU set arriving in Manila. This is the first of a number of new items that includes a brand new locomotive and rollingstock.
My mate Mark has generously supplied us with photos and video footage of this historic event. Enjoy!!

Note: Related videos are down below the photos.

For those of us who are fleet researchers, this first set in numbered as follows.

K3 3 19 01 (HC)
K3 3 19 02 (TC)
K3 3 19 03 (HC)

K3 (Third Class) 
3 (Hydraulic) 
19 (Year of Build)
01 (Unit Number)

In regards to the 3.
In Indonesia, 1=Electric, 2=Diesel Electric and 3=Hydraulic.

Mark on the scene.

Offloading - Official 'Philippine National Railways Photo

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Offloading - Official 'Philippine National Railways Photo

VIDEOS

Footage of initial trials in Indonesia.
Video courtesy of PNR.

Footage of unloading in Tutuban yard.
Taken by Mark Chua.

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All photos taken by 'Mark Chua' unless specified.

All remain the property of the owner and are used with permission.

Thanks to Reynante Bulaon and Nurman Candra.