A Peek into the Heart of Filipino Culture

Today's journey was a peek into the Philippines. Driving on the roads here is a unique experience. Perhaps you've never heard of a Jeepney. They work well in this island country, but we American's with our height and long legs, might have issues!

The history of Jeepneys in the Philippines dates back to the aftermath of World War II. American troops left behind Willys Jeeps after the war, which were repurposed by Filipinos, extending the chassis, adding more seats, and covering them with metal roofing to create a rudimentary bus system.

Over time, these modifications became more elaborate and creative, turning the Jeepney into a symbol of Filipino ingenuity and quickly became a cultural symbol of the Philippines. We had hoped to visit the assembly line but since it was Palm Sunday we settled for the "bone yard" where repairs were taking place on Jeepneys.

We also took a long ride through the heavy traffic to see Taal Volcano, a large caldera filled by Taal Lake about 30 miles south of Manila.

During our visit to San Jose Catholic Church, we witnessed a significant turnout of thousands of Filipinos attending the Palm Sunday mass. It was notable that the priest even blessed the automobiles of the local attendees, showcasing a blend of religious and community practices. The photos captured during this event reflect the enthusiasm and warm welcome extended to visitors such as ourselves.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated city with a rich history and diverse population. The entire Metro Manila area's population is estimated to be about 21.3 million. It's an eye-opening experience as an American to see some of the living conditions in the second-most populous city in the Philippines. In terms of living arrangements, families in Manila reside in a variety of housing types, from apartments in the city to standalone homes in gated subdivisions. The stark differences in financial situations within Manila are evident, with housing costs varying significantly across different neighborhoods. Despite these disparities, malls play a central role in Filipino culture, serving as popular gathering places for families regardless of their financial status. The Mall of Asia in Manila is the 6th largest in the world covers 165 acres and averages foot traffic of 200,000 people per day. [The sheer number of which would make Jeff break out into a sweat on any given day!]